Biomass Allocation in Gentianella turkestanorum is Driven by Environmental Factors and Functional Traits

Exploring the elevation distribution characteristics, biomass allocation strategies, and the effects of elevation, soil factors, and functional traits on the biomass of <i>Gentianella turkestanorum</i> (Gand.) Holub is of great significance for the production, development, utilization, and protection of the medicinal material resources. In this study, we investigated the biomass and functional traits of the root, stem, leaf, and flower of <i>G. turkestanorum</i>, analyzing their elevation distribution patterns, allometric growth trajectories, and their correlations. The results showed that the biomass of different organs of <i>G. turkestanorum</i> decreases with increasing elevation, and the belowground biomass/aboveground biomass increases with elevation. The flower biomass accounts for 59.24% of the total biomass, which was significantly higher than that of other organs. <i>G. turkestanorum</i> biomass follows the optimal allocation theory, adopting a 'pioneering' growth strategy at low elevations and a 'conservative' strategy at high elevations. Chlorophyll content and leaf thickness of <i>G. turkestanorum</i> were positively correlated with elevation, but leaf dry matter content and the number of flowers were negatively correlated with elevation. Compared to functional traits, elevation and soil factors have a stronger explanatory power regarding the biomass of <i>G. turkestanorum</i>. Elevation, soil moisture content, pH, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen significantly affect the biomass of <i>G. turkestanorum</i>, with only pH showing a positive correlation with biomass. Among these factors, elevation, soil moisture content, and pH significantly impact the accurate prediction of <i>G. turkestanorum</i> biomass. The number of flowers, crown width, root length, root diameter, and leaf dry matter content all have a significantly positive correlation with the biomass of <i>G. turkestanorum</i>, with the number of flowers and root diameter making significant contributions to the accurate prediction of biomass. Elevation can directly affect the biomass of <i>G. turkestanorum</i> and can also indirectly affect it through other pathways, with the direct effect being greater than the indirect effect.