Collaboration between leaf resorption and belowground nutrient acquisition in broadleaf species of temperate forest

Interactions between different nutrient strategies in plants are critical for understanding ecosystem stability. However, the relationship between nutrient conservation via leaf resorption and nutrient acquisition through root systems remains unclear. Therefore, we measured nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiencies (NRE and PRE) in leaves of eight temperate broadleaf species. We also measured leaf and fine root traits and quantified rhizosphere soil nutrients to explore the relationship between nutrient resorption and belowground acquisition, along with potential driving factors. Results showed that NRE increased with a shift from slow to fast root nutrient uptake, and NRE was primarily influenced by leaf traits. In contrast, PRE increased with a shift from low to high root foraging efficiency, primarily driven by underground factors. Our findings demonstrate that NRE, PRE, and belowground nutrient acquisition strategies exhibit both synergies and trade-offs. Furthermore, the driving factors of NRE and PRE differ distinctly, and plants’ phosphorus acquisition strategies exhibit greater complexity and flexibility compared to those for nitrogen.