Clipped and unclipped plants were exposed to various light, temperature, and fertilizer treatments to determine the factor limiting the growth of Eriophorum vaginatum in an Alaskan tundra. Varying light and temperature levels did not affect plant growth, however, fertilizers greatly enhanced plant growth and nitrogen was determined to be the nutrient that was limiting growth of E. vaginatum plants in this area. Clipping reduced root biomass, individual tiller weight, and end of season total biomass, however, clipping increased N and P concentrations of plant parts, indicating that the reduced root biomass did not limit nutrient uptake. Clipped plants generally recovered from clipping after one growing season and the results suggest that these plants can tolerate intense clipping and maintain nutrient uptake suitable for regrowth the following season.
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