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Data from: Foliar fungal pathogen inhibition increases ecosystem carbon sequestration independently of nitrogen enrichment in a Tibetan alpine meadow

Wang, Fuwei1; Yan, Xuebin2; Wang, Mengqian2; Luan, Mengdi2; Wang, Xiaoyi2; Li, Xin2; Wang, Peng2; Zhou, Xianhui3; Du, Guozhen3; Ma, Miaojun3; Ye, Chenglong2; Guo, Hui2

Published Apr 07, 2025 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.z612jm6p6

Data files

Apr 07, 2025 version files 39.39 KB

Abstract

Anthropogenically caused nitrogen (N) enrichment may stimulate both photosynthetic carbon (C) fixation and infection of foliar pathogens. However, the interactive effects of N input and foliar fungal pathogens on the ecosystem C cycling are poorly understood. Using a 6-year field experiment with N input and fungicide application in a Tibetan alpine meadow, we examined how N enrichment and foliar fungal pathogens influence ecosystem C sequestration independently and in combination, possibly resulting in interactions between N enrichment and fungal pathogens. Nitrogen input increased the gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) through increasing plant biomass and foliar N content, but did not affect net ecosystem productivity (NEP). Fungicide application increased GEP and NEP by relieving foliar pathogen infection but did not affect ER, resulting in net increased ecosystem C sequestration. However, no significant interactive effects between N input and fungicide application were detected.

Synthesis. These results indicate that foliar fungal pathogens are critical biotic factors influencing ecosystem C sequestration in alpine ecosystems, independent of N input. This study emphasizes the important role of biotic factors in regulating ecosystem functions.