Carbon fluxes in the rhizosphere of sweet chestnut seedlings (Castanea sativa) grown under two atmospheric CO2 concentrations: 14C partitioning after pulse labelling

Partitioning of ¹⁴C was assessed in sweet chestnut seedlings (Castanea sativa Mill.) grown in ambient and elevated atmospheric [CO₂] environments during two vegetative cycles. The seedlings were exposed to ¹⁴CO₂ atmosphere in both high and low [CO₂] environments for a 6-day pulse period under controlled laboratory conditions. Six days after exposure to ¹⁴CO₂, the plants were harvested, their dry mass and the radioactivity were evaluated. ¹⁴C concentration in plant tissues, root-soil system respiratory outputs and soil residues (rhizodeposition) were measured. Root production and rhizodeposition were increased in plants growing in elevated atmospheric [CO₂]. When measuring total respiration, i.e. CO₂ released from the root/soil system, it is difficult to separate CO₂ originating from roots and that coming from the rhizospheric microflora. For this reason a model accounting for kinetics of exudate mineralization was used to estimate respiration of rhizospheric microflora and roots separately. Root activity (respiration and exudation) was increased at the higher atmospheric CO₂ concentration. The proportion attributed to root respiration accounted for 70 to 90% of the total respiration. Microbial respiration was related to the amount of organic carbon available in the rhizosphere and showed a seasonal variation dependent upon the balance of root exudation and respiration. The increased carbon assimilated by plants grown under elevated atmospheric [CO₂] stayed equally distributed between these increased root activities. ei]H Lambers     

Effect of elevated CO2 on carbon partitioning and exudate release from Plantago lanceolata seedlings

Plantago lanceolata L. seedlings were grown in sand microcosm units over a 43‐day experimental period under two CO₂ regimes (800 or 400 µmol mol⁻¹) to investigate the effect of elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentration on carbon partitioning and exudate release. Total organic carbon (TOC) content of the collected exudate material was measured throughout the experimental period. After 42 days growth the seedlings were labelled with [¹⁴C]‐CO₂ and the fate of the label within the plant and its release by the roots monitored. Elevated CO₂ significantly (P ≤ 0.001) enhanced shoot, root and total dry matter production although the R:S ratio was unaltered, suggesting no alteration in gross carbon partitioning. The cumulative release of TOC (in mg C) over 0‐42 days was unaltered by CO₂ treatment however, when expressed as a percentage of net assimilated C, ambient‐grown plants released a significantly (P≤ 0.001) higher percentage from their roots compared to elevated CO₂‐grown plants (i.e. 8 vs 3%). The distribution of ¹⁴C‐label was markedly altered by CO₂ treatment with significantly (P≤ 0.001) greater per cent label partitioned to the roots under elevated CO₂. This indicates increased partitioning of recent assimilate below‐ground under elevated CO₂ treatment although there was no significant difference in the percentage of ¹⁴C‐label released by the roots. Comparison of plant C budgets based on ¹⁴C‐pulse‐chase methodology and TOC measurements is discussed.     

Photosynthetic acclimation to photon irradiance and its relation to chlorophyll fluorescence and carbon assimilation in the halotolerant green alga Dunaliella viridis

This work describes the long-term acclimation of the halotolerant microalga Dunaliella viridis to different photon irradiance, ranging from darkness to 1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. In order to assess the effects of long-term photoinhibition, changes in oxygen production rate, pigment composition, xanthophyll cycle and in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence using the saturating pulse method were measured. Growth rate was maximal at intermediate irradiance (250 and 700 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). The increase in growth irradiance from 700 to 1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ did not lead to further significant changes in pigment composition or EPS, indicating saturation in the pigment response to high light. Changes in Photosystem II optimum quantum yield (F_v/F_m) evidenced photoinhibition at 700 and especially at 1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. The relation between photosynthetic electron flow rate and photosyntetic O₂ evolution was linear for cultures in darkness shifting to curvilinear as growth irradiance increased, suggesting the interference of the energy dissipation processes in oxygen evolution. Carbon assimilation efficiencies were studied in relation to changes in growth rate, internal carbon and nitrogen composition, and organic carbon released to the external medium. All illuminated cultures showed a high capability to maintain a C:N ratio between 6 and 7. The percentage of organic carbon released to the external medium increased to its maximum under high irradiance (1500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). These results suggest that the release of organic carbon could act as a secondary dissipation process when the xanthophyll cycle is saturated. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A novel method of quantifying root exudation in the presence of soil microflora

A microcosm is described in which root exudation may be estimated in the presence of microorganisms. Ryegrass seedlings are grown in microcosms in which roots were spatially separated from a microbial inoculant by a Millipore membrane. Seedlings grown in the microcosms were labelled with [¹⁴C]-CO₂, and the fate of the label within the plant and rhizosphere was determined. Inoculation of the microcosms with Cladosporium resinae increased net fixation of the [¹⁴C] label compared to plants grown under sterile conditions. Inoculation also increased root exudation. The use of the microcosm was illustrated and its applications discussed.     

Assimilation and release of 14C in a tropical strain of Cryptomonas obovata (Cryptophyceae) exposed to several irradiances

Carbon assimilation (¹⁴C) and dissolved organic carbon (DO¹⁴C) release by a tropical strain of Cryptomonas obovata was studied. Cells were exposed to a range of irradiances (0-2000 mol m^-2 s^-1) using axenic batch cultures in the laboratory (Ek = 180 mol m^-2s^-1). At up to 2000 mol m^-2s^-1, carbon assimilation was not inhibited and an acclimation to low irradiances was observed. DO¹⁴C release was dependent on carbon fixation and no increase was detected under high irradiances. To determine particulate organic carbon (PO¹⁴C) loss and CO¹⁴C release cells acclimated to 350 mol m^-2 s^-1 were incubated during 4 h at 35, 350, 850 and 1900 mol m^-2 s^-1. DO¹⁴C release was responsible for 30% of the PO¹⁴C loss at 1900 mol m^-2s^-1. High- and low-molecular-weight (HMW, LMW) compounds were released by C.obovata under all irradiance conditions. However, increased release with exposure time was observed only for the HMW compounds.      

Turnover and distribution of root exudates of Zea mays

Decomposition and distribution of root exudates of Zea mays L. were studied by means of ¹⁴CO₂ pulse labeling of shoots on a loamy Haplic Luvisol. Plants were grown in two-compartment pots, where the lower part was separated from the roots by monofilament gauze. Root hairs, but not roots, penetrated through the gauze into the lower part of the soil. The root-free soil in the lower compartment was either sterilized with cycloheximide and streptomycin or remained non-sterile. In order to investigate exudate distribution, 3 days after the ¹⁴C labeling, the lower soil part was frozen and sliced into 15, one-mm thick layers using a microtome. Cumulative ¹⁴CO₂ efflux from the soil during the first 3 days after ¹⁴C pulse labeling did not change during plant growth and amounted to about 13–20% of the total recovered ¹⁴C (41–55% of the carbon translocated below ground). Nighttime rate of total CO₂ efflux was 1.5 times lower than during daytime because of tight coupling of exudation with photosynthesis intensity. The average CO₂ efflux from the soil with Zea mays was about 74 g C g^–1 day^–1 (22 g C m^–2 day^–1), although, the contribution of plant roots to the total CO₂ efflux from the soil was about 78%, and only 22% was respired from the soil organic matter. Zea mays transferred about 4 g m^–2 of carbon under ground during 26 days of growth. Three zones of exudate concentrations were identified from the distribution of the ¹⁴C-activity in rhizosphere profiles after two labeling periods: (1) 1–2 (3) mm (maximal concentration of exudates) 2) 3–5 mm (presence of exudates is caused by their diffusion from the zone 1); (3) 6–10 mm (very insignificant amounts of exudates diffused from the previous zones). At the distance further than 10 mm no exudates were found. The calculated coefficient of exudate diffusion in the soil was 1.9 × 10^–7 cm² s^–1.     

广西不同林龄杉木、马尾松人工林根系生物量及碳储量特征

为了解不同林龄杉木、马尾松人工林地地下根系生物量及碳储量特征,以广西杉木、马尾松主产区5个不同林龄阶段(幼龄林、中龄林、近熟林、成熟林、过熟林)的人工林为研究对象,采用全根挖掘法和土钻法获取标准木根系生物量、灌草根系生物量和林分细根生物量,并测定其碳含量,分析其不同林龄阶段地下根系生物量和碳储量分配特征。结果表明:杉木、马尾松林地下根系总生物量分别在9.06—31.40Mg/hm~2和7.91—53.40Mg/hm~2之间,各林龄阶段根系总生物量总体上呈现随林龄增加而增加的趋势,杉木林细根生物量随林龄的增加呈现出先减后增的趋势,马尾松呈现出逐渐减小的趋势;林分各层次根系碳含量表现为乔木灌木草本、细根;杉木、马尾松地下根系碳储量变化趋势与生物量变化趋势相同,杉木、马尾松林不同林龄阶段各层次根系和土壤细根总碳储量分别在7.56—21.97Mg/hm~2和8.86—29.95Mg/hm~2之间;地下根系碳储量总体上以乔木根系占优势,且随林龄的增大其比例呈增加的趋势。     

Significance of organic nitrogen acquisition for dominant plant species in an alpine meadow on the Tibet plateau, China

Though the potential of plants to take up organic N (e.g., amino acids) is well established, the true significance of organic N acquisition to plant N nutrition has not yet been quantified under field conditions. Here we demonstrate that organic N contributes significantly to the annual N uptake of three dominant plant species (Kobresia humilis, Saussurea superba and Stipa aliena) of alpine meadows on the Tibet Plateau, China. This was achieved by using double-labelled (¹⁴C and ¹⁵N) algae as a source for slow and continuous release of amino acids, and tracing both labels in the above- and below-ground plant biomass. Four months after addition of algae, between 0.5% and 2.6% of ¹⁴C and 5% and 14% of ¹⁵N from added algae were recovered in the plants, which translate into an uptake of organic N between 0.3 mg N m⁻² and 1.5 mg N m⁻². The calculated contribution of organic N to total N uptake was estimated to range between 21% and 35% for K. humilis, and between 13% and 21% for S. aliena and S. superba, respectively, implying that organic N uptake by grassland plants is quantitatively significant under field conditions in the studied alpine meadows. This finding has important ecological implications with regard to competition for organic N between microorganisms and plant roots.     

Relationship between net photosynthesis and leaf respiration in Mediterranean evergreen species

The relationship between net photosynthetic (P _N) and leaf respiration (R) rates of Quercus ilex, Phillyrea latifolia, Myrtus communis, Arbutus unedo, and Cistus incanus was monitored in the period February 2006 to February 2007. The species investigated had low R and P _N during winter, increasing from March to May, when mean air temperature reached 19.2 °C. During the favourable period, C. incanus and A. unedo had a higher mean P _N (16.4±2.4 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) than P. latifolia, Q. ilex, and M. communis (10.0±1.3 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹). The highest R (1.89±0.30 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, mean of the species), associated to a significant P _N decrease (62 % of the maximum, mean value of the species), was measured in July (mean R/P _N ratio 0.447±0.091). Q₁₀, indicating the respiration sensitivity to short-term temperature increase, was in the range 1.49 to 2.21. Global change might modify R/P _N determining differences in dry matter accumulation among the species, and Q. ilex and P. latifolia might be the most favoured species by their ability to maintain sufficiently higher P _N and lower R during stress periods.     

南亚热带红锥、杉木纯林与混交林碳贮量比较

造林再造林作为新增碳汇的一种有效途径,受到国际社会的广泛关注。如何通过改变林分树种组成,优化造林模式提高人工林生态系统碳贮量已成为国内外学者关注的重点。通过样方调查和生物量实测相结合的方法,对南亚热带26年生红锥纯林(PCH)、杉木纯林(PCL)及红锥×杉木混交林(MCC)生态系统各组分碳含量、碳贮量及其分配特征进行了比较研究。结果表明:杉木、红锥各器官平均碳含量分别为492.1—545.7 g/kg和486.7—524.1 g/kg。相同树种不同器官以及不同树种的相同器官间碳含量差异显著(P0.05)。红锥各器官碳含量的平均值(521.3 g/kg)高于杉木(504.7 g/kg)。不同林分间地被物碳含量大小顺序为PCHMCCPCL;不同树种之间的土壤碳含量差异显著(P0.05),0—100 cm土壤平均碳含量为PCLMCCPCH。生态系统碳贮量大小顺序为PCL(169.49 t/hm2)MCC(141.18 t/hm2)PCL(129.20 t/hm2),相同组分不同林分以及相同林分的不同组分碳贮量均存在显著差异(P0.05)。造林模式对人工林碳贮量及其分配规律有显著影响,营建混交林有利于红锥生物量和土壤碳的累积,而营建纯林有利于杉木人工林生物量碳的吸收,也有利于土壤碳的固定。因而,混交林的固碳功能未必高于纯林,在选择碳汇林的造林模式时,应以充分考虑不同树种的固碳特性。     

The effect of living plants on root decomposition of four grass species

We tested whether living plant roots of Holcus lanatus and Festuca ovina can affect the decomposition rate of dead roots of Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Festuca ovina. Moreover, we investigated whether this effect is dependent on the decomposing root species or the nitrogen supply during the growth of the roots. The selected perennial grass species are typical of grassland habitats in a range from high to low nitrogen availability: H. lanatus, F. rubra, A. odoratum and F. ovina. Seedlings of these species were homogeneously labelled with ¹⁴CO₂ for eight weeks. Plants were grown on soil at two nitrogen levels: one without additional nitrogen and one with nitrogen addition (14 g N m⁻²).
At the start of the decomposition experiment ¹⁴C labelled roots were separated from soil and incubated in litterbags (mesh width 1 mm) in fresh soil. These ¹⁴C labelled roots were left to decompose for 19 weeks in an open greenhouse in soil planted with H. lanatus or F. ovina and in unplanted soil. After the incubation period, the decomposition of the ¹⁴C labelled roots of the four species was measured. The mass and ¹⁴C losses from the dead roots were calculated and the living plant biomass and C, N and P contents of the living plants were measured.
Living plant roots of F. ovina had positive effects on the decomposition rate of F. ovina root litter, but dead A. odoratum roots from the N fertilized treatment decomposed slower in the presence of living F. ovina plants. It seems likely that living plants like F. ovina exude carbon compounds that stimulate the growth of soil microbes and thereby increase dead root decomposition and mineralization. Root decomposition rates differed among the species. We found no evidence to support our hypothesis that dead roots of high fertility species (i.e. H. lanatus and F. rubra) decompose faster than dead roots of low fertility species (i.e. A. odoratum and F. ovina). In unplanted soil, the mass loss and total ¹⁴C loss from A. odoratum dead roots were higher than those from H. lanatus, F. rubra and F. ovina dead roots. Dead roots of F. ovina lost less mass and total ¹⁴C than dead roots of H. lanatus.     

THE DISTRIBUTION OF PHOTOSYNTHATE IN ASCOPHYLLUM NODOSUM AS IT RELATES TO EPIPHYTIC POLYSIPHONIA LANOSA12

The brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum is not a major source of organic carbon for its epiphytic red alga Polysiphonia lanosa. Plants pulse-labeled for 24–25 hr with NaH¹⁴CO₃ were examined for exudation and translocation. The maximum amount of radioactive carbon compounds lost from A. nodosum during this experimental period was less than 0.3% of the total ¹⁴C fixed by the alga, and of this amount, only 5% could, have moved through the frond. The remaining fraction of the ¹⁴C lost from the thallus was released into the water. The total exudate from A. nodosum was collected for 1 week in a series of flasks of filtered seawater changed at 12-hr intervals corresponding with the beginning of the light and dark periods, respectively. During 7 days at 15 C only 1.5% of the total ¹⁴C originally fixed had been released as radioactive organic carbon, whereas at 5 C, 0.6% of the total ¹⁴C fixed was found in the medium. No significant difference in the rate of exudation of organic ¹⁴C was observed in light or darkness. After fractionation of the exudate it was found that only 10% of the radioactivity in these exudates was composed of organic acids or amino acids. P. lanosa, on the other hand, is perfectly capable of fixing its own carbon. The photosynthetic rates measured by H¹⁴CO₃ uptake confirm the observations of Bidwell: 3.96 mg CO₂/g/hr (0.09 m mole/g/hr).     

Photosynthetic characteristics of dipterocarp species planted on degraded sandy soils in southern Thailand

To elucidate whether dipterocarp species, dominant late-successional species of tropical forests in Southeast Asia, actually have a disadvantage when planted on open site in terms of their photosynthetic characteristics, we investigated photosynthesis in dipterocarp seedlings planted in the open on degraded sandy soils in southern Thailand. These species were compared with seedlings of Acacia mangium Willd., a fast-growing tropical leguminous tree, which is often planted on degraded open site in Southeast Asia. The dipterocarp seedlings had an irradiance-saturated net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal conductance (g _s), carboxylation efficiency, and photosynthetic capacity comparable to or superior to those of A. mangium. In particular, seedlings of Dipterocarpus obtusifolius Teijsm. ex Miq. showed an irradian-ce-saturated P _N of 21 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, a value higher than any previously reported for a dipterocarp species, accompanied by high g _s (0.7 mol m⁻² s⁻¹) and high photosynthetic capacity. Thus dipterocarp species do not necessarily have a disadvantage in terms of their photosynthetic characteristics on open sites with degraded sandy soils.     

Effect of total dissolved solids and irradiance on growth and toxin production by Nodularia spumigena

The objective of this work was to determine the influence of total dissolved solids/salinity (TDS mgL^-1) on growth and biomass specific rates of nodularin (hepatotoxin) production by Nodularia spumigena 001E isolated from Lake Alexandrina, South Australia. Maximum biomass yield (dry matter, chlorophyll a and particulate organic carbon/POC) at 80 μmol photon m^-2 s^-1 was recorded at 3300 mg TDS L^-1 and decreased at salinities above or below this value (p < 0.05). The maximum biomass yield (dry matter and chlorophyll a) at 30 μmol m^-2 s^-1 occurred at a higher salinity of 9900 mg TDS L^-1. Cultures grown at 80 μmol m^-2 s^-1, at a TDS> 6600 mg L^-1, had significantly (p < 0.05) lower nodularin content (ml^-1 medium) than cultures grown at the same salinities at 30 μmolm^-2 s^-1. The maximum total toxin concentration (mL^-1 medium) occurred at 9900 and 3300 mg TDS L^-1 at 30 μmol m^-2 s^-1and 80 μmol m^-2 s^-1 respectively. Toxin per unit biomass, expressed as dry matter, chlorophyll a and POC was similar for cultures grown at 30 μmol m^-2 s^-1 or 80 μmol m^-2s^-1 at salinities < 6600 mg TDS L^-1. At salinities > 9900 mg TDS L^-1 the toxin content per unit biomass decreased at both irradiances, however, cultures grown at 30 μmol m^-2s^-1 had a higher toxin content than those grown at 80 μmol m^-2 s^-1. The results indicate that not only do changes in irradiance and salinity directly influence growth and toxin production but that changes in irradiance affected the influence of salinity. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Function of Node Unit in Photosynthate Distribution to Root in Higher Plants

Leaf-root interaction is a critical factor for plant growth during maturation and activity of roots is maintained by a sufficient supply of photosynthates. To explain photosynthate distribution among organs in field crops, the node unit hypothesis is proposed. One node unit consists of a leaf and an upper adventitous root, as well as the axillary organs and the lower adventitious root, which is adjacent to one node. Using ¹⁴C as tracer, the carbon distribution system has been clarified using spring wheat, soybean, tomato, and potato. The interrelationship among organs from the strongest to the weakest is in the following order: (1) within the node unit > (2) between the node unit in the same or adjacent phyllotaxy > (3) in the main root or apical organs, which are adjacent to the node unit. Within the node unit, ¹⁴C assimilated in the leaf on the main stem tended to distribute to axillary organs in the same node unit. The ¹⁴C assimilated in the leaf of axillary organs tended to distribute within the axillary organs, including adventitious roots in the axillary organ and then translocated to the leaf on the main leaf of the same node unit. In different organs of the node unit in the same or adjacent phyllotaxy, ¹⁴C assimilated in the leaf on the main stem was also distributed to the organs (node unit) belonging to the same phyllotaxy in dicotyledons, while in monocotyledons, the effect of phyllotaxy on ¹⁴C distribution was not clear. Among roots/apical organs and node unit, ¹⁴C assimilated in the upper node unit was distributed to apical organs and ¹⁴C assimilated in the lower node unit was distributed to roots. Thus the node unit hypothesis of photosynthate distribution among organs is very important for understanding the high productivity of field crops.     

氮输入和水淹对短叶茳芏生长、养分及固碳的影响

外源氮输入显著改变河口湿地植物生长和固碳能力,进而影响河口湿地生态系统碳、氮循环过程。以闽江口湿地土著种短叶茳芏(Cyperus malaccensis)为研究对象,通过15个月的中型生态系实验,分析不同氮输入水平(CK,0 g N m~(-2)a~(-1);N8,8 g N m~(-2)a~(-1);N16,16 g N m~(-2)a~(-1))和2种水淹(T1,每天水淹时长2—3 h;T2,每天水淹时长11—12 h)处理对短叶茳芏生长、养分和固碳的影响,探讨短叶茳芏在环境变化下的生长、固碳特征。结果表明:T2处理株高极显著高于T1处理,N8、N16处理的植物株高显著高于CK处理,植物成熟季节的株高也极显著最高(P0.001)。水淹状况和植物生长期对短叶茳芏的密度有显著影响:T1处理密度极显著高于T2处理,植物成熟季节的密度也极显著最高(P0.001),但是氮输入没有显著提高植物密度。植物碳含量较为稳定,T2处理地上碳含量显著高于T1处理(P0.05),但是氮输入和植物生长期对地上碳含量影响不显著。氮输入水平、水淹状况和植物生长期则对植物地上氮含量都有显著影响(P0.05)。N8处理的植物地上生物量和固碳量极显著最高,CK处理极显著最低,植物成熟期的地上生物量和固碳量也极显著最大(P0.001),但是不同水淹处理植物生物量和固碳量无显著差异。闽江口湿地短叶茳芏具有较强的环境适应能力,在持续氮输入环境下,闽江口湿地的短叶茳芏可能向高潮滩拓展。     

Photoinhibition as a control on photosynthesis and production of Sphagnum mosses

The effect of high light intensity on photosynthesis and growth of Sphagnum moss species from Alaskan arctic tundra was studied under field and laboratory conditions. Field experiments consisted of experimental shading of mosses at sites normally exposed to full ambient irradiance, and removal of the vascular plant canopy from above mosses in tundra water track habitats. Moss growth was then monitored in the experimental plots and in adjacent control areas for 50 days from late June to early August 1988. In shaded plots total moss growth was 2–3 times higher than that measured in control plots, while significant reductions in moss growth were found in canopy removal plots. The possibility that photoinhibition of photosynthesis might occur under high-light conditions and affect growth was studied under controlled laboratory conditions with mosses collected from the arctic study site, as well as from a temperate location in the Sierra Nevada, California. After 2 days of high-light treatment (800 mol photons m^–2 s^–1) in a controlled environmental chamber, moss photosynthetic capacity was significantly lowered in both arctic and temperate samples, and did not recover during the 14-day experimental period. The observed decrease in photosynthetic capacity was correlated (r ²=0.735, P<0.001) with a decrease in the ratio of variable to maximum chlorophyll fluorescence (F _v/F _m) in arctic and temperate mosses. This relationship indicates photoinhibition of photosynthesis in both arctic and temperate mosses at even moderately high light intensities. It is suggested that susceptibility to photoinhibition and failure to photoacclimate to higher light intensities in Sphagnum spp. may be related to low tissue nitrogen levels in these exclusively ombrotrophic plants. Photoinhibition of photosynthesis leading to lowered annual carbon gain in Sphagnum mosses may be an important factor affecting CO₂ flux at the ecosystem level, given the abundance of these plants in Alaskan tussock tundra.     

Carbon and nitrogen in the root-zone of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) supplied with nitrogen fertilizer at two rates

Below-ground carbon (C) production and nitrogen (N) flows in the root-zone of barley supplied with high or low amounts of N-fertilizer were investigated. Interest was focused on the effect of the level of N-fertilizer on the production of root-derived C and on gross immobilization (i) and gross mineralization (m) rates. The plants were grown for 46 days in a sandy loam soil. Principles of pool dilution and changes in ¹⁵N pool abundances were used in conjunction with mathematical modelling to calculate the flows of N. N was applied at a high or a low rate, as (¹⁵NH₄)₂SO₄ solution (17.11 atom% ¹⁵N excess), before sowing. Nitrification was inhibited by using nitrapyrin (N-Serve). Pots were sampled four or five times during the experimental period, i.e. 0, 22, 30, 38 and 46 days after germination. On the three last sampling occasions, samples were also collected from pots in a growth chamber with ¹⁴C-labelled atmosphere.The release of ¹⁴C, measured as the proportion of the total ¹⁴C translocated below ground, was higher in the high-N treatment, but the differences between treatments were small. Our results were not conclusive in demonstrating that high-N levels stimulate the decomposition and microbial utilization of root-released materials. However, the internal circulation of soil-N, calculated N fluxes (m), which were in accordance with C mineralization rates and amounts of unlabelled N found in the plants (PU), suggested that the decomposition of native soil organic matter was hampered in the high-N treatment. Apparently, towards the end of the experimental period, microorganisms in the low-N treatment used C from soil organic matter to a greater extent than C they used from root released material, presumably because lower amounts of mineral N were available to microorganisms in the low-N treatment. Immobilization of N appeared to be soil driven (organisms decomposing soil organic matter account for the N demand) at low-N and root-driven (organisms decomposing roots and root-derived C account for the N demand) at high-N.Abbreviations AU Ammonium N-unlabelled - AL Ammonium N-labelled - AT Ammonium N-labelled and unlabelled (total) - NU Nitrate N-unlabelled - OU Organic N-unlabelled - OL Organic N-labelled - OT Organic N-total - PU Plant N-unlabelled (shoots and roots) - PL Plant N-labelled (shoots and roots) - PT Plant N-total (shoots and roots) - SL Sink or source of N-labelled - S Source or sink of N, mainly to and from the outer part of the cylinder - SU Sink or source of N-unlabelled - m Mineralization rate - i Immobilization rate - ua Uptake of ammonium - un Uptake of nitrate - la Loss of ammonium.     

近自然化改造对马尾松和杉木人工林生物量及其分配的影响

近自然化改造作为森林新增碳汇的最有希望的选择之一,将如何通过改变林分结构影响林分生物量和生产力进而影响林分固碳能力和潜力目前尚不清楚,因此,了解近自然化改造对人工林生物量及其分配的影响,对人工林生态系统碳管理具有重要意义。以马尾松近自然化改造林(P(CN))、马尾松未改造纯林(P(CK))、杉木近自然改造林(C(CN))和杉木未改造纯林(C(CK))4种人工林为研究对象,采用样方调查和生物量实测的方法,分析4种林分生物量差异,旨在揭示近自然化改造对马尾松和杉木人工林生物量及其分配的影响。结果表明:马尾松杉木人工林近自然化改造通过调整林分结构显著提升马尾松和杉木人工林生物量和生产力,8a后马尾松和杉木林分生物量分别增加46.71%和37.24%。乔木层生物量在林分生物量总量中占主导地位(95.48%-98.82%),并对林分生态系统总生物量变化起决定性作用。林分生物量和生产力的增加主要因为近自然化改造改变了林分群落结构,进而提高了乔木层生产力。研究结果表明,合理的经营措施不仅可以改善林分结构,提升林分生产力,并可为增强植被固碳能力创造有利条件。     

假单胞菌T1-3-2的抑菌特性及其对杉木的抗病促生作用

【背景】生物防治是“基于自然的解决方案”,有利于生态文明和可持续发展,开展生物防治技术研究的基础是明确菌株的生防作用和抑菌特性。【目的】探究杉木内生菌株T1-3-2的抑菌促生特性,为研制该菌株生防菌剂、防治杉木炭疽病(Cunninghamia lanceolata anthracnose)奠定基础。【方法】通过形态学特征、生理生化特性及16S rRNA基因序列分析,确定菌株T1-3-2的分类地位;通过平板对峙、菌落径向生长抑制率和平板倒扣等方法测定细菌及其挥发性气体和次级代谢产物的抑菌作用;同时,测定其促生作用和室内防效。【结果】菌株T1-3-2与桉生假单胞菌(Pseudomonas eucalypticola)亲缘性较近,属于假单胞菌属。该菌株对分属于6个属的10株靶标菌株具有较强的拮抗作用,尤其对炭疽菌属、拟盘多毛孢属、黑孢霉属和葡萄座腔菌属的6株靶标菌株抑制率高达80%以上。室内盆栽试验显示：菌株T1-3-2用Kings Medium B液体培养基的发酵菌液对杉木炭疽病的防效可达74.20%,同时能有效改善杉木幼苗的生长状况、增加生物量。【结论】菌株T1-3-2隶属于假单胞菌属,对杉木具有良好的抗病促生作用,是一株具有开发潜力的生防菌株。