Ilan Lewin的动态

How does excess Nitrogen adversely affect plant biodiversity? Extensive fertilizer use causes high levels of Nitrogen compounds in air, soil and water. This has adverse effects on biodiversity, water quality and soil fertility. This is known as the Nitrogen crisis, and is a burning problem here in the Netherlands. High levels of nitrogen have significant adverse effects on plant biodiversity in the Netherlands. The geography of the Netherlands is such that was always poor in Nitrogen. This means that most of the natural vegetation has adapted to low Nitrogen conditions. This means that plant species that are highly recognized with Dutch nature are steadily losing ground. There are several mechanisms by which excessive Nitrogen levels disrupt the local flora: 1. Soil Acidification and Nutrient Imbalance: The elevated nitrogen levels lead to soil acidification, disrupting the balance of nutrients like Calcium and Magnesium. This adversely affects plants sensitive to changes in nutrient availability. 2. Disruption of Symbiotic Relationships: The excess nitrogen disrupts crucial symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, impacting nutrient uptake efficiency and weakening plant defense mechanisms. 3. Take-over by Nitrogen-tolerant species: Nitrogen-tolerant species thrive in the presence of elevated nitrogen levels, displacing nitrogen-sensitive species. This shift reduces plant diversity at both the species and community levels. Noteworthy Nitrogen-Tolerant Species in the Netherlands: * Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense) * Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) (Brandnetel in Dutch) * Common Reed (Phragmites australis) Noteworthy Nitrogen-Sensitive Species in the Netherlands: * heather (Calluna vulgaris) (Struikhei in Dutch) - one of the plant species most recognized with Dutch nature * Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) * Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) This is part of a series of bite-size posts about the #nitrogencrisis (with focus on the Netherlands), the physics and biology behind it, measurement techniques, politics and solutions.?