A new study reveals that plants thriving in China’s massive sinkholes exhibit accelerated growth rates attributed to high nutrient levels.
These sinkholes are home to ancient forests as well as unique plants. However, scientists have long been puzzled about how these plants could flourish in such an isolated habitat.
Scientists have discovered a secret to their success: a nutrient bonanza.
Sinkholes often signal disaster, but some, like tiankeng, preserve nature.
Tiankeng pits are naturally created depressions found mostly in karst terrain, which is distinguished by soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. Some of them are at least 100 meters (328 ft) deep.
The holes shelter plants that flourish in moist, shady environments, with some species exclusive to the area. As per a report by Live Science, these pits are home to laurels, nettles, and ferns. Moreover, Tiankeng hosts modern karst forest plants, such as the Nepali hog plum and the Chinese rain bell.
Plants in sinkholes, unlike those on the surface, have easy access to nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
“Plants can adapt to adverse environments by adjusting their nutrient content,” the study noted.
“Due to the towering cliffs and steep terrain of the tiankeng, it has been less disturbed by human activities,” the study mentioned. According to the study, the tiankeng’s inaccessible terrain has protected it from significant human disturbance.
Researchers compared 64 plant species from inside and outside 30 sinkholes in Leye County, China. The focus of the study was to analyze carbon and nutrient levels to determine differences in plant growth strategies.
“Our study compared the chemical stoichiometry of carbon(C), nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), potassium(K), calcium(Ca), and magnesium(Mg) nutrients in the leaves of plants inside and outside the Tiankeng group in Dashiwei, Guangxi,” the paper mentioned.
These plants have likely evolved this unique strategy to survive in these low-light conditions.
They’ve reduced their carbon content, focusing instead on maximizing nutrient intake. This allows them to thrive in the humid environment without the need for extensive water-saving structures.
On the other hand, carbon is crucial for land plants, providing structural support and aiding water retention. And that’s why, the surface plants were found with more carbon.
“The forest outside the pit has high light intensity, rapid water evaporation, poor soil, greater interference from human activities and easy soil loss,” the authors mentioned in the study paper. It added: “Based on the cluster analysis, the 64 plants can be classified into calcium-loving and high drought-resistant plants, balanced plants and high productivity plants.”
The findings were published in the Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology.
28Jul
28Jul
28Jul
10Sep
OrderStream delivers the latest technology news, trends, and insights. Stay informed with expert analysis and in-depth articles covering everything from cutting-edge innovations to industry shifts. Join our tech-savvy community and keep pace with the ever-evolving tech landscape.
We’re accepting suggestions right here now.
Copyright © 2024 Orderstream. Created by OrderStreamLLC.
by 
