What is the role of soil nutrients in drought responses of trees?

This scientific commentary discusses the role of soil nutrients in the drought responses of trees. The article highlights the sensitivity of forest trees to climate change and anthropogenic activities, such as increased nitrogen deposition. It emphasizes the need to understand the mechanisms of carbon and nitrogen cycling in forests and their implications for tree drought responses. The commentary also presents findings from a study on sessile oak and Scots pine seedlings, which showed that prior fertilization can lead to faster tree mortality during drought, particularly in sessile oak. The study suggests that nutrient availability can either intensify or mitigate drought stress responses in trees, depending on factors such as tree species and the amount/type of fertilizer added. The authors call for further research to better understand the complex dynamics of nutrient availability and drought resilience in trees, as well as potential mitigation measures through adapted forest management. [Extracted from the article]