When Microbes And Consumers Determine The Limiting Nutrient Of Autotrophs: A Theoretical Analysis

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 08 Oct 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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We revisit the current theory that investigates the effects of herbivores on the nutrient limitation of plants.

Using a model representing the fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus between plants, herbivores and microbes, we show that ecological stoichiometry, by concentrating on herbivores, underestimates the effects of other food web components, such as decomposers, detritivores and omnivores, on the relative availability of nutrients for plants.

We also devise a method that allows for the inclusion of numerous types of feeding organisms in the study of how the biotic components of ecosystems alter the cycling of elements.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences