Growth and biomass allocation of sweet flag (Acorus calamus L.) under different nutrient conditions

摘要

The antropogenically-induced process of eutrophication is accompanied by changes in the structure and function of the whole wetland ecosystem. Since the shift in a species ability to survive in original habitats is a commonly observed feature, the performance of individual wetland plants under high nutrient load is of a particular interest. Acorus calamus is a common littoral plant species of the European wetlands, which are characteristic by high trophic status. The effect of nutrients (N, P) per se, as a key part of the complex eutrophication process on the growth, biomass allocation, and biometric characteristics of Acorus calamus, is the main aim of the study. The study follows the effects of different levels of phosphorus (0.5 and 1.5 mM) and nitrogen (1.87; 7.5 and 18.5 mM), likewise the effect of NH4 + and NO3 − form, on the growth of Acorus. Special attention is dedicated to the growth of underground organs, particularly roots, because of their direct contact with the flooded substrate.