Revolutionary Findings on Tree Nutrition in Northeast China

A groundbreaking new study published in the *Journal of Plant Ecology* has upended long-held beliefs about how temperate forest trees in Northeast China absorb nutrients. The research reveals that these trees, whether they're partnering with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, have a striking preference for nitrate (NO₃⁻) over ammonium (NH₄⁺). This pivotal discovery sheds light on the intriguing dynamics of plant-fungus relationships and their role in nutrient cycling within forest ecosystems.

Expert Research Led by Dr. Fang Yunting

Conducted by a team led by esteemed researcher Dr. Fang Yunting from the Institute of Applied Ecology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this extensive field experiment utilized an innovative paired-¹⁵N labeling technique. This method injected isotopically labeled ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) directly into the rhizosphere—the vital soil zone surrounding plant roots—to trace the nitrogen uptake by various tree species in their natural habitat.

Insightful Experimentation at Qingyuan Forest Ecosystem