Rapid root assimilation of added phosphorus in a lowland tropical rainforest of French Guiana

Abstract Theory states that tree growth in lowland tropical forests on old, weathered soils is limited by low phosphorous (P) availability. However, evidence for P limitation from nutrient manipulation experiments remains unclear, which raises the question whether trees are taking up added P. In French Guianese lowland rainforest, we measured changes in nitrogen (N) and P availability before and up to two months after N and P addition. We measured in soils with intact root systems and soils excluding roots and mycorrhizal fungi with root exclusion cylinders. When the root system was excluded, P addition increased P availability to a much greater extent and for a longer time than where the roots remained undisturbed. N dynamics were unaffected by root presence/absence. These results indicate rapid root uptake of P, but not of N, suggesting very effective P acquisition in these lowland rainforests.