Nutrient Cycling in Desert Ecosystems
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Arid Land Ecosystems: Volume 2, Structure, Functioning and Management
Editor
D. W. Goodall, R. A. Perry, K. M. W. Howes
Publication Date
1981
First Page
301
Last Page
324
Abstract
Nutrient cycling in arid ecosystems is described in relation to the influence of precipitation, structural and temporal variability (including nutrient accumulation, intra-seasonal variation, distribution of minerals between ecosystem components and a comparison of turnover rates with other ecosystems) and particular problems of specific minerals (N and P in deficit and Na, Cl, B and Se in excess). Water remains the dominant factor in these arid ecosystems; however, plants cannot fully capitalize on soil moisture unless nutrients are available and vice versa. Efficiency of water utilization declines under nutrient stress.
Recommended Citation
West, Neil E., "Nutrient Cycling in Desert Ecosystems" (1981). Wildland Resources Faculty Publications. Paper 1689.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/wild_facpub/1689
