Aim The elemental composition of plants is of fundamental importance for plant physiology and biogeochemical cycling. Knowledge about how the pattern of multi‐element variability is coordinated between above‐ and below‐ground organs remains limited. Here, we quantify multi‐element variability in the leaves and roots of terrestrial plants, in addition to trying to understand its taxonomic and environmental regulation at large s...

Loss of plant diversity with increased anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition in grasslands has occurred globally. In most cases, competitive exclusion driven by preemption of light or space is invoked as a key mechanism. Here, we provide evidence from a 9‐yr N‐addition experiment for an alternative mechanism: differential sensitivity of forbs and grasses to increased soil manganese (Mn) levels. In Inner Mongolia steppes, incre...