Pore water N:P and NH sub(4) super(+) :NO sub(3) super(-) alter the response of Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima to extreme nutrient regimes

Phragmites australis and Glyceria maxima are fast-growing littoral grasses often competing for similar wetland habitats. Eutrophication affects their competitiveness, but the outcome is not generally predictable due to the complexity of interrelated factors. We hypotheses that pore water N:P and NH sub(4) super(+) :NO sub(3) super(-) modify their growth and metabolic responses to the trophic status of the habitat. The hypothesis was tested under standardized conditions of long-term sand cultures. Application of N + P up to extreme levels in combination with N:P < 10 and NH sub(4) super(+) :NO sub(3) super(-) < 1 triggered positive growth response in both species. In contrast, similar N levels applied in N:P > 90 and NH sub(4) super(+) :NO sub(3) super(-) = 4 caused lower productivity, changes in resource allocation, morphology and metabolic relations (e.g. high shoot density, low shoot diameters and heights, reduced root and rhizome growth). Observed signs of stress resembled the factors associated with the reed retreat at the die-back sites. Unbalanced N levels obviously alter plant susceptibility to stresses (altering, e.g. ventilation efficiency, plant anchorage or below-ground storage capacity). The positive effect of sufficient P supply was pronounced in Glyceria . It might therefore favour Glyceria in competition with Phragmites at highly fertile habitats rich in P.