Carry-over effects of soil inoculation on plant growth and health under sequential exposure to soil-borne diseases

Aim

To investigate the effects of biochar on biological and chemical phosphorus (P) processes and identify potential interactive effects between P fertilizer and biochar on P bioavailability in the rhizosphere of maize.

Methods

We conducted a pot-experiment with maize in a sandy loam soil with two fertilizer levels (0 and 100 mg P kg ^?1) and three biochars produced from soft wood (SW), rice husk (RH) and oil seed rape (OSR). Sequential P fractionation was performed on biochar, bulk soil, and rhizosphere soil samples. Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity and root exudates of citrate, glucose, fructose, and sucrose in the rhizosphere were determined.

Results

RH and OSR increased readily available soil P, whereas SW had no effect. However, over time available P from the biochars moved to less available P pools (Al-P and Fe-P). There were no interactive effects between P fertilizer and biochar on P bioavailability. Exudates of glucose and fructose were strongly affected by especially RH, whereas sucrose was mostly affected by P fertilizer. Alkaline phosphatase activity was positively correlated with pH, and citrate was positively correlated with readily available P.

Conclusion

Biochar effects on biological and chemical P processes in the rhizosphere are driven by biochar properties.

     

Phosphorus availability from bone char in a P-fixing soil influenced by root-mycorrhizae-biochar interactions

Aims

The objectives of this study were to evaluate (1) the fertilizer potential of bone char, (2) the effects of wood biochar on plant-available phosphorus (P), and (3) the role of root-mycorrhizae-biochar interactions in plant P acquisition from a P-fixing soil.

Methods

Incubation and pot experiments were conducted with a P-fixing soil and maize with or without root hairs and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) inoculation. Olsen-, resin-P and plant P accumulation were used to estimate P availability from bone char, co-pyrolyzed bone char-wood biochar, and separate bone char and wood biochar additions produced at 60, 350 and 750 °C, and Triple Superphosphate (TSP).

Results

Maize inoculated with AM showed similar P accumulation when fertilized with either 750 °C bone char or TSP. Pyrolyzing bone did not increase extractable P in soil in comparison to unpyrolyzed bone, apart from a 67 % increase in resin-extractable P after additions of bone char pyrolyzed at 350 °C. Despite greater Olsen-P extractability, co-pyrolysis of bone with wood reduced maize P uptake. Wood biochars reduced resin-P from bone char by 14–26 %, whereas oven-dried wood increased resin-P by 23 %.

Conclusions

Bone char is an effective P fertilizer, especially if root-AM interactions are simultaneously considered. Biochar influences plant access to soil P and requires careful management to improve P availability.

     

<Emphasis Type="Bold">‘</Emphasis>MN1606SP’ by ‘Spencer’ filial soybean population reveals novel quantitative trait loci and interactions among loci conditioning SDS resistance

Key message

Four novel QTL and interactions among QTL were identified in this research, using as a parent line the most SDS-resistant genotype within soybean cultivars of the US early maturity groups.

Abstract

Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) reduces soybean yield in most of the growing areas of the world. The causal agent of SDS, soilborne fungus Fusarium virguliforme (Fv), releases phytotoxins taken up by the plant to produce chlorosis and necrosis in the leaves. Planting resistant cultivars is the most successful management practice to control the disease. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the resistance response of MN1606SP to SDS. A mapping population of F _2:3 lines created by crossing the highly resistant cultivar ‘MN1606SP’ and the susceptible cultivar ‘Spencer’ was phenotyped in the greenhouse at three different planting times, each with three replications. Plants were artificially inoculated using SDS infested sorghum homogeneously mixed with the soil. Data were collected on three disease criteria, foliar disease incidence (DI), foliar leaf scorch disease severity (DS), and root rot severity. Disease index (DX) was calculated as DI × DS. Ten QTL were identified for the different disease assessment criteria, three for DI, four for DX, and three for root rot severity. Three QTL identified for root rot severity and one QTL for disease incidence are considered novel, since no previous reports related to these QTL are available. Among QTL, two interactions were detected between four different QTL. The interactions suggest that resistance to SDS is not only dependent on additive gene effects. The novel QTL and the interactions observed in this study will be useful to soybean breeders for improvement of SDS resistance in soybean germplasm.

     

Kinetics of metal toxicity in plant roots and its effects on root morphology

Aims

We evaluated the efficacy of biochar application for suppressing bacterial wilt of tomato and identified the potential underlying mechanisms involved in the disease control.

Methods

We measured the impact of two different sized biochar (53–120 μm and 380–830 μm) on bacterial wilt incidence in a greenhouse experiment. The efficiency of different sized biochar for the adsorption of tomato root exudates and the pathogen was further examined in vitro. We also quantified the effects of biochar and tomato root exudates on two pathogen virulence factors, chemotaxis, swarming motility and examined the effect of biochar on pathogen root colonization.

Results

Fine biochar application (3%; w:w) significantly decreased the bacterial wilt incidence by 19.9%. Biochar with different particle size had similar adsorption capacity for root exudates, while fine biochar was efficient (91%) in pathogen adsorption. Root exudates and fine biochar increased the chemotaxis ability of pathogen, while fine biochar reduced pathogen swarming motility and rhizosphere colonization.

Conclusions

Application of fine biochar can significantly decreased bacterial wilt incidence. This was mechanistically explained by biochar ability to 1) adsorb pathogen directly and indirectly via adsorption of root exudates (based on pathogen chemotaxis) and to 2) directly suppress pathogen swarming motility and subsequent root colonization.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma</Emphasis>-enriched organic fertilizer can mitigate microbiome degeneration of monocropped soil to maintain better plant growth

Background and aims

Given the worldwide effort to improve the nitrogen (N) economy of crops, it is critical to understand the mechanisms of improved N uptake which have resulted from selection pressure for grain yield in Australian wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Changes in root system traits and N uptake were examined in nine Australian wheat varieties released between 1958 and 2007.

Methods

Wheat varieties were grown in rhizo-boxes in a glasshouse. We measured nitrogen uptake and mapped root growth and proliferation to quantify root length density (RLD), root length per plant, root biomass, specific root length, and plant nitrogen uptake per unit root length.

Results

Selection for yield reduced total RLD and total root length, and increased N uptake per unit root length that overrode the reduction in root system size, effectively explaining the increase in N uptake. Importantly, N uptake in our experiment under controlled conditions matched field measurements, reinforcing the agronomic significance of the present study.

Conclusions

Wheat varieties released in Australia between 1958 and 2007 increased their N uptake, not because of increasing their root length and RLD, but for progressively increasing the efficiency of their root system in capturing N. Our collection of varieties is therefore an interesting model to probe for variation in the affinity of the root system for nitrate.

     

Root morphology and its contribution to a large root system for phosphorus uptake by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rytidosperma</Emphasis> species (wallaby grass)

Aims

Rytidosperma species are native Australian grasses which have different growth rates and phosphorus (P) requirements. This study examined the role of root morphology traits in response to P supply.

Methods

Nine Rytidosperma species ranging from slow- to fast-growth were examined along with Lolium perenne and Bromus hordeaceus. Plants were grown in a glasshouse for 47 days in soil supplied with six levels of P between 0 and 60 mg P per pot. Root mass, length and diameter, root hair length and density, and extent of mycorrhizal colonisation were measured.

Results

Across all species there was a positive correlation (P < 0.001) between P uptake and root mass, length and root hair cylinder volume (RHCV; estimated using root diameter, root hair length and root length) at all levels of P supply. An exception was the RHCV of B. hordeaceus, where expected P uptake was not achieved due to a markedly reduced root length at low-P supply. For the Rytidosperma species, morphological plasticity for specific root length, root mass fraction and root hair length ranged from 1.5-fold to 2.7-fold between high- and low-P supply. However, across all species and P levels no single root morphological trait was identified for universally increasing the size of the root system and P uptake.

Conclusions

Fast-growing species took up more P as a result of an overall larger root mass, greater root length and larger RHCV.

     

Taxonomic and ecological patterns in root traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carex</Emphasis> (Cyperaceae)

Background and aims

In Malawi, strategies are being sought to boost maize production through improvements in soil fertility. This study assessed the impact of intercropping maize (Zea mays) with pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in Lixisols of Malawi on yield, biological N fixation, soil aggregation, and P forms within soil aggregates.

Methods

Maize and pigeon pea were grown intercropped in pots, with varying degrees of root interaction in order to understand the relative importance of biochemical versus physical rhizospheric interactions. Following harvest, soils were separated into aggregate fractions using wet-sieving, and the nutrient content of all fractions was assessed.

Results

The proportion of macroaggregates and microaggregates increased by 52 and 111%, respectively, in the intercropping treatment compared to sole maize, which significantly increased organic P storage in the microaggregates of intercropped compared to sole maize (84 versus 29 mg P kg^?1, respectively). Biologically fixed N increased from 89% in the sole pigeon pea to 96% in the intercropped system.

Conclusions

Intercropping maize with pigeon pea can have a significant and positive impact on soil structure as well as nutrient storage in these high P-sorbing soils. This is caused primarily by physical root contact and to a lesser degree by biochemical activities.

     

Comparative effect of inorganic N on plant growth and N<Subscript>2</Subscript> fixation of ten legume crops: towards a better understanding of the differential response among species

Aims

A better understanding of how plant growth, N nutrition and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) are influenced by soil inorganic N availability, for a wide range of legume species, is crucial to optimise legume productivity, N₂ fixation, while limiting environmental risks such as N leaching.

Methods

A comparative analysis was performed for ten legume crops, grown in a field experiment and supplied with four N fertiliser rates. Dry matter, N concentration and SNF were measured. In parallel, root elongation rates were studied in a greenhouse experiment.

Results

For most species, N fertilisation had little effect on plant growth and N accumulation. SNF was reduced by soil inorganic N available at sowing but with large differences in the magnitude of the response among species. The response varied according to plant N requirements for growth and plant ability to retrieve inorganic N. Accordingly, root lateral expansion rate measured in RhizoTubes was highly correlated with plant ability to retrieve inorganic N measured in the field experiment.

Conclusion

Combining SNF response to soil inorganic N, shoot N and plant ability to retrieve inorganic N, allowed a robust evaluation of differential response to soil inorganic N among a wide range of legume species.

     

A new model for root growth in soil with macropores

Background and aims

The use of standard dynamic root architecture models to simulate root growth in soil containing macropores failed to reproduce experimentally observed root growth patterns. We thus developed a new, more mechanistic model approach for the simulation of root growth in structured soil.

Methods

In our alternative modelling approach, we distinguish between, firstly, the driving force for root growth, which is determined by the orientation of the previous root segment and the influence of gravitropism and, secondly, soil mechanical resistance to root growth. The latter is expressed by its inverse, soil mechanical conductance, and treated similarly to hydraulic conductivity in Darcy’s law. At the presence of macropores, soil mechanical conductance is anisotropic, which leads to a difference between the direction of the driving force and the direction of the root tip movement.

Results

The model was tested using data from the literature, at pot scale, at macropore scale, and in a series of simulations where sensitivity to gravity and macropore orientation was evaluated.

Conclusions

Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between simulated and experimentally observed root systems showed good agreement, suggesting that the drawn analogy between soil water flow and root growth is a useful one.

     

Acid and calcareous soils affect nitrogen nutrition and organic nitrogen uptake by beech seedlings (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> L.) under drought,and their ectomycorrhizal community structure

Aims

The role of different soil types for beech productivity and drought sensitivity is unknown. The aim of this experimental study was to compare mycorrhizal diversity between acid sandy and calcareous soils and to investigate how this diversity affects tree performance, nitrogen uptake and use efficiency (NUE).

Methods

Beech trees were germinated and grown in five different soil types (pH 3.8 to 6.7). One-and-a-half-year-old plants were exposed for 6 weeks to sufficient or low soil humidity. Tree biomass, root tip mycorrhizal colonization and community structure, root tip mortality, leaf area, photosynthesis, nitrogen concentrations, NUE and short-term ¹⁵N uptake from glutamine were determined.

Results

Soil type did not affect photosynthesis or biomass formation, with one exception in calcareous soil, where root mortality was higher than in the other soil types. Beech in acid soils showed lower mycorrhizal colonization, higher nitrogen tissue concentrations, and lower NUE than those in calcareous soils. Drought had no effect on nitrogen concentrations or NUE but caused reductions in mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal species richness correlated with nitrogen uptake and NUE. Nitrogen uptake was more sensitive to drought in calcareous soils than in acid soils.

Conclusions

Beech may be more drought-susceptible on calcareous sites because of stronger decrease of organic nitrogen uptake than on acid soils.

     

Use of a gnotobiotic plant assay for assessing root colonization and mineral phosphate solubilization by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paraburkholderia bryophila</Emphasis> Ha185 in association with perennial ryegrass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lolium perenne</Emphasis> L.)

Aims

The mechanisms by which rhizosphere bacteria increase the availability of mineral P precipitates for plant use are understudied. However, Paraburkholderia bryophila Ha185 is known to solubilize inorganic phosphate in vitro via a novel process. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate P solubilization by Ha185 in association with roots of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.).

Methods

We developed a gnotobiotic plant assay to assess P solubilization by Ha185 on ryegrass roots under various nutrient conditions. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged derivative of Ha185 was used in conjunction with fluorescent microscopy and confocal microscopy to visualize colonization of ryegrass roots.

Results

Ha185 solubilized mineral P (hydroxyapatite) in association with ryegrass roots and increased ryegrass growth by 20% under P-limited conditions. The GFP-tagged Ha185 strain colonized the rhizoplane and penetrated the primary root of ryegrass, possibly through “crack entry” at the point of lateral root emergence, but also by entering the epidermal cells via root hairs.

Conclusions

Ha185 supported ryegrass growth under P-limited conditions, indicating this strain may improve availability of soil P for uptake by ryegrass. Tools developed in this study have broad application in the study of rhizobacteria-plant interactions.

     

Root morphology acclimation to phosphorus supply by six cultivars of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trifolium subterraneum</Emphasis> L

Aims

Trifolium subterraneum L. is the predominant annual pasture legume in southern Australia. Cultivars with improved phosphorus (P) foraging ability would improve the P-use efficiency of agricultural systems. We therefore investigated variation in root traits related to P-uptake among six cultivars.

Methods

Micro-swards were grown at six levels of P in field soil with indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for six weeks. Dry matter yield, tissue P concentration, rhizosphere carboxylates, AM fungal colonisation and root morphological traits were measured.

Results

The cultivars showed similar shoot and root yield responses to P supply. Average root diameter did not change, specific root length (SRL) increased and root tissue density (RTD) decreased with increased P supply. Amounts of total rhizosphere carboxylates were low (<1.2 nmol cm^?1 root). The percentage of root length colonised by AM fungi was greatest (29–43 %) at an intermediate level (8 mg kg^?1 dry soil) of P supply.

Conclusions

Most differences among cultivars were reasonably consistent across P supply levels, indicating greater numbers of lines could be screened reliably at a single P level. Low colonisation by AM fungi at low P supply deserves consideration when selecting soils for cultivar comparisons. Increased SRL and decreased RTD at high P supply likely result from self-shading within the micro-swards and warrant further investigation.

     

Tree development in structural soil – an empirical below-ground in-situ study of urban trees in Copenhagen,Denmark

Aims

The purpose of this study is to evaluate root and stem growth, nutrient status and soil properties of a tree planting in structural soil.

Methods

Root and stem growth were measured at an 10-year-old urban planting of Tilia x europaea L. ‘Pallida’ established in structural soil on a paved square in Copenhagen, Denmark.Root abundance was quantified and soil profiles were established at three different distances from 10 trees (1.0, 1.9, and 2.9 m). Soil and leaf samples were analysed for nutrient concentrations.

Results

Abundant root presence was measured across the entire profile of structural soil (160?×?60 cm) at all distances, provided that structural soil layers were constructed correctly. Erroneously constructed structural soil layers however, resulted in impaired tree and root growth. Coarse root morphology was affected by the confined growing space in the voids of the stone matrix. The soil was relatively alkaline with an average pH (CaCl₂) of 7.3. Foliar analysis revealed deficiencies of K and Mn. These deficiencies might be due to a combined effect of high pH and low soil concentrations of these nutrients.

Conclusions

The study documents that correctly constructed structural soils allow and encourage root growth in load bearing layers.

     

Variety specific relationships between effects of rhizobacteria on root exudation,growth and nutrient uptake of soybean

Aims

It has been increasingly recognized that only distal lower order roots turn over actively within the <2 mm fine root system of trees. This study aimed to estimate fine root production and turnover rate based on lower order fine roots and their relations to soil variables in mangroves.

Methods

We conducted sequential coring in five natural mangrove forests at Dongzhai Bay, China. Annual fine root production and turnover rate were calculated based on the seasonal variations of the biomass and necromass of lower order roots or the whole fine root system.

Results

Annual fine root production and turnover rate ranged between 571 and 2838 g m^?2 and 1.46–5.96 yr^?1, respectively, estimated with lower order roots, and they were increased by 0–30 % and reduced by 13–48 %, respectively, estimated with the whole fine root system. Annual fine root production was 1–3.5 times higher than aboveground litter production and was positively related to soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. Fine root turnover rate was negatively related to soil salinity.

Conclusions

Mangrove fine root turnover plays a more important role than aboveground litter production in soil C accumulation. Sites with higher soil nutrients and lower salinity favor fine root production and turnover, and thus favor soil C accumulation.

     

Soil microalgae modulate grain arsenic accumulation by reducing dimethylarsinic acid and enhancing nutrient uptake in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Background and aims

Microalgae are ubiquitous in paddy soils. However, their roles in arsenic (As) accumulation and transport in rice plants remains unknown.

Methods

Two green algae and five cyanobacteria were used in pot experiments under continuously flooded conditions to ascertain whether a microalgal inoculation could influence rice growth and rice grain As accumulation in plants grown in As-contaminated soils.

Results

The microalgal inoculation greatly enhanced nutrient uptake and rice growth. The presence of representative microalga Anabaena azotica did not significantly differ the grain inorganic As concentrations but remarkably decreased the rice root and grain DMA concentrations. The translocation of As from roots to grains was also markedly decreased by rice inoculated with A. azotica. This subsequently led to a decrease in the total As concentration in rice grains.

Conclusions

The results of the study indicate that the microalgal inoculation had a strong influence on soil pH, soil As speciation, and soil nutrient bioavailability, which significantly affected the rice growth, nutrient uptake, and As accumulation and translocation in rice plants. The results suggest that algae inoculation can be an effective strategy for improving nutrient uptake and reducing As translocation from roots to grains by rice grown in As-contaminated paddy soils.

     

Nitric oxide-mediated cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is involved in aluminum toxicity of soybean under high aluminum concentration

Aims

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) has been reported to be involved in resistance to various environmental stresses. However, the role of G6PDH in aluminum (Al) toxicity remains unclear.

Methods

Physiological and biochemical methods together with histochemical analysis were used to investigate the participation of G6PDH in Al-induced inhibition of root growth.

Results

Exposure to high Al concentration caused a significant increase in the activities of total and cytosolic G6PDH in roots of soybean. Al-induced inhibition of root growth and oxidative stress were alleviated by a G6PDH inhibitor. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in Al-treated root apexes could be abolished by a NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Furthermore, treatment with a G6PDH inhibitor reduced NADPH content and NADPH oxidase activity in Al-treated root apexes. Further investigation demonstrates that nitric oxide (NO) mediates Al-induced increase in cytosolic G6PDH activity by modulating the expression of genes encoding cytosolic G6PDH. In addition, nitrate reductase pathway is mainly responsible for Al-induced NO production in root apexes.

Conclusions

These results indicate that NADPH produced by NO-modulated cytosolic G6PDH in root apexes is responsible for ROS accumulation mediated by NADPH oxidase under Al stress, subsequently suffering from oxidative stress and thus causing the inhibition of root elongation.

     

Phosphorus speciation and micro-scale spatial distribution in North-American temperate agricultural soils from micro X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy

Background and Aims

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plants but its low availability often necessitates amendments for agronomical issues. Objectives were to determine P spatial distribution and speciation that remain poorly understood in cultivated soils.

Methods

Aquic Argiudoll soil samples developed on a calcareous loam glacial till were collected from experimental plots submitted to contrasting crop rotations and amendments. Micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) maps were collected on undisturbed samples. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra were collected on bulk samples and on fractions thereof, and on points of interests selected from μ-XRF maps. Results were compared with chemical analyses and extraction techniques results.

Results

Chemical analyses show variations in total and exchangeable P contents depending on the samples but no significant difference is observed in terms of P distribution and speciation. P distribution is dominated by a low-concentration diffuse background with a minor contribution from minute hot spots. P speciation is dominated by phosphate groups bound to clay-humic complexes. No modification of P distribution and speciation is observed close to roots.

Conclusions

This study evidenced minor effect of cropping and fertilizing practices on P speciation in cultivated soils. Despite analytical challenges, the combined use of μ-XRF and XANES provides relevant information on P speciation in heterogeneous soil media.

     

Colonization cues of leaf- and root-inhabiting bacterial microbiota of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atractylodes lancea</Emphasis> derived in vitro and in vivo

Background and aims

Earthworms effect on plant growth is mediated by their dejections or “casts”, a complex mixture of organic matter, minerals and microbes. In casts, different processes such as organic matter mineralization and signal molecule production follow a complex temporal dynamics. An adaptation of root morphology to cast dynamics could allow an efficient nitrogen capture by the plant.

Methods

The plant Brachypodium distachyon was grown in a laboratory experiment with different proportions of casts of increasing ages. Casts were labelled with ¹⁵N to quantify the plant N uptake from the casts. Plant biomass and morphology, especially root system structure, were analysed.

Results

The age of casts had an effect on fine root length, highlighting the importance of the dynamics of cast maturation in root adaptation. Plant biomass production was affected by the interaction between the age and proportion of casts. A positive correlation between the ¹⁵N proportion in plant tissues and plant biomasses indicated that plants were more efficient in foraging N in casts than in the bulk soil.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that both a timely adaptation of the root system structure and a significant proportion of casts are necessary to observe a positive effect of casts on plant growth.

     

Fertilization,soil and plant community characteristics determine soil microbial activity in managed temperate grasslands

Background and aims

Contaminated soils can impede germination and growth of selected plant species, restricting effective phytoremediation strategies. The purpose of the present study was to enhance the germination and growth of saltgrass [Distichlis spicata (L.) Greene] by evaluating the efficacy of certain seed pretreatments and soil amendments.

Methods

Ten seed pretreatment methods, two amendments, three soil depths and five saline levels were tested under greenhouse conditions.

Results

Saltgrass germination and growth were negatively correlated with increasing salinity levels when NaCl > 85.6 mM. Among ten seed pretreatments (stratification + Proxy 24 h, hot water + Proxy 24 h, stratification, hot water + Proxy 48 h, Proxy 48 h, Proxy 24 h, hot water, scarification, gibberellins, and KMnO₄), the two best methods were stratification + Proxy 24 h and hot water + Proxy 24 h for enhancing saltgrass germination, with the latter pretreatment being especially useful because of its shorter preparation time and high germination rates. Proxy is a commercial ethephon product. Potting soil (5.0 cm depth) was found to be the best amendment for saltgrass germination and growth in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils.

Conclusion

We conclude that direct seeding of saline soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons is a feasible phytoremediation strategy provided that appropriate seed pretreatments and amendments are utilized.

     

Responses of switchgrass soil respiration and its components to precipitation gradient in a mesocosm study

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the precipitation changes on soil, microbial and root respirations of switchgrass soils, and the relationships between soil respiration and plant growth, soil moisture and temperature.

Methods

A mesocosm experiment was conducted with five precipitation treatments over two years in a greenhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. The treatments included ambient precipitation, ?50%, ?33%, +33% and +50% of ambient precipitation. Soil, microbial, and root respirations were quantified during the growing seasons.

Results

Mean soil and root respirations in the +50% treatment were the highest (2.48 and 0.93 μmol CO₂ m^?2 s^?1, respectively) among all treatments. Soil microbial respiration contributed more to soil respiration, and had higher precipitation sensitivity mostly than root respiration. Increases in precipitation mostly enhanced microbial respiration while decreases in precipitation reduced both microbial and root respirations. Across precipitation treatments, soil respiration was significantly influenced by soil moisture, soil temperature, and aboveground biomass.

Conclusions

Our results showed that microbial respiration was more sensitive to precipitation changes, and precipitation regulated the response of soil respiration to soil temperature. The information generated in this study will be useful for model simulation of soil respiration in switchgrass fields under precipitation changes.