Ecological differences of C₃ and C₄ plant species from central Utah in habitats and mineral composition

Authors

C. Morden, Texas A&M University, College Station
Jack D. Brotherson, Brigham Young University
Bruce N. Smith, Brigham Young University

Abstract

Six study sites were established in each of three community life form types (grass, forb, and shrub) containing as dominants or subdominants either C₃ and/or C₄ plants. Soil and vegetation samples were analyzed for total nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. Discriminant analysis and analysis of variance statistics were used to evaluate differences in mineral content of soils and plant tissues. C₄ plants in all study sites assimilated higher concentrations of potassium, iron, and calcium than did C₃ plants. Forbs in all sites contained the highest concentrations of minerals, followed by shrubs and grasses.

Recommended Citation

Morden, C.; Brotherson, Jack D.; and Smith, Bruce N. (1986) "Ecological differences of C₃ and C₄ plant species from central Utah in habitats and mineral composition," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 1, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss1/14