西双版纳外来入侵植物及其共存种叶片氮、磷化学计量特征

诊断外来植物和本地种的资源利用方式是入侵生态学研究的热点问题。叶片氮(N)、磷(P)含量和化学计量特征可以反映受侵地区植物的N、P吸收能力和限制状况, 为把握外来植物的入侵能力、为本地植物共存或消失的机制提供基础科学依据。该研究以我国西南地区典型外来入侵植物(飞机草(Chromolaena odorata)、紫茎泽兰(又叫破坏草, Ageratina adenophora))及其共存的本地植物为对象, 探讨不同入侵条件下入侵种及其共存的本地植物的N、P利用策略。在云南西双版纳孔明山研究区, 调查了无入侵条件下和飞机草与紫茎泽兰的不同入侵程度(按入侵种生物量比例划分)下的物种数量和生物量, 分析了主要植物的叶片N、P含量和N:P值。结果显示: 尽管群落地上生物量随飞机草和紫茎泽兰入侵程度增加而增加, 但本地植物种数随飞机草和紫茎泽兰入侵程度增加而显著减少。飞机草与紫茎泽兰的叶片N、P平均含量无显著差异, 但均显著高于无入侵条件下的本地植物以及与其共存的本地植物。两种入侵植物的N、P含量均随它们所占样方总生物量的比例增大而升高, 本地植物N含量也有相似的变化趋势。当对比入侵和无入侵两类样方的同种植物N、P和N:P变化时发现多数本地种叶片P含量呈降低趋势, N含量和N:P呈升高趋势。根据叶片N、P绝对含量和N:P值及其随入侵的变化规律, 推测入侵可能提高了植物的N可利用性, 但本地植物仍然受N限制; 入侵植物N:P值总体小于10与其具有相对于N吸收的较高的P吸收能力有关。该研究揭示了西南典型外来入侵植物具有较强的N、P吸收富集能力。     

Effects of enhanced UV-B radiation and nitrogen deposition on the growth of invasive plant Triadica sebifera

Aims Exotic plant invasions are important components of global change, threatening both the stability and function of invaded ecosystems. Shifts in competitive ability of invasive plants versus their native congeners have been documented. Enhanced UV-B radiation and nitrogen (N) deposition might interact with soil biota communities impacting the invasion process of exotic plant species. To understand the potential effects by UV-B and N with soil biota on plant growth would enhance our understanding of the mechanisms in plant invasions in the context of global change.
Methods We conducted a full-factorial pot experiment in the native range (China) of Triadica sebifera invading US to investigate how UV-B radiation, N and soil biota together determined their seedling growth.
Important findings The results showed that UV-B radiation, N and soil sterilization together impacted the growth of T. sebifera seedlings. UV-B radiation induced changes in biomass allocation with larger leaf biomass observed in response to UV-B radiation. In addition, N increased aboveground biomass and decreased root biomass simultaneously. Soil biota imposed positive effects on growth of T. sebifera, and the addition of N amplified these positive effects. The negative effects by UV-B radiation on growth of T. sebifera showed no response to N addition. Plant height, leaf biomass and total biomass of the invasive T. sebifera populations out- performed those of the native ones. In addition, invasive T. sebifera populations weakened the dependence of root/shoot ratio and root biomass on local soil microorganisms than native populations, but enhanced that of leaf area ratio.     

Carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of Myrica nana in Yunnan,China

Aims Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play important roles in plant growth and physiological functions. We aimed at exploring the intrinsic relationships of C, N and P in Myrica nana—a common shrub in Yunnan Province—as well as their relationships with pant biomass and soil nutrients.
Methods We measured the concentration of C, N and P of M. nana from 29 sites for their magnitudes and correlations with soil nutrients.
Important findings 1) The arithmetic mean value of C, N and P concentration in the roots, stems and leaves of M. nana was 45.94%, 0.54%, 0.03%, and 46.32%, 0.58%, 0.03%, and 49.05%, 1.70%, 0.06%, respectively. C, N and P concentrations in the leaves were significantly higher than those in the roots and the stems. The C:N:P in roots, stems and leaves was 1531:18:1, 1544:19:1, and 818:10:1, respectively. 2) The C concentration and N:P in leaves of M. nana decreased with the increase of biomass of M. nana; the leaf C concentration was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.01), while the correlation between N:P and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). The leaf N increased with the increase of plant biomass, the P was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.05), but the correlation between N concentration and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). N:P in leaves was 34.2, suggesting that plant growth was limited by P. 3) C, N and P concentration in the roots were significantly correlated with soil P (p < 0.05), with N, P concentrations correlated with soil P positively (p < 0.01) and C negatively (p < 0.05). C concentration in the stems was significantly and negatively correlated with soil C, N, with significant correlation with C, N, and P concentration (p < 0.01). P concentration in the stems was significantly and positively correlated with soil P concentration (p < 0.01), while leaf P significantly and positively correlated with soil C, N and P (p < 0.01); leaf C concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with soil P (p < 0.01).     

Effects of nitrogen addition on photosynthetic characteristics of Leymus chinensis in the temperate grassland of Nei Mongol,China

Aims The increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition due to human activity and climate change greatly causes grassland ecosystems shifting from being naturally N-limited to N-eutrophic or N-saturated, and further affecting the growth of grass species. The aims of this study are: 1) to evaluate the effects of different N addition levels on morphology and photosynthetic characteristics of Leymus chinensis; 2) to determine the critical N level to facilitate L. chinensis growth.
Methods We conducted a different N addition levels experiment in dominant species in the temperate steppe of Nei Mongol. The aboveground biomass, morphological and leaf physiological traits, pigment contents, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and biochemical parameters of L. chinensis were investigated.
Important findings Our results showed that aboveground biomass first increased and then decreased with the increased N, having the highest values at the 10 g N·m^-2·a^?1 treatment, but the 25 g N·m^-2·a^?1 still significantly increased the aboveground biomass relative to 0 g N·m^-2·a^?1. Leymus chinensis accommodate low N situation through allocating less N to carboxylation system and decreasing leaf mass per area (LMA) in order to get more light energy. Moderate N addition captured more light energy through increasing total chlorophyll (Chl) contents and decreasing the ratio of Chl a/b. Moderate N addition increased LMA, carboxylation efficiency, maximum carboxylation rate (V_cmax), maximum electron transport rate (J_max) and decreased J_max/V_cmax, thus allocating more N to carboxylation system to enhance carboxylation capability. Moreover, the photochemical activity of PSII was increased through higher effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, electron transport rate and photochemical quenching coefficient. Excessive N addition had negative effects on physiological variables of L. chinensis due to lower carboxylation capability and photochemical activity of PSII, further leading to decreased net photosynthetic rate, whereas increased non-photochemical quenching coefficient and carotenoids played the role in the dissipation of excess excitation energy. Overall, moderate N addition facilitated the photosynthetic characteristics of dominant species, but excessive N addition inhibited photosynthetic characteristics. The most appropriate N addition for the growth of L. chinensis was 5-10 g N·m^-2·a^?1 in the temperate steppe of Nei Mongol, China.     

Biomass estimation models and allocation patterns of 14 shrub species in Mountain Luya,Shanxi, China

Aims Shrub species have evolved specific strategies to regulate biomass allocation among various organs or between above- and belowground biomass and shrub biomass model is an important approach to estimate biomass allocation among different shrub species. This study was designed to establish the optimal estimation models for each organ (leaf, stem, and root), aboveground and total biomass of 14 common shrub species in Mountain Luya, Shanxi Province, China. Furthermore, we explored biomass allocation characteristics of these shrub species by using the index of leaf biomass fraction (leaf to total biomass), stem biomass fraction (stem to total biomass), root biomass fraction (root to total biomass), and root to shoot mass ratio (R/S) (belowground to aboveground biomass).
Methods We used plant height, basal diameter, canopy diameter and their combination as variables to establish the optimal biomass estimation models for each shrub species. In addition, we used the ratios of leaf, stem, root to total biomass, and belowground to aboveground biomass to explore the difference of biomass allocation patterns of 14 shrub species.
Important findings Most of biomass estimation models could be well expressed by the exponential and linear functions. Biomass for shorter shrub species with more stems could be better estimated by canopy area; biomass for taller shrub species with less stems could be better estimated by the sum of the square of total base diameter multiply stem height; and biomass for the rest shrub species could be better estimated by canopy volume. The averaged value for these shrub species was 0.61, 0.17, 0.48, and 0.35 for R/S, leaf biomass fraction, stem biomass fraction, and root biomass fraction, respectively. Except for leaf biomass fraction, R/S, stem biomass fraction, and root biomass fraction for shrubs with thorn was significantly greater than that for shrubs without thorn.     

Plant nutrient dynamics and stoichiometric homeostasis of invasive species Spartina alterniflora and native Cyperus malaccensis var. brevifolius in the Minjiang River estuarine wetlands

Aims Stoichiometric homeostasis is an important mechanism in maintaining ecosystem structure, function, and stability. The invasion of exotic species, Spartina alterniflora, has largely threatened the structure and function of native ecosystems in the Minjiang River estuarine wetland. However, how S. alterniflora invasion affect plant stoichiometric homeostasis is largely unknown. This could enhance our understanding on wetland ecosystem stability and expand the applications of ecological stoichiometry theory.
Methods Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents of plant organs and soils in the S. alterniflora, Cyperus malaccensis var. brevifolius, and S. alterniflora-C. malaccensis var. brevifolius mixture were measured, and the homeostatic index (H) was calculated according to the stoichiometric homeostasis theory.
Important findings Our results showed that the invasion of S. alterniflora significantly increased soil N:P ratio (p < 0.05), but did not affect soil N or P contents. The N and P contents of leaf and stem were the highest for S. alterniflora, and those of the stem were the highest for C. malaccensis var. brevifolius. At the ecosystem level, the average of homeostatic index (H) of N (H_N, 25.31) was larger than those of P (H_P, 10.33) and N:P (H_N:P, 2.50). At the organ level, root H_N was significantly larger than stem H_N (p < 0.05) and sheath H_N:P was greater than root H_N:P (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference for H_P among root, stem, leaf, and sheath (p > 0.05). As for species, root H_N of S. alterniflora was significantly larger than that of C. malaccensis var. brevifolius in the mixture community (p < 0.05). In the monoculture, stem H_N:P of S. alterniflora was significantly higher than that of C. malaccensis var. brevifolius (p < 0.05). Furthermore, root H_N, leaf H_N and sheath H_N of S. alterniflora in the mixed community was significantly larger than that of S. alterniflora in the monoculture (p < 0.05), suggesting that S. alterniflora invasions increased their stoichiometric homeostasis. Meanwhile, the stoichiometric homeostasis of invasive and native plants were influenced by multiple factors, such as nutrients, organs, vegetation, and invasion. However, larger homeostasis was found in S. alterniflora than in C. malaccensis var. brevifolius in some particular organs either in mixture or monoculture communities. Therefore, the successful invasion of S. alterniflora may result from higher homeostatic index than the native species, C. malaccensis var. brevifolius.     

Effects of dew on eco-physiological traits and leaf structures of Leymus chinensis and Agropyron cristatum grown under drought stress

Aims To investigate the effects of dew on plants, we conducted the experiment to determine the physiological characteristics and leaf structures of Leymus chinensis and Agropyron cristatum in response to increasing dew under drought stress.Methods Four treatments (no dew, three times dew and five times dew per week under drought stress, and well-watering) were designed to examine leaf relative water content, water potential, net photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency, biomass, and leaf structures of L. chinensis and A. cristatum. Important findings There was a significant increase in the relative water content and water potential by simulated dew increase for two plants species under drought stress (p < 0.05). For A. cristatum, simulated dew increase significantly enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of plants under drought stress (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the stomatal conductance and transpiration rate for L. chinensis among treatments. Simulated dew increase improved the aboveground biomass and root biomass of two species. The ratio of yellow leaves to the total leaves was decreased by simulated dew increase for two species. Dew increase also protected leaf structures against the drought stress, suggesting that the dew increase can slow down the death process of leaves resulted from drought stress. Therefore, the study demonstrated that dew increased the available water for the leaves of L. chinensis and A. cristatum grown in the drought stress and thus had positive effects on the photosynthesis, water physiology and plant development.     

Response and correlation of above- and below-ground functional traits of Leymus chinensis to nitrogen and phosphorus additions

AimsLeymus chinensis is a constructive and dominant species in typical steppe of northern China. The structure and functions of L. chinensis grassland ecosystem has been degenerated seriously due to long-term overgrazing in recent decades. As an effective measure to restore the degraded grasslands, the effects of nutrient addition on plant growth and ecosystem structure and functioning have been paid more attention in manipulation experimental research. The effects of nutrient addition, especially P addition on the above- and below-ground functional traits of L. chinensis have rarely been studied; particularly the underpinning mechanisms remain unclear. Our objective is to examine the responses and adaptive mechanisms of L. chinensis to different levels of N and P additions. MethodsWe conducted a culture experiment in the greenhouse, with three levels of N (50, 100 and 250 mg N·kg^-1) and P (5, 10 and 25 mg P·kg^-1) addition treatments. The above- and below-ground biomass, leaf traits (e.g., specific leaf area, leaf N and P contents) and root traits (e.g., specific root length, root N and P contents) of L. chinensis were determined in this study.Important findings Our results showed that: 1) the aboveground biomass and total biomass of L. chinensis were mostly affected by N addition, while the belowground biomass was mainly affected by P addition. N addition greatly enhanced the aboveground biomass of L. chinensis, while P addition reduced the belowground biomass at the moderate and high N levels. The root-shoot ratio of L. chinensis was influenced by both N and P additions, and root-shoot ratio decreased with increasing N and P levels. N and P additions promoted more biomass and N and P allocations to aboveground and leaf biomass. 2) Leymus chinensis showed different responses and adaptive mechanisms to P addition at low and high N levels. At low N level, L. chinensis exhibited high photosynthetic rate and specific root length (SRL) to improve photosynthetic capacity and root N acquisition, which promoted aboveground biomass. High root P content was favorable for belowground biomass. At high N level, P addition did not significantly affect plant growth of L. chinensis, even reduced its belowground biomass. Leymus chinensis showed high specific leaf area (SLA) and SRL to improve light interception and N acquisition in order to maintain stable aboveground biomass. 3) P addition greatly impacted below-ground than above-ground functional traits. SLA exhibited a weakly positive correlation with SRL, indicating L. chinensis exhibited relatively independence of resource acquirement and utilization between leaf and root functional traits.     

水分和养分添加对羊草功能性状和地上生物量的影响

研究水分和养分添加对植物功能性状的影响, 对于揭示植物对环境变化的响应和适应规律至关重要。该文采用盆栽试验的方法, 进行不同水平水分处理(增水50%, 减水50%, 以498 mm降水量作为对照)和养分添加(无养分添加, 单施氮肥, 单施磷肥, 氮磷共施), 研究羊草(Leymus chinensis)的10种功能性状和地上生物量对水分和养分添加的响应。得出以下结论: (1)双因素方差分析结果表明, 水分主效应对羊草株高、分蘖数、茎生物量、叶生物量、叶面积、叶质量、净光合速率、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率存在显著影响; 养分主效应对羊草分蘖数、茎生物量、净光合速率、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率存在显著影响; 水分和养分的交互作用对羊草分蘖数、茎生物量、蒸腾速率、水分利用效率存在显著影响。(2)各功能性状对降水量的响应在不同养分添加水平是不同的, 分蘖数和叶面积在单施氮肥和氮磷共施条件下随降水量增加而增加, 而在无养分添加和单施磷肥条件下无显著变化; 茎生物量在无养分添加、单施氮肥和单施磷肥条件下随降水量增加而增加, 而在氮磷共施条件下无增加趋势; 比叶面积在单施氮肥条件下增水处理显著低于对照组, 而在其他养分添加条件下无明显变化。(3)短期氮磷处理显著影响羊草叶片光合生理性状, 而对叶形态性状影响不显著。(4)羊草地上生物量随降水量的增加呈现上升趋势, 并且在单施氮肥条件下, 增水处理使地上生物量达到最高, 为522.55 g·m ^-2。总之, 羊草的功能性状对降水量增加表现出明显的响应, 响应格局在不同养分条件下不同, 反映了其对水肥环境变化的适应。     

Estimation of biomass allocation and carbon density of Rhododendron simsii shrubland in the subtropical mountainous areas of China

Aims As an important potential carbon sink, shrubland ecosystem plays a vital role in global carbon balance and climate regulation. Our objectives were to derive appropriate regression models for shrub biomass estimation, and to reveal the biomass allocation pattern and carbon density in Rhododendron simsii shrubland.
Methods We conducted investigations in 27 plots, and developed biomass regression models for shrub species to estimate shrub biomass. The biomass of herb and litterfall were obtained through harvesting. Plant samples were collected from each plot to measure carbon content in different organs.
Important findings The results showed that the power and linear models were the most appropriate equation forms. The D and D²H (where D was the basal diameter (cm) and H was the shrub height (m)) were good predictors for organ biomass and total biomass of shrubs. All of the biomass models reached extremely significant level, and could be used to estimate shrub biomass with high accuracy. It was more difficult to predict leaf and annual branch biomass than stem biomass, because leaf and annual branch were susceptible to herbivores and inter-plant competition. The mean biomass of the shrub layer was 20.78 Mg·hm^-2, in which Rhododendron simsii and Symplocos paniculata biomass accounted for 93.63%. Influenced by both environment and species characteristics, the biomass of the shrub layer organs was in the order of stem > root > leaf > annual branch. The root:shoot ratio of the shrub layer was 0.32, which was less than other shrubs in subtropical regions. The relative higher aboveground biomass allocation reflected the adaptation of plants to the warm and humid environment for more photosynthesis. The mean total community biomass was 26.26 Mg·hm^-2, in which shrub layer, herb layer and litter layer accounted for 79.14%, 7.62% and 13.25%, respectively. Litter biomass was relatively high, which suggested that this community had high nutrient return. There were significant correlations among aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and total biomass of shrub layer and herb layer. The mean biomass carbon density of the community was 11.70 Mg·hm^-2 and the carbon content ratio was 44.55%. The carbon density was usually obtained using the conversion coefficient of 0.5 in previous studies, which could overestimate carbon density by 12.22%.     

氮磷添加对巨桉幼苗生物量分配和C:N:P化学计量特征的影响

巨桉(Eucalyptus grandis)是一种优良的速生用材树种, 了解氮(N)和磷(P)对巨桉生长、养分限制、化学计量特征的影响对于科学合理施肥具有重要意义。该实验以巨桉无性系组培苗为研究对象, 通过在酸性紫色土中设置不同施N或施P梯度, 研究巨桉幼苗各器官(根、茎、叶)生物量及碳(C)、N、P的分配和化学计量特征以及巨桉生长的养分限制状况。结果表明: 施N处理对巨桉根茎叶及总生物量的影响极显著, 增加了地上部分的生物量比例而显著降低了根系的生物量比例; 施P对巨桉幼苗总生物量影响不显著, 但显著提高了根的生物量分配比例, 对茎和叶的生物量分配没有显著影响。施N或施P显著改变了巨桉幼苗的N、P含量和化学计量比, 同时也显著影响了土壤与植物N:P的关系。施N可以促使酸性紫色土条件下巨桉对N的吸收而抑制对P的吸收, 施P则促进巨桉幼苗对P的吸收。施N对巨桉幼苗根茎叶的C、N、P分配特征有极显著影响, 而施P对巨桉幼苗根茎叶的C、N、P分配没有显著影响。施N极显著降低了巨桉幼苗N的利用率, 显著提高了P的利用率, 而施P处理极显著降低了巨桉幼苗P的利用率。从巨桉生物量沿施肥梯度和N:P的变化规律可以判断, 当叶片N:P < 15时, 巨桉的生长主要受到N的限制作用。施N可以显著地提高根茎叶的N:P比值, 缓解巨桉缺N的现象, 施P则进一步加剧了N元素的缺乏。     

入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花根际解钾菌多样性及解钾活性

入侵植物加拿大一枝黄花(Solidago canadensis)具有较强的钾(K)富集能力, 这可能和其对土壤微生物群落的改变有关。根际解钾菌能够将植物难以利用的矿物态钾转化为植物可以利用的可溶性钾, 而加拿大一枝黄花如何影响根际解钾菌多样性和解钾活性尚未明了。该研究以浙江省杭州湾湿地围垦区内自然生长的加拿大一枝黄花和其伴生本地植物白茅(Imperata cylindrica)为研究对象, 比较了加拿大一枝黄花和白茅体内及土壤中的钾含量水平, 钾供给水平对生物量积累的影响, 以及根际解钾菌的数量、多样性和解钾活性的差异。结果表明, 加拿大一枝黄花茎、叶中的钾含量均显著高于白茅, 分别是白茅的1.59和7.33倍; 加拿大一枝黄花和白茅的土壤全钾含量差异不显著, 速效钾含量在0-10 cm土层中差异显著、在10-20 cm土层中差异不显著。随着钾供应水平提高, 加拿大一枝黄花和白茅的生物量均显著增加。利用解钾培养基计数培养后发现, 加拿大一枝黄花根际解钾菌的数量是白茅的3.51倍。分离培养后将出现解钾圈的菌株进行鉴定, 利用解钾液体培养实验测定其解钾量, 发现从加拿大一枝黄花根际土中分离得到的15个解钾菌株中, 有9个具有高效解钾能力, 其处理液中K ⁺含量较空白对照高出85.11%-192.54%, 其中菌株H2-20解钾能力最强, 解钾量为10.657 mg·L ^-1。加拿大一枝黄花根际解钾菌解钾作用显著高于白茅。经16S rDNA鉴定发现, 加拿大一枝黄花15个根际解钾菌株分属11个属, 其中有6个属已经被报道证实具有明显解钾能力。这些结果表明加拿大一枝黄花根际解钾菌数量较为丰富, 且大多具有较高解钾活性, 可能对其钾富集具有重要贡献。     

滇南喀斯特地区不同季节土壤和灌木叶片化学计量特征及对水分添加的响应

干旱是影响南方喀斯特地区植物生长的重要限制因子, 气候变化会影响该地区的降水量和分布格局。研究该地区土壤和植物化学计量特征及其水分响应格局, 具有重要意义。自2017年4月开始, 在云南建水喀斯特植物群落进行加水试验, 2018年4月(旱季)和8月(雨季)分别采集土壤和优势灌木鞍叶羊蹄甲(Bauhinia brachycarpa)和假虎刺(Carissa spinarum)叶片样品, 测定碳、氢、氮、磷、硫、钾、钙、镁、铝、钠、铁、锰、锌、铜14种元素含量。结果表明, 水分添加影响了表层土壤中碳、氮、钠的含量, 相比于旱季, 雨季土壤中钠和硫含量明显减少, 其余土壤元素在水分添加和季节变化下并未表现出明显差异。土壤水分含量的增加使得鞍叶羊蹄甲和假虎刺叶片中钾含量下降, 钙含量上升。在水分条件变化下, 两种植物叶元素含量的稳定性与植物中元素的含量有关, 含量越接近极大值(基本元素碳、氢、氮等)或极小值(微量元素铜、锌等)的元素其变异系数越小(越稳定), 两种植物中含量接近于1 mg·g^-1的元素磷、硫、镁的变异系数最高。在土壤水分条件变化下, 假虎刺中碳、氮、磷等大量元素含量的稳定性显著高于鞍叶羊蹄甲。降水变化和水分添加导致的土壤水分变化, 对滇南喀斯特地区土壤和植物中不同元素含量的影响不同, 这些结果将为该地区的土壤、植被修复和管理提供科学参考。     

Effects of glyphosate on interspecific competition between Solidago canadensis and Imperata cylindrica

Aims The extensive use of herbicide to control invasive plants would change the relationship between alien and neighboring plants. In order to provide data for rational use of herbicide and a theoretical reference for further studies on the ecological effects of glyphosate, we explored the variation of the relationship between an invasive plant Solidago canadensis and a native plant Imperata cylindrica when they were sprayed glyphosate.
Methods A replacement series experiment was conducted from June to August 2016 in Wetland Ecosystem Research Station of Hangzhou Bay, State Forestry Administration, to examine the effects of glyphosate at seven concentration levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8 mL·L^-1) on the growth and interspecific competition of S. canadensis and I. cylindrica.
Important findings (1) Glyphosate treatment significantly inhibited the growth of S. canadensis and I. cylindrica (p < 0.05). During the test, cumulative growth of height and leaf number of S. canadensis were apparently reduced with the increase of glyphosate concentration, but the leaf number of S. canadensis treated with 0.3- 1.5 mL·L^-1 glyphosate was re-growing with time, while the one treated with 1.8 mL·L^-1 was mostly dead. The withering rate of tiller and green leaf of I. cylindrica also significantly increased with the increase of glyphosate concentration, and the growth indices of this plant treated with 0.3-0.6 mL·L^-1 were also re-growing with time. (2) Glyphosate treatment significantly affected interspecific competition (p < 0.05), which diminished as the glyphosate concentration increased. (3) Interspecific competition has significant influence on the biomass allocation of S. canadensis (p < 0.05). When facing competition, S. canadensis would allocate more organic matter to root and thus increase the ratio of root to shoot. Competition only inhibited the tiller number and total biomass of I. cylindrica, but insignificantly affected its ratio of root to shoot. (4) The interaction between glyphosate treatment and S. canadensis-I. cylindrica interspecific relationship also significantly influenced the biomass of S. canadensis and I. cylindrica (p < 0.05), but insignificantly affected the root/shoot ratio of two plants. Different plants have different tolerance to glyphosate stress. Compared with native plant I. cylindrica, S. canadensis has stronger tolerance to glyphosate. Low-concentration glyphosate could decrease the competitive intensity between S. canadensis and I. cylindrica, which may disturb the structure and dynamics of plant communities.     

Effects of exotic plant invasion on soil nitrogen availability

外来植物入侵对土壤氮循环和氮有效性的影响是入侵成功或进一步加剧的重要原因。通过对比相同研究地点入侵区域和无入侵区域的土壤原位氮状态差异, 探讨了外来植物入侵对土壤氮有效性的影响程度和生理生态学机制。基于107篇相关研究文献数据的整合, 发现植物入侵区域相对于无入侵区域土壤总氮、铵态氮、硝态氮、无机氮、微生物生物量氮含量显著增加, 增幅分别为(50 ± 14)%、(60 ± 24)%、(470 ± 115)%、(69 ± 25)%、(54 ± 20)%。土壤硝态氮含量增幅较大反映硝化作用增强, 这可能增加入侵植物硝态氮利用以及喜硝植物的共存。温带地区植物入侵后土壤的硝态氮含量增幅显著高于亚热带地区。固氮植物入侵后土壤的总氮和无机氮含量增幅均显著高于非固氮植物入侵。木本和常绿植物入侵后土壤的总氮含量增幅分别高于草本和落叶植物入侵; 而土壤铵态氮含量的增幅没有显著差异且与固氮入侵植物占比无明显关系; 然而硝态氮含量的增幅普遍较高且与固氮入侵植物占比显著正相关。外来入侵植物固氮功能以及凋落物质量和数量是影响土壤氮矿化和硝化过程的关键因素。该研究为理解外来植物入侵成功和加剧的机制以及入侵植物功能性状与土壤氮动态之间的关系提供了新的见解。     

Edge effects of forest gap in Pinus massoniana plantations on the ecological stoichiometry of Cinnamomum longepaniculatum

Aims Pinus massoniana is one of the major plantation tree species in the low hilly lands along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Valley in China’s “Grain for Green” project. The objective of this study was to explore the edge effects of forest gap on the ecological stoichiometry of dominant tree species in a P. massoniana plantation forest.Methods We collected Cinnamomum longepaniculatum leaves in a 39-year-old P. massoniana plantation forest with seven forest gap sizes (G1: 100 m²; G2: 225 m²; G3: 400 m²; G4: 625 m²; G5: 900 m²; G6: 1 225 m²; G7: 1 600 m², and the control: closed canopy) located in Gao County, south Sichuan Province during different seasons. The contents of C, N and P in leaves were measured, and the effects of edges, seasons and their interaction on leaf C, N and P contents and C:N:P stoichiometry were evaluated.Important findings The leaf C content, C:N and C:P of C. longepaniculatum at the edge of forest gaps in different seasons were all significantly higher than those of understory plants in P. massoniana plantation. With increasing size of forest gaps, leaf C content and C:N ratio, C:P and N:P of C. longepaniculatum increased initially and then decreased with the maximum at medium size (400-900 m²). From spring to winter, leaf N and P contents of C. longepaniculatum increased after an obvious decrease; and the C:N and C:P increased first but then decreased. However, the inflection point all appeared in the summer. The nutrient utilization of C. longepaniculatum at the edge of forest gaps was more efficient in summer and autumn than in spring and winter, indicating significant edge effects. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that gap size, relative light intensity and monthly average air temperature were the main environmental factors affecting the stoichiometry of C. longepaniculatum at the different edge of forest gaps in the P. massoniana plantation. These results indicated that forest gap with size 625 m² had the highest organic matter storage and nutrient utilization efficiency in the edge areas in all seasons, and therefore had the most significant edge effect on leaf element stoichiometry.     

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.     

Stoichiometric characteristics of carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus of Sibiraea angustata shrub on the eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Aims Little is known about the stoichiometric characteristics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plateau shrubs across China. Sibiraea angustata is a typical and representative shrub species on the eastern Qinghai- Xizang Plateau, and exploring its C, N and P distribution patterns and stoichiometric properties in different organs (including root, shoot, leaf, twig and fruit) would help us better understand the mechanisms of C, N and P cycling and balance in the S. angustata dominated shrub ecosystem.
Methods Sixteen sampling sites were selected on the eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau by the stratified sampling method. The height and coverage of the dominant shrubs, latitude, longitude and altitude of the sites were recorded. Three 5 m × 5 m plots were selected at each site. At least 128 biological samples of plant organs of S. angustata were collected and measured, respectively. The C and N concentrations of plant samples were analyzed using an elemental analyzer (2400 II CHNS). The P concentration was analyzed using the molydate/ascorbic acid method after H₂SO₄-H₂O₂ digestion.
Important findings The C, N and P concentrations of different organs followed the order of: shoot (495.07 g·kg^-1) > twig (483.37 g·kg^-1) > fruit (480.35 g·kg^-1) > root (468.47 g·kg^-1) > leaf (466.33 g·kg^-1); leaf (22.27 g·kg^-1) > fruit (19.74 g·kg^-1) > twig (7.98 g·kg^-1) > shoot (4.54 g·kg^-1) > root (4.00 g·kg^-1) and fruit (2.85 g·kg^-1) > leaf (1.92 g·kg^-1) > twig (0.96 g·kg^-1) > root (0.52 g·kg^-1) > shoot (0.45 g·kg^-1), respectively. The ranges of the coefficient of variation (CV) for C, N and P concentrations were 1.71%-4.44%, 14.49%-25.50% and 11.46%-46.15%, respectively. Specifically, the C concentration was relatively high and stable, and the maximum CV values for N and P were found in roots. The N:P value of different organs varied from 7.12-12.41 and the minimum CV for N:P was found in twig, which indicated that N:P in twig had higher internal stability. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that the C concentration was significantly negatively correlated with N and P concentrations and correlation coefficients were -0.407 and -0.342, respectively. However, N concentration had dramatically positive correlation with P concentration and the correlation coefficient was 0.814. These results also could indicate that the C, N and P stoichiometric characteristics in the S. angustata shrub accorded with the homeostatic mechanism and growth rate hypothesis to some extent, the distributions of C, N and P concentrations were closely related to the function of the organs and it should be prudent to use ecological stoichiometric ratios to judge the condition of nutrient limitation at the species level.     

Biomass allocation and leaf stoichiometric characteristics in four desert herbaceous plants during different growth periods in the Gurbantünggüt Desert,China

荒漠草本植物是荒漠生态系统物种多样性的主体, 对其生物量分配及叶片化学计量特征随植物生长的变化规律的研究有助于深入了解荒漠草本植物生存策略和功能特征。该文选择古尔班通古特沙漠4种优势草本(2种短命植物, 2种一年生长营养期植物)为研究对象, 通过野外原位多时段取样, 对比研究了四者生物量分配、叶片N-P化学计量学随植物生长的变化特征, 以及二者之间的关系。结果表明, 在生物量累积过程中, 4种植物根冠比逐渐减小, 地上与地下生物量间的相关生长关系也发生变化, 其中琉苞菊(Hyalea pulchella)和角果藜(Ceratocarpus arenarius)的相关生长指数先增加后减小, 并趋于稳定, 而尖喙牻牛儿苗(Erodium oxyrrhynchum)和沙蓬(Agriophyllum squarrosum)的相关生长指数由小到大并趋于等速生长。琉苞菊叶片N、P含量呈逐渐增长趋势, 而另外3种植物呈下降趋势, 表明所研究的荒漠植物在生长过程中, 叶片N-P化学计量发生改变, 叶片化学计量特征与生物量指标的相关性较弱。     

Soil water use strategy of dominant species in typical natural and planted shrubs in loess hilly region

Aims Artemisia gmelinii is a dominant specie naturally established after abandonment of cultivated lands in the Loess Plateau, and Caragana korshinskii is one of the main planted shrub species to control soil erosion. Improved understanding of water use strategies of these two species is of great significance to evaluate the sustainable development of the Loess Plateau under the trend of climate warming and increasing drought events.
Methods Stable oxygen-18 isotope was used to determine seasonal variations in the water sources of native A. gmelinii communities established after abandonment of cultivated lands for 7 and 30 years and planted C. korshinskii after 30 years. The contributions of soil water from different depths to water uptake were estimated by the MixSIR Bayesian mixing model. The geometric mean regression method was used to fit the line of precipitation to get the local meteoric water line (LWML).
Important findings The stable hydrogen isotope rate (δD) and stable oxygen isotope rate (δ¹⁸O) of soil water and xylem water plotted to the right side of the LWML, indicating that the isotopic compositions of soil water were enriched due to evaporation. The native A. gmelinii communities established after abandonment of cultivated lands for 7 years and planted C. korshinskii after 30 years showed plasticity in switching water sources from different soil layers, extracting water from shallow soil (0-40 cm) when soil water was available, but deeper soil (40-80 cm) when shallow soil water was dry. In contrast, A. gmelinii growing in site after cultivation abandonment for 30 years mainly relied on water from the surface soil (0-10 cm) throughout the growing season. Our results suggest that the ability of A. gmelinii to compete for soil water reduces with aging of the community while the planted C. korshinskii will have competitive advantage under the condition of increasing frequency of drought events in the future.