The suitability of the foliar N/P ratio was evaluated as a predictor of nutrient limitation in an alpine ecosystem of the Colorado Front Range. We hypothesized that foliar N/P ratios are directly correlated with the alpine soil nutrient status. We used a long-term fertilization experiment conducted in three alpine plant communities, where 48 plots were established consisting of four replicates of control, N, P, and N + P additions. We characterized four extractable P fractions, maximum P sorption capacity, and extractable NO3?N and NH4?N, measured N and P adsorption fl uxes, determined the soil moisture content, and measured the total N and P concentrations in soils and below- and aboveground plant material. The fertilized plots exhibited [...]
