Ecological stoichiometry of different organs of Gentianella turkestanorum in response to environmental factors at different altitudinal gradients

Aims Environmental heterogeneity induced by altitudinal gradients shapes plant survival strategies. This study investigates how Gentianella turkestanorum (Gand.) adapts its stoichiometry (C, N, P) across elevations (2405.4–3000.6 m) under climatic and edaphic drivers. Methods We measured C, N, and P contents and ratios (C:N, C:P, N:P) in roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and whole plants across seven altitudinal gradients, integrating climate and soil data to analyze driving mechanisms. Results The results revealed that C and N contents in roots, stems, and leaves, as well as P contents in roots and leaves, significantly increased with elevation, while floral C content decreased. Stoichiometric ratios showed declining C:N (in roots, stems, and flowers) and C:P (in roots and leaves) with elevation, whereas root N:P markedly increased (7.88–16.23), indicating stronger nitrogen limitation at lower altitudes that weakened at higher elevations. Climatic factors (mean annual temperature and precipitation) predominantly drove stoichiometric variation in roots (76.3%) and stems (30.9%), while soil factors (total nitrogen, pH) significantly influenced leaves (17.3%) and flowers (47.6%). Climate-soil interactions contributed most to floral stoichiometry (25.9%). Whole-plant C, N, and P contents increased synchronously, with elevated N:P, reflecting adaptive strategies of prioritizing N and P allocation to metabolic organs (roots and leaves) and optimizing resource use efficiency (reduced C:N and C:P). Conclusions This study reveals altitudinal divergence in multi-organ stoichiometry of alpine plants, validating the temperature-physiology hypothesis. We propose a novel climate-soil synergy mechanism driving organ-specific functional differentiation, offering theoretical foundations for nutrient management and restoration in degraded alpine meadows