Carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry at different growth stages in legumes and grasses

Abstract: This study was aimed to investigate carbon and nitrogen stoichiometry at different stages in legumes and grasses by comparing 4 different species under a field trial. For the content of organic carbon (OC), it changed little at different growth stages. Total nitrogen (TN) content showed a decreasing tendency with growth stage or was less at the booting stage. Leaf TN content was greater than those in stem and root. With the changes in OC and TN contents, C/N showed an increasing tendency with growth stage or was greater at the booting stage. Leaf C/N was less than those in stem and root, and grass C/N was greater than that in legume. C/N of annual ryegrass in Yuzhong site was greater than that in Qingyang, while for legumes, it was less. The results suggested that the change in C/N with growth stage is closely correlated with carbon assimilation and nitrogen absorption of plants at different growth stages.