The effects of drought stress on the stoichiometric characteristics of C,N,and P in Pinus yunnanensis seedlings
[Objective]This study aims to investigate the effects of drought stress on the distribution of car-bon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)elements and stoichiometry in organs of Pinus yunnanensis seedlings,and to provide a theoretical basis for water management in the cultivation of P.yunnanensis.[Methods]The contents of C,N,and P in organs of 1-year-old P.yunnanensis seedlings under drought stress were determined by potted water control method and four drought treatments.[Results](1)Com-pared with the appropriate water treatment,the C content in leaves,stems,and fine roots of P.yun-nanensis seedlings was decreased under drought stress,but was increased in coarse roots.N content was decreased in coarse roots and increased in fine roots.P content was increased in leaves and decreased in stems.(2)The variation coefficient of element content was P>N>C.The contents of C and N showed the greatest variability in fine roots.The variability of P content was the highest in leaves and the lowest in coarse roots.(3)There was a significant negative correlation between N content and coarse roots,a signif-icant positive correlation between stems and fine roots,and a significant positive correlation between N and P contents in stems and coarse roots.[Conclusion]Under drought stress,growth of P.yunnanensis seed-lings is restricted by N elements,and the utilization efficiency of N and P is increased.The overall varia-bility of C,N,and P content in coarse and fine roots is higher than leaves and stems.The root system is more sensitive to changes in soil water status.