亚热带不同树种凋落叶分解对氮添加的响应

为探究不同质量凋落物对氮(N)沉降的响应, 该研究采用尼龙网袋分解法, 在亚热带福建三明格氏栲(Castanopsis kawakamii)自然保护区的米槠(Castanopsis carlesii)天然林, 选取4种本区常见的具有不同初始化学性质的树种凋落叶进行模拟N沉降(N添加)分解实验(施N水平为对照0和50 kg·hm ^-2·a ^-1)。研究结果表明: 在2年的分解期内, 对照处理的各树种凋落叶的分解速率依次为观光木(Michelia odora, 0.557 a ^-1)、米槠(0.440 a ^-1)、台湾相思(Acacia confusa, 0.357 a ^-1)、杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata, 0.354 a ^-1); N添加处理凋落叶分解速率依次为观光木(0.447 a ^-1)、米槠(0.354 a ^-1)、杉木(0.291 a ^-1)、台湾相思(0.230 a ^-1), 除杉木凋落叶外, N添加显著降低了其他3种凋落叶分解速率。N添加不仅使4种树木凋落叶分解过程中的N释放减慢, 同时还抑制凋落叶化学组成中木质素和纤维素的降解; N添加在凋落叶分解过程中总体上提高β-葡萄糖苷酶(βG)和酸性磷酸酶活性, 对纤维素水解酶的活性影响不一致, 而降低β-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶活性和酚氧化酶活性。凋落叶分解速率与凋落叶中的碳获取酶(βG)活性以及其化学组分中的可萃取物含量极显著正相关, 与初始碳浓度、纤维素和木质素含量极显著负相关, 与初始N含量没有显著相关性。凋落物类型和N添加的交互作用虽未影响干质量损失速率, 但对木质素和纤维素的降解具有显著效应。综上所述, 化学组分比初始N含量能更好地预测凋落叶分解速率, 而N添加主要通过抑制分解木质素的氧化酶(如PHO)来降低凋落叶分解速率。     

Effects of grazing intensity and grazing exclusion on litter decomposition in the temperate steppe of Nei Mongol,China

Aims Grazing intensity and grazing exclusion affect ecosystem carbon cycling by changing the plant community and soil micro-environment in grassland ecosystems. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the effects of grazing intensity and grazing exclusion on litter decomposition in the temperate grasslands of Nei Mongol; 2) to compare the difference between above-ground and below-ground litter decomposition; 3) to identify the effects of precipitation on litter production and decomposition. Methods We measured litter production, quality, decomposition rates and soil nutrient contents during the growing season in 2011 and 2012 in four plots, i.e. light grazing, heavy grazing, light grazing exclusion and heavy grazing exclusion. Quadrate surveys and litter bags were used to measure litter production and decomposition rates. All data were analyzed with ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation procedures in SPSS. Important findings Litter production and decomposition rates differed greatly among four plots. During the two years of our study, above-ground litter production and decomposition in heavy-grazing plots were faster than those in light-grazing plots. In the dry year, below-ground litter production and decomposition in light-grazing plots were faster than those in heavy-grazing plots, which is opposite to the findings in the wet year. Short-term grazing exclusion could promote litter production, and the exclusion of light-grazing could increase litter decomposition and nutrient cycling. In contrast, heavy-grazing exclusion decreased litter decomposition. Thus, grazing exclusion is beneficial to the restoration of the light-grazing grasslands, and more human management measures are needed during the restoration of heavy-grazing grasslands. Precipitation increased litter production and decomposition, and below-ground litter was more vulnerable to the inter-annual change of precipitation than above-ground litter. Compared to the light-grazing grasslands, heavy-grazing grasslands had higher sensitivity to precipitation. The above-ground litter decomposition was strongly positively correlated with the litter N content (R² = 0.489, p < 0.01) and strongly negatively correlated with the soil total N content (R² = 0.450, p < 0.01), but it was not significantly correlated with C:N and lignin:N. Below-ground litter decomposition was negatively correlated with the litter C (R² = 0.263, p < 0.01), C:N (R² = 0.349, p < 0.01) and cellulose content (R² = 0.460, p < 0.01). Our results will provide a theoretical basis for ecosystem restoration and the research of carbon cycling.     

Effects of different nitrogen:phosphorus levels on the growth and ecological stoichiometry of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Aims The increase in atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has accelerated N cycling of ecosystems, probably resulting in increases in phosphorus (P) demand of ecosystems. Studies on the effects of artificial N:P treatment on the growth and carbon (C), N, P ecological stoichiometry of desert steppe species could provide not only a new insight into the forecasting of how the interaction between soils and plants responses to long-term atmospheric N deposition increase, but also a scientific guidance for sustainable management of grassland in northern China under global climate change. Methods Based on a pot-cultured experiment conducted for Glycyrrhiza uralensis (an N-fixing species) during 2013 to 2014, we studied the effects of different N:P supply ratios (all pots were treated with the same amount of N but with different amounts of P) on aboveground biomass, root biomass, root/shoot ratio, and C:N:P ecological stoichiometry both in G. uralensis (leaves and roots) and in soils. Additionally, through the correlation analyses between biomass and C:N:P ecological stoichiometry in leaves, roots, and soils, we compared the differences among the C:N:P ecological stoichiometry of the three pools, and discussed the indication of C:N:P ecological stoichiometry in soils for the growth and nutrient uptake of G. uralensis. Important findings The results showed that, reducing N:P decreased C:P and N:P ratios both in G. uralensis (leaves and roots) and in soils but increased aboveground biomass and root biomass of G. uralensis, indicating that low to moderate P addition increased P availability of soils and P uptake of G. uralensis. However, excessive low N:P (high P addition) led to great decreases in soil C:P and N:P ratios, thus hindering N uptake and the growth of G. uralensis. C:N:P ratios in the two pools of G. uralensis (especially in leaves) had close correlations with soil C:N:P ratio, indicating that the change in soil C:N:P ratio would have a direct influence on plants. Our results suggest that, through regulating C:N:P ratio in leaves and soils, appropriate amounts of P addition could balance soil P supply and plant P demand and compensate the opposite influences of long-term atmospheric N deposition increase on the structure of desert steppe.     

Characteristics of soil nitrogen mineralization in the rhizosphere of trees,shrubs, and herbs in subtropical forest plantations

为了探讨人工林内优势乔木和林下灌草根际土壤氮矿化特征, 明确乔灌草根际土壤氮转化差异, 该研究以江西泰和千烟洲站区典型人工杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)、马尾松(Pinus massoniana)和湿地松(Pinus elliottii)林为对象, 在植被生长季初期(4月)和旺盛期(7月)分析3种人工林内乔木、优势灌木(檵木(Loropetalum chinense)、杨桐(Adinandra millettii)、格药柃(Eurya muricata))和草本(狗脊蕨(Woodwardia japonica)、暗鳞鳞毛蕨(Dryopteris atrata))根际土壤的净氮矿化速率、土壤化学性质及土壤微生物特征。结果发现: 1)物种、林型和取样季节显著影响了根际土壤净氮矿化速率(N_min)、净铵化速率(N_amm)和净硝化速率(N_nit)。马尾松和湿地松林内林下灌草根际土壤净氮矿化的季节敏感性高于乔木: 4月乔木根际土壤N_min和N_amm显著高于大多数林下灌草, 而7月林下灌草根际土壤N_min和N_amm显著提高, 与乔木不再具有显著差异, 与主成分综合得分方差分析的结果一致。一般情况下, 杉木林N_min和N_nit显著高于马尾松林和湿地松林。7月净氮矿化显著高于4月。2)土壤铵态氮、硝态氮、全氮及土壤微生物量氮含量是影响根际土壤净氮矿化的主要因素。土壤化学性质对人工林根际土壤净氮矿化变异的贡献率为29.2%, 显著高于土壤微生物的解释率。充分考虑不同季节林下植被根际土壤的净氮矿化及其关键影响因素可为准确评估人工林生态系统养分循环状况提供重要支撑。     

Leaf decomposition and nutrient release of dominant species in the forest and lake in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve,China

AimsLitter decomposition is an important ecological process in nutrient cycling and productivity of ecosystems. Our objective is to quantify the differences of litter decomposition and nutrient release (N and P) under the forest and in an alpine lake among the dominant tree species in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve.
Methods Fresh leaf litters of Abies ernestii, Pinus tabulaeformis, Betula albo-sinensis, and Salix cupularis were collected and placed in bags under the forest and in an alpine lake for a year.
Important findings The mass remaining ratio (MR) of the leaf litters was well predicted with Olson’s decay model (r > 0.93, p < 0.01). The time for 99% decomposition was the shortest for S. cupularis (6.80 a), followed by B. albo-sinensis (10.34 a), A. ernestii (18.88 a), and P. tabulaeformis (27.21 a). These values were 1.48-, 1.55-, 1.80-, and 1.65-folds of the corresponding values in the lake, respectively. Both MR and nitrogen remaining ratio (NR) had significantly negative correlations with the leaf initial N concentration, but significantly positive correlations with the initial C:N. The nutrient release was significantly different among the four species and between the two sites (i.e., forest and alpine lake). The N release of S. cupularis was consistent between forest and the lake (i.e. directly released in the beginning of decomposition), while other species had an obvious N enrichment process before it released. The release of P among was similar among the four species and between the two sites, with a release—enrichment—release pattern. Overall, the leaf litter decomposition appeared as an intricate process that was affected by the litter chemistry and and the environment. The fast litter decomposition in the lake may have a profound influence on the water quanlity in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve.     

鄂西南亚高山湿地泥炭藓的生长与分解

泥炭藓(Sphagnum)是湿地土壤碳的重要来源, 在土壤碳累积过程中发挥着关键作用, 但有关亚热带湿地泥炭藓生长与分解的研究鲜有报道。该研究选择鄂西南亚高山泥炭藓湿地为研究区域, 原位开展不同微生境泥炭藓的生长及其凋落物的分解实验, 室内测试凋落物的化学成分, 探讨亚热带亚高山湿地泥炭藓的生长与分解规律。结果表明: 泥炭藓在自然状态生长12个月后, 丘上和丘间两种微生境下泥炭藓的平均高度增长量分别为2.9和2.7 cm, 对应的净生产量分别为270.94和370.88 g·m ^-2, 生长时间与微生境对泥炭藓的高度增长量及净生产量均有显著影响, 且两者之间存在交互作用, 但是两种微生境下泥炭藓的生长变化过程不同; 两种微生境下泥炭藓的平均生长速率(2017年7-10月)为0.33 mm·d ^-1, 其生长速率高于寒温带地区。另外, 分解时间对泥炭藓的分解量有显著影响, 其残留率随时间增加表现为先减少后增加的趋势。12个月后, 丘间、丘上和水坑3种微生境下最终残留率分别为100.67%、90.54%和85.63%。凋落物中碳含量、碳氮比和多酚含量相比初始值均有所下降, 氮含量则为增加。同时, 微生境对凋落物分解的影响取决于分解时间。分解3个月时, 微生境之间凋落物的分解量差异显著, 其他时间段差异不明显。     

Effects of snowpack on early foliar litter humification during winter in a subalpine forest of western Sichuan

亚高山森林凋落叶腐殖化是联系植物与土壤碳库和养分库的重要通道, 在冬季可能受到雪被斑块的影响。该文采用凋落物网袋法, 于2012年11月-2013年4月研究了川西亚高山森林不同厚度雪被斑块(厚雪被、中雪被、薄雪被和无雪被)下优势树种岷江冷杉(Abies faxoniana)、方枝柏(Sabina saltuaria)、四川红杉(Larix mastersiana)、红桦(Betula albo-sinensis)、康定柳(Salix paraplesia)和高山杜鹃(Rhododendron lapponicum)凋落叶在不同雪被关键期(雪被形成期、雪被覆盖期和雪被融化期)的腐殖化特征。结果表明: 亚高山森林冬季不同厚度雪被斑块下6种凋落叶均保持一定程度的腐殖化, 其中红桦凋落叶腐殖化度最大, 达4.45%-5.67%; 岷江冷杉、高山杜鹃、康定柳、四川红杉和方枝柏凋落叶腐殖化度分别为1.91%-2.15%、1.14%-2.03%、1.06%-1.97%、0.01%-1.25%和0.39%-1.21%。凋落叶腐殖质在雪被形成期、融化期和整个冬季累积, 且累积量随雪被厚度减小而增加, 但在雪被覆盖期降解, 且降解量随雪被厚度减小而增大。相关分析结果表明, 亚高山森林凋落叶前期腐殖化主要受凋落叶质量影响, 且与氮和酸不溶性组分呈极显著正相关, 而与碳、磷、水溶性和有机溶性组分呈极显著负相关。表明冬季变暖情景下雪被厚度的减小可能促进亚高山森林凋落叶腐殖化, 但凋落叶腐殖化在不同雪被关键期受雪被斑块和凋落叶质量的调控。     

Effects of streams on lignin degradation during foliar litter decomposition in an alpine forest

AimsStreams are widely distributed in alpine forests, and litter decomposition in which is an important component of material cycling across the forest landscape. The leaching and fragmenting effects as well as the unique environmental factors in streams may have significant impacts on lignin degradation during litter decomposition, but studies on this are lacking.
Methods Using litterbag methods, we investigated the dynamics of lignin mass remaining and concentration (percent litter mass, %) during the decomposition of four foliar litters, which varied significantly in the initial litter chemical traits, from the dominant species of Salix paraplesia, Rhododendron lapponicum, Sabina saltuaria, and Larix mastersiana under different habitats (forest floor, stream, and riparian zone) in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River.
Important findings After two year’s incubation, litter lignin mass remaining for a specific litter species varied significantly (p < 0.05) among habitats, with an order of stream < riparian zone < forest floor. Lignin was degraded substantially in the early stage of litter decomposition process, and the lignin concentration first decreased and then increased with the proceeding of litter decomposition, but varied significantly (p < 0.05) among different litter species. Lignin mass showed a general trend of decrease across the 2-year decomposition course. In addition, habitat type, decomposition period and microenvironmental factors (e.g., temperature, pH value and nutrient availability) showed substantial influences on lignin degradation rate. These results suggest that the traditional view that lignin was relatively recalcitrant with an increase of concentration in the early stage of litter decomposition is challenged, but the loss of lignin in the early phrase is in line with recent findings about the fate of lignin during litter decomposition. Moreover, the significant differences of lignin degradation rates among different decomposition period and habitat types indicated that local-scale environmental factors can play a significant role in litter decomposition and lignin degradation processes.     

Spatial characteristics in decomposition rate of foliar litter and controlling factors in Chinese forest ecosystems

凋落物分解是森林生态系统碳循环的重要组成部分。建立中国森林凋落叶分解速率数据库, 分析凋落叶分解速率与其主要影响因素之间的关系, 对精确地预测中国森林生态系统碳收支具有重要意义。该研究通过收集已报道的中国森林凋落叶分解常数(k)及其相关变量, 分析探讨地理因素(纬度、经度和海拔)、气候因素(年平均气温和年降水量)、凋落叶质量(氮、磷、钾、木质素、木质素:氮和碳氮比)和叶特性(常绿与落叶、阔叶与针叶)对中国森林凋落叶分解速率的影响。结果表明, 在国家尺度上, k随年平均气温、年降水量、氮、磷和钾的增加而增加, 随纬度、经度、海拔、碳氮比、木质素和木质素:氮的增大而减小, 叶特性对k的影响不显著。气候与地理因素(年平均气温、年降水量和纬度)能解释k值变异的34.1%, 凋落叶质量(氮、钾、木质素和木质素:氮)能解释k值变异的21.7%, 它们能共同解释k值变异的74.4%。了解森林凋落叶分解速率在国家尺度上的格局和主控因素可为中国森林生态系统碳循环相关模型提供基础参数。     

Effects of snow patch on the dynamics of potassium and sodium during litter decomposition in winter in a subalpine forest of western Sichuan

亚高山森林冬季不同厚度雪被斑块下显著的冻融格局差异可能对凋落物分解过程中钾(K)和钠(Na)的动态具有重要影响, 然而已有研究还不足以清晰地认识这一过程。以川西亚高山森林6种代表性树种凋落物为研究对象, 采用凋落物网袋法, 探讨冬季不同厚度雪被斑块下雪被形成期、覆盖期和融化期凋落物分解过程中K和Na元素释放或富集的特征。整个雪被覆盖时期, 6种凋落物分解过程中Na均表现为富集特征, 且以覆盖期最为明显; 而K表现为释放特征, 以雪被融化期释放率最大。相对于其他雪被斑块, 厚型和中型雪被斑块下凋落物K释放率相对较高; 除康定柳(Salix paraplesia)和高山杜鹃(Rhododendron lapponicum)外, 其他物种凋落物在厚型和中型雪被斑块下Na富集率较高。同时, 统计分析结果表明, 物种和雪被显著影响冬季不同关键时期凋落物K和Na元素动态。除红桦(Betula albosinensis)和方枝柏(Sabina saltuaria)凋落物外, 温度因子与凋落物K和Na动态变化呈显著正相关。这些结果表明气候变暖情景下冬季雪被覆盖的减小将抑制亚高山森林冬季凋落物分解过程中K和Na元素的释放, 但是释放程度受凋落物质量和雪被覆盖时期的显著影响。     

Differential uptakes of different forms of soil nitrogen among major tree species in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan,China

Aims Although acquisition of soil organic nitrogen (N)(mainly amino acids) by plants is a widespread ecological phenomenon in many terrestrial ecosystems, the rate of organic N uptake and their contributions to plant nutrient supply are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine the relative contributions of inorganic N (NO₃^–-N and NH₄⁺-N) and organic N (amino acids) to plant N uptake in a high-frigid forest ecosystem.Methods The differences in the uptake rate of three different forms of N (NO₃^–-N, NH₄⁺-N and glycine) were quantified by exposing seedlings of two dominant tree species (Picea asperata and Betula albo-sinensis) in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan, China, to trace quantities of K¹⁵NO₃,¹⁵NH₄Cl and (U-¹³C₂/¹⁵N) glycine.Important findings Both ¹³C and ¹⁵N were significantly enriched in fine roots 2 h after tracer application, indicating the occurrence of glycine uptake in P. asperata and B. albo-sinensis seedlings. The seedlings of two tree species had a significant preference for NO₃^–-N compared with glycine and NH₄⁺-N, and the uptake rate of NO₃^–-N was 5 to 10 times greater than that of glycine and NH₄⁺-N. The roots of seedlings in the two species took up glycine more rapidly than NH₄⁺-N, implying that soil organic N (i.e., amino acids) could be an important N source for the two species in subalpine coniferous forests. The results of this study are of great theoretical significance for understanding N utilization strategies and nutrient regulation processes in plants of the high-frigid forest ecosystems.     

极端干旱区沙土掩埋对凋落物分解速率及盐分含量动态的影响

极端干旱区由于降水稀少, 植被盖度低, 太阳辐射强烈, 以及土壤稳定性差, 导致其凋落物周转不同于非干旱区。为探究极端干旱区凋落物分解规律, 该研究利用凋落物分解袋法, 以塔克拉玛干沙漠南缘沙漠-绿洲过渡带优势物种花花柴(Karelinia caspia)、骆驼刺(Alhagi sparsifolia)和胡杨(Populus euphratica)凋落叶为研究对象, 设置不同的沙土掩埋处理: 地表、2 cm和15 cm埋深, 以模拟自然条件下凋落物分解环境, 测定分解过程中凋落物质量和水溶性盐的变化特征。结果表明: 极端干旱区凋落物分解速率与凋落物初始碳(C)含量、氮(N)含量、C:N和木质素含量的关系与非干旱区存在较大差异, 在地表处理下, 木质素含量越高, 质量损失越快。不同分解环境下凋落物质量和水溶性盐损失具有显著差异, 与15 cm埋深相比, 地表和2 cm埋深处理显著增加了凋落物的质量损失和水溶性盐总量损失。地表处理增加了凋落物分解前期的水溶性盐溶解量。该研究表明, 极端干旱区凋落物分解的驱动机制具有独特性, 由于降水稀少, 土壤微生物的活性较低, 掩埋深度不是驱动凋落物分解的主要因素, 极端干旱区凋落物的分解主要受其他非生物过程如太阳光辐射的影响。     

枸杞岛海藻场6种大型海藻光合荧光特性比较

海藻光合荧光特性研究对分析藻类光合作用和固碳能力具有重要的作用.利用水下调制荧光仪(DIVING-PAM)测定了枸杞岛后头湾夏季常见6种大型海藻孔石莼、斯氏刚毛藻、舌状蜈蚣藻、鼠尾藻、多管藻和羊栖菜的量子产量、快速光曲线(RLC)相关参数.结果显示: 6种常见海藻孔石莼、斯氏刚毛藻、舌状蜈蚣藻、鼠尾藻、多管藻和羊栖菜最大量子产量(F_v/F_m)分别为0.702、0.704、0.457、0.618、0.421、0.567,各物种的开放PSⅡ反应中心原初光能捕获效率(F_v′/F_m′)的大小依次是斯氏刚毛藻>孔石莼>鼠尾藻>羊栖菜>舌状蜈蚣藻>多管藻,且孔石莼、斯氏刚毛藻、羊栖菜的F_v′/F_m′与其他5种大型海藻的差异均达到显著水平;在快速光响应曲线中,羊栖菜、鼠尾藻和孔石莼的最大相对电子传递速率与初始斜率α较高,证明其具有较强的光合能力和捕光能力;舌状蜈蚣藻较高的RLC初始斜率α和较低的I_k表明其有较强的耐弱光能力.3种门类大型海藻之间光合特性有较为显著的差异,其中褐藻门的羊栖菜、鼠尾藻与绿藻门的孔石莼拥有极高的光合活性和抗强光能力,研究结果可为藻场保护工作和大型海藻固碳能力评估提供理论依据.     

药用植物博落回形态与发育解剖学研究

博落回(Macleaya cordata)是罂粟科含有异喹啉生物碱的主要药用植物, 其生物碱提取物具有多种药理活性。目前对博落回的研究主要集中在生物碱的成分、活性和药理等方面, 对与其合成、运输、储藏密切相关的发育解剖结构及生物碱组织化学定位研究还未见报道。该文报道了温室中生长的博落回植株形态特征, 并结合徒手切片和改良碘化铋钾沉淀的方法对主要器官(根、茎、叶)的发育结构和生物碱组织化学染色进行了初步分析。结果表明, 博落回发育基本遵循一般双子叶植物的规律。根中生物碱出现在中柱鞘外的薄壁细胞和导管周围。茎和叶柄中的生物碱主要出现在维管束周围, 偶尔也出现在茎的髓细胞中。总体上, 茎中的生物碱积累量少于根。     

Responses of growth and litterfall production to nitrogen addition treatments from common shrublands in Mt. Dongling,Beijing, China

Aims The shrublands of northern China have poor soil and nitrogen (N) deposition has greatly increased the local soil available N for decades. Shrub growth is one of important components of C sequestration in shrublands and litterfall acts as a vital link between plants and soil. Both are key factors in nutrient and energy cycling of terrestrial ecosystems, which greatly affected by nitrogen (N) addition (adding N fertilizer to the surface soil directly). However, the effects and significance of N addition on C sequestration and litterfall in shrublands remain unclear. Thus, a study was designed to investigate how N deposition and related treatments affected shrublands growth related to C sequestration and litterfall production of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla and Spiraea salicifolia in Mt. Dongling region of China.
Methods A N enrichment experiment has been conducted for V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia shrublands in Mt. Dongling, Beijing, including four N addition treatment levels (control (N₀, 0 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), low N (N₁, 20 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1), medium N (N₂, 50 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1) and high N (N₃, 100 kg N·hm^-2·a^-1)). Basal diameter and plant height of shrub were measured from 2012-2013 within all treatments, and allometric models for different species of shrub’s live branch, leaf and root biomass were developed based on independent variables of basal diameter and plant height, which will be used to calculate biomass increment of shrub layer. Litterfall (litterfall sometimes is named litter, referring to the collective name for all organic matter produced by the aboveground part of plants and returned to the surface, and mainly includes leaves, bark, dead twigs, flowers and fruits.) also was investigated from 2012-2013 within all treatments.
Important findings The results showed 1) mean basal diameter of shrubs in the V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia shrublands were increased by 1.69%, 2.78%, 2.51%, 1.80% and 1.38%, 1.37%, 1.59%, 2.05% every year; 2) The height growth rate (the shrub height relative growth rate is defined with the percentage increase of plant height) of shrubs in the V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia shrublands were 8.36%, 8.48%, 9.49%, 9.83% and 2.12%, 2.86%, 2.36%, 2.52% every year, respectively. Thee results indicated that N deposition stimulated growth of shrub layer both in V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia shrublands, but did not reach statistical significance among all nitrogen treatments. The above-ground biomass increment of shrub layer in the V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia shrublands were 0.19, 0.23, 0.14, 0.15 and 0.027, 0.025, 0.032, 0.041 t C·hm^-2·a^-1 respectively, which demonstrated that short-term N addition had no significant effects on the accumulation of C storage of the two shrublands. The litter production of the V. negundo var. heterophylla and S. salicifolia communities in 2013 were 135.7 and 129.6 g·m^-2 under natural conditions, respectively. Nitrogen addition promoted annual production of total litterfall and different components of litterfall to a certain extent, but did not reach statistical significance among all nitrogen treatments. Above results indicated that short-term fertilization, together with extremely low soil moisture content and other related factors, lead to inefficient use of soil available nitrogen and slow response of shrublands to N addition treatments.     

Traits of shrubs in forests and bushes reveal different life strategies

灌木是森林和灌丛生态系统的重要组成部分, 探究森林与灌丛灌木功能性状的差异, 可揭示灌木在不同生境的适应策略。该研究以金华北山森林群落林下灌木层、低山灌丛和山顶灌丛共24个样地中的优势灌木为研究对象, 分析叶片和小枝9个功能性状在3种生境下的总体差异, 以及种间、种内变异和不同生活型的差异。结果表明: 1) 9个性状在3种不同生境下存在差异。林下灌木具有较大的叶面积和比叶面积, 较小的叶干物质含量、叶和小枝的组织密度, 低山灌丛相较于山顶灌丛具有较大的叶厚度、叶组织密度和较小的比叶面积、小枝干物质含量。2)林下灌木的比叶面积、小枝直径、小枝组织密度和小枝干物质含量的种内种间变异系数最大, 低山灌丛的比叶面积、叶和小枝的干物质含量、叶和小枝的组织密度的种内种间变异系数最小。3)不同生活型间, 林下常绿灌木的叶厚度、叶组织密度、叶干物质含量显著高于落叶灌木, 落叶灌木的比叶面积显著高于常绿灌木, 而山顶灌丛叶厚度和比叶面积的差异规律与林下灌木相同, 叶组织密度和叶干物质含量的差异与其相反。4)影响灌木性状的主要因素是物种以及物种和生境的交互作用。总之, 森林群落林下灌木形成较大叶面积和比叶面积, 较小叶和小枝组织密度、叶干物质含量的性状组合, 以快速生长而适应光照较弱、竞争作用强的林下环境, 是资源获取型策略; 低山灌丛和山顶灌丛具有较大叶厚度、组织密度、干物质含量和小枝组织密度和较小叶面积、比叶面积等一系列储存养分、慢速生长的性状组合, 属于资源保守型策略。灌木植物性状的不同组合及其所反映的不同生活策略, 对亚热带地区退化植被的生态恢复具有指导意义。     

Predicting the global areas for potential distribution of Gastrodia elata based on ecological niche models

Aims Previous studies on the globally suitable areas for growing the medicinal plant Gastrodia elata is lacking. This study aims to predict the global areas for potential distribution of this plant based on multiple ecological niche models. Methods A total of 220 global distribution points of G. elata and 19 ecological variables were compiled and eight environmental variables were selected for the model training. Three ecological niche models, including BIOCLIM, DOMAIN, and MAXENT, were used to predict the global areas for potential distribution of G. elata. The resulting data of different models were analyzed and compared with two statistical criteria: the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and Kappa value. Important findings The predictions of the three models are basically identical, showing that the global areas for potential distribution of G. elata are predominantly in the range of 20° N to 50° N in Asia, mainly in China, South Korea and Japan. A small proportion of the suitable areas occur in India, Nepal and the European countries near Mediterranean. The most suitable areas distribute in provinces close to the Sichuan Basin and the central East China, the mid-eastern parts of South Korea such as Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam- do, and the Kyushu region and the Shikoku region on Japan’s main island. Therefore, these three countries can be used as the main production areas of G. elata for its commercial development. The AUC average values of the three models are all above 0.9 and the Kappa average values all above 0.65, justifying their applications for predicting the potential areas of G. elata. Among them, the MAXENT model appears to perform the best, followed by DOMAIN and BIOCLIM.     

Characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry across components of forest ecosystem in Shaanxi Province

Aims Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry between vegetation, litter, and soil were important for understanding biogeochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, but remain poorly understood. Here, our aims were to study characteristics of N and P stoichiometry for the plant, litter, and soil and the interactions between its components across forest ecosystems in Shaanxi Province.Methods A total of 121 sampling sites, covering the most main forest types in Shaanxi, were established across the whole province in 2012. And N and P concentration of vegetation (tree and understory), litter and soil layers were measured for each site.Important findings 1) There were significant differences in the N and P stoichiometry among the forest ecosystem components (p < 0.05). N and P contents were higher in understory and litter layer, and lower in tree and soil. Whereas the N:P was slightly different, highest in litter and lowest in the soil layer, with little differences among remaining components. The contents of N, P and N:P ranged from 0.72 to11.99 mg·g^-1, 0.47 to 1.07 mg·g^-1, and 1.86 to 14.84, respectively. Within top 1 m soil layer N content and N:P decreased with soil depth (p < 0.05), however the P content did not exhibit significant changes. 2) N and P contents, and N:P of each component were higher in broadleaf forest than in coniferous forest, although the difference is not significant. 3) N was positively correlated with P content except for soil and N:P was negatively correlated with P content, but positively correlated with N content within each component. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation for N and P stoichiometric characteristics between litter layer and tree, herb, soil layer. 4) Although spatial pattern of N and P contents, and N:P differed in relation to longitude, latitude, and elevation for forest ecosystem components, a stable distribution was exhibited in general.     

Effects of light intensity variation on nitrogen and phosphorus contents,allocation and limitation in five shade-enduring plants

Aims To enhance the understanding on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) physiological responses to different light environments in shade-enduring plants and provide references to improve the stand structure and ecosystem functions of plantation forests.Methods We selected seedlings of five shade-enduring species with high ecological and economic value in subtropical area of China to study the effects of light intensity on leaf N and P contents, allocation and nutrient limitation in shade-enduring plants. A light intensity gradient of five different levels was set to simulate the varying understory light environment.Important findings With decreasing light intensity, the total biomass and total N and P accumulation of five shade-enduring plants all showed a decreasing trend, but N, P contents in different organs increased. Among them, Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) had the highest while Illicium henryi (IH) had the lowest N content; The P contents of Quercus phillyraeoides (QP) and GJ were significantly higher than Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ES), Ardisia crenata (AC) and IH. QP and GJ had the highest N, P contents under extremely low light intensity (6% natural light intensity) condition (LIC), while AC and IH had the highest N and P contents in low (15% natural light intensity) and moderate (33% and 52% natural light intensity) LIC. ES demanded differently for LIC on N and P, which were 52% and 6% natural light intensity, respectively. N and P allocation of ES, AC and IH followed leaf > root > stem, but for QP and GJ were root > leaf > stem. Decreasing LIC significantly affected N and P allocation. N content variations shown good consistency among different organs under higher LIC (100% natural light intensity) while distinct variability under lower LIC (15% and 6% natural light intensity) in all five species. Phosphorus contents exhibited good consistency in IH, QP and GJ but varied in ES and AC. Decreasing LIC significantly affected organ N/P ratios of shade-enduring plants, but the fundamental growth restriction patterns remained. Light intensity variation and tree species co-regulated N, P utilization and allocation in shade-enduring plants, and then affected the total biomass and total N, P accumulation, which might result from the change of N and P utilization strategy. Therefore, light intensity preference and N, P nutrient balances in shade-enduring plants should be taken into account when constructing multiple layer and uneven-aged forests.     

Effects of peach branches returning on autotoxins and microbes in soil and tree growth of peaches

Aims This study aimed to investigate the effects of branch returning on the growth of peach (Amygdalus persica "Chunmei/Maotao") saplings, soil enzyme activity, and soil contents of phenolic acids and amygdalin, thereby providing scientific evidence against the application of branch returning for peach trees. Methods One-year-old potted peach tree (Amygdalus persica "Chunmei/Maotao") was used in this study with four agricultural treatments applied, including soil coverage by fragmented peach tree branches (fragment treatment;1.5 and 22.5 g·kg^-1) and applying leachate solutions of peach tree branches to soil (leachate treatment; 1.5 and 22.5 g·kg^-1). No branch addition was used as control (CK). Solid phase extraction, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), biological high-throughput sequencing was used to determine the content of autotoxic substances, and microbial community structure in soil. Soil coverage and leachate solution treatments of 30 g and 450 g branches applied to the peach trees were described as 1.5 and 22.5 g·kg^-1, respectively in this paper.Important findings Compared with CK, the phenolic acid and amygdalin contents significantly increased after both fragment and leachate treatments in high quantities (22.5 g·kg^-1). Soil microbial community structure altered in both treatments, with the proportion of fungi (particularly Agaricomycetes, Tubeufia and Cystofilobasidiaceae) increased significantly and bacteria decreased accordingly. Invertase activity in both high-quantity treatments exceeded that in the CK significantly. The activity of catalase and urease was higher at first and then decreased relative to CK under high-quantity fragment and leachate treatments. Specifically, the effect of leachate treatment on enzyme activity was higher than the fragment treatment in the short term. Chlorophyll content, ground diameter (diameter of 5 cm from the ground) growth and net photosynthesis rate of plants were lower in high-quantity fragment and leachate treatments than those in CK, with earlier retardation of new shoot growth. We observed an increase in soil phenolic acids and enzymes in treatments in normal pruning quantity, while no inhibition effect was found on the tree growth. In conclusion, autotoxins (such as phenolic acid and amygdalin) inhibited the growth of peach trees both directly and indirectly through changing soil enzyme activity and microbial community.