So leaves fall from trees onto the ground. The leaves decompose, many around the base of the trees. This decomposition adds nutrients to the ground. Then the tree absorbs these nutrients from the ground.
Now I'm no horticulturalist in the slightest but makes sense to me. |
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If a tree derives nouishment from another of its own species, yes.
If it’s another tree, it’s juat a boring old vegetarian.
I suppose I’m an omnivore, I’m continually devouring the cells shed from the lining of my own digestive tract. I’m also supporting several billion bacteria, although at times I benefit from them too.
Fuck me I’m complicated. |
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The trees just absorb and assimilate nutrients, which are typically thought of predominantly as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium - 3 of our Elements. They also use other elements, to a lesser degree and each species has its own specific requirements. Some species require more Iron, Magnesium and other 'trace' elements than others.
Whilst a leaf may have fallen to the ground, the roots below ground will only be interested in the constituents of that leaf once it has degraded and the elements within it are available and usable by the tree. Ultimately the tree wouldn't care where any individual atom or Nitrogen etc had come from, as long as it exists in the correct form that is usable. It could have come, indirectly, from someone who'd taken a leak in the woods, who'd only ever consumed animal products beforehand, or the leaf that had fallen and been composted, with the decayed matter subsequently of huge value, once the tree continues its growth. It's worth looking at the mycorrhizal fungi relationships with plants, as most species - including trees - would obtain nutrients from the fungi. As such, the leaf's contents may indirectly be channelled via a fungus species, before re-entering the same tree.
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"The trees just absorb and assimilate nutrients, which are typically thought of predominantly as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium - 3 of our Elements. They also use other elements, to a lesser degree and each species has its own specific requirements. Some species require more Iron, Magnesium and other 'trace' elements than others.
Whilst a leaf may have fallen to the ground, the roots below ground will only be interested in the constituents of that leaf once it has degraded and the elements within it are available and usable by the tree. Ultimately the tree wouldn't care where any individual atom or Nitrogen etc had come from, as long as it exists in the correct form that is usable. It could have come, indirectly, from someone who'd taken a leak in the woods, who'd only ever consumed animal products beforehand, or the leaf that had fallen and been composted, with the decayed matter subsequently of huge value, once the tree continues its growth. It's worth looking at the mycorrhizal fungi relationships with plants, as most species - including trees - would obtain nutrients from the fungi. As such, the leaf's contents may indirectly be channelled via a fungus species, before re-entering the same tree.
"
So trees in theory ain't fussy about eating parts of them self or fellow trees, even via a third party. And they love goldern showers? |
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"The trees just absorb and assimilate nutrients, which are typically thought of predominantly as Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium - 3 of our Elements. They also use other elements, to a lesser degree and each species has its own specific requirements. Some species require more Iron, Magnesium and other 'trace' elements than others.
Whilst a leaf may have fallen to the ground, the roots below ground will only be interested in the constituents of that leaf once it has degraded and the elements within it are available and usable by the tree. Ultimately the tree wouldn't care where any individual atom or Nitrogen etc had come from, as long as it exists in the correct form that is usable. It could have come, indirectly, from someone who'd taken a leak in the woods, who'd only ever consumed animal products beforehand, or the leaf that had fallen and been composted, with the decayed matter subsequently of huge value, once the tree continues its growth. It's worth looking at the mycorrhizal fungi relationships with plants, as most species - including trees - would obtain nutrients from the fungi. As such, the leaf's contents may indirectly be channelled via a fungus species, before re-entering the same tree.
"
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