ombrotrophy

Ombrotrophy is a nutritional and ecological concept describing a mode of nutrient acquisition in which organisms obtain the majority of their essential elements from atmospheric inputs, primarily rain and dust, rather than from the substrate or soil. The term derives from Greek roots meaning rain nourishment.

In ecological terms, ombrotrophy is most commonly discussed in relation to peatlands and other nutrient-poor environments. Ombrotrophic ecosystems receive nutrients almost exclusively through precipitation, while minerotrophic systems receive substantial nutrients from mineral-rich groundwater or surface waters. Within such systems, many bryophytes (including mosses and liverworts) and some lichens rely on rain-derived nutrients, which shapes their growth, community composition, and the characteristics of the habitat.

Nutrient inputs from rainfall include elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and various micronutrients. Because deposition rates can vary with climate, atmospheric pollution, and distance from sources of minerals, ombrotrophic species are often sensitive to changes in atmospheric chemistry and may exhibit distinct adaptations to low-nutrient, acidic conditions. In peatlands, the ombrotrophic state typically leads to acidic, nutrient-poor conditions that influence peat formation, water chemistry, and carbon cycling, reinforcing the dominance of mosses and other non-vascular plants adapted to such environments.