@article{01JK8622Z9QFB5ZTXV1T2SS412,
  abstract     = {{Aims Common Juniper (Juniper communis) populations in western Europe are rapidly declining due to a lack of regeneration, which has been linked to nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the mechanisms by which N deposition affects juniper are not clear. Nitrogen deposition can lead to N eutrophication and soil acidification, which cause nutrient leaching and metal mobilisation with potential negative impacts on juniper regeneration. We investigated associations among soil element concentration (soil [E]), needle element concentration (needle [E]) and plant performance in terms of height growth and viable seed production. Methods We sampled adult females and juveniles across 6 natural heathland areas in the Netherlands and Belgium, and applied linear mixed models for eleven elements to test associations among plant performance, soil [E], and needle [E]. Results Soil [E] was reflected in needle [E], which subsequently was associated with juniper growth. However, direct associations between soil [E] and growth were absent. Seed viability was positively associated with soil Mg concentration, marginally with Ca and needle Ca and K concentrations, and negatively with soil NO3 and needle N, S and Zn concentrations. Generally seed viability, needle Ca and K concentrations were low. Soil Al/P ratio was a better predictor for needle P than soil P concentration indicating that Al inhibits P uptake. Conclusion We conclude that 1) N eutrophication reduces seed viability, but increases growth, 2) nutrient leaching reduces nutrient uptake, seed viability and subsequently growth, and 3) Al mobilisation reduces P uptake and indirectly growth. N deposition amplifies these mechanisms and therefore inhibits regeneration and survival of juniper populations in western Europe.}},
  author       = {{Veldhuis, Erik R. and Verheyen, Kris and Smolders, Alfons J. P. and Smit, Chris}},
  issn         = {{0032-079X}},
  journal      = {{PLANT AND SOIL}},
  keywords     = {{Acidification,Aluminium,Juniperus communis,Foliar nutrient concentrations,Nitrogen,Regeneration,COMMUNIS,ALUMINUM,STRESS,CONSERVATION,POPULATION,TOXICITY,PLANTS,MAIZE,SEEDS,LONG}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1-2}},
  pages        = {{301--313}},
  title        = {{How nitrogen deposition hampers common juniper regeneration in heathlands}},
  url          = {{http://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-06857-7}},
  volume       = {{509}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}

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