Palm Functional Traits, Soil Fertility and Hydrology Relationships in Western Amazonia

Abstract

Quantification of multivariate trait spectra (or axes of specialization) make the definition of plant strategies more operational, which promotes trait-based theory of community assembly and the understanding of dynamics and functioning of ecosystems. We used field-quantified soil data to explore trait-environment relationships across palm communities in western Amazonia. We collected data from 116 palm species in 458 transects across four distinct forest types. We combined these data with trait records to relate local plant community trait composition to broad gradients in soil variables and forest types. There were significant trait-environment relationships across western Amazonia. Palms with large leaves and fruits, and palms with both growth forms (acaulescent/erect) were associated with fertile soils, while palms with unarmed leaves and stems were associated with non-inundated environments. These results suggest that the functional traits of palms vary consistently along soil gradients on a regional scale. This variation could be explained by the soil fertility and acidity + aluminum gradients, suggesting environmental filters related to resource availability and stressful environments, such as acid soils and soils with high aluminum content.

Liana functional assembly along the hydrological gradient in Central Amazonia

“…In contrast, tree species coordinate more acquisitive foliar and stem traits at the same site in valleys (higher SLA and lower WD) and the opposite in plateaus (Cosme et Decoupling may arise under ecological conditions acting differentially on plant organs as observed on the liana assemblage. Higher nutrient availability may sustain SLA values that are comparatively higher in plateaus than valleys given that more fertile soils are associated with high values of foliar functional traits (Liu et al 2012;Trujillo et al 2021). Therefore, it appears reasonable that the higher nutrient availability in plateaus could explain the more acquisitive leaves associated with this portion of the hydroedaphic gradient.…”

Intra- and inter-specific responses of plant functional traits to environmental variables: implications for community ecology in the tropical monsoonal dwarf forest on Hainan Island

“…Our results also show that the soil TN, TP, and OM had a positive association with the primary axes while SWC was positively correlated to both axes (Table 2). Similarly, Trujillo et al (2021) found a negative correlation between soil pH on the first axis of PCA. Meanwhile, our observations also showed a negative association of soil pH on primary axes (PC1) PCs (Table 2).…”