Soil eutrophication in seabird colonies affects cell wall composition: Implications for the conservation of rare plant species

Abstract

Seabird colonies exert a strong influence on coastal ecosystems, increasing soil nitrogen bioavailability and modifying plant communities. Previous studies have evidenced that increased N in soils leads to changes in plant cell wall composition; however, this effect has not been assessed in seabird colonies. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of seabird colonies on nitrogen, cellulose and lignin content in cell walls. For this purpose, analyses were performed on droppings, soils and three native plant species (Armeria pubigera, Armeria pungens and Corema album) growing in yellow-legged gull colonies. The results showed that N excreted by yellow-legged gull is assimilated by plants, increases N content in plant tissues and reduces cellulose and lignin synthesis, therefore potentially altering plant resistance against phytoparasites.

Keywords: Armeria pubigera; Armeria pungens; Cellulose; Corema album; Lignin; N bioavailability.