Source of inorganic N affects the cost of growth in a legume tree species(Virgilia divaricata)from the Mediterrean-type Fynbos ecosystem

Aims In Mediterranean-type ecosystem,the Cape Fynbos,legumes may be able to switch between soil N and atmospheric N_(2) sources during growth to adjust the carbon costs of N acquisition.This study investigated the utilization of different inorganic N sources by Virgilia divaricata,a native legume from the Mediterranean-type ecosystem of the Cape Floristic Region.Methods Plants were cultivated in sterile quartz sand,supplied with 25%strength Long Ashton nutrient solution,modified to contain 500μM Phosphate.At the phosphate level(500μM),plants were treated with 500μM NH_(4)NO_(3)(treatment named N),or grown in N-free nutrient solution and inoculated with effective Burkholderia sp.(Bact.)or treated with combined N sources(500μM NH_(4)NO_(3))and inoculated with effective Burkholderia sp.(N+Bact.).Important Findings The application of NH_(4)NO_(3) to the legumes resulted in a greater increase in plant dry matter.Carbon construction costs were higher in plants that were supplied with mineral and symbiotic N sources.Maximum photosynthetic rates per leaf area was maintained,irrespective of the N sources.Although the plant roots were nodulated,the plant dependence on N_(2) fixation decreased with addition of N.Roots and nodules of the plants solely reliant on N_(2) fixation showed an increase in glutamine content.These results show that V.divaricata is highly adapted for growth at the forest margin.Fynbos and possibly anthropic soils by utilizing both atmospheric and soil N sources.