Stoichiometric characteristics of carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus in Phyllostachys edulis forests of China

Aims Stoichiometric ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are important characteristics of the ecological processes and functions. Studies on population ecological stoichiometry can refine the content of flora chemometrics, determine the limited nutrient, and provide data for process-based modeling over large scale. Phyllostachys edulis is an important forest type, whose area accounts for 74% of total bamboo forest area in Southern China. However, little is known about the ecological stoichiometric in P. edulis. This study aimed to reveal C:N, C:P and N:P stoichiometry characteristics of the “plant-soil-litter” continuum and to provide a better understanding nutrient cycling and stability mechanisms in P. edulis forest in China. Methods The data were collected from the published literature containing C、N、P content in leaf or surface soil (0-20 cm) or littefall in P. edulis forests. Important findings 1) The leaf C, N, P content were estimated at 478.30 mg·g^-1, 22.20 mg·g^-1, 1.90 mg·g^-1 in P. edulis, and the corresponding C: N, C: P and N: P were 26.80, 299.60 and 14.40, respectively. Soil C, N, and P content in 0-20 cm were 21.53 mg·g^-1, 1.66 mg·g^-1, 0.41 mg·g^-1, with ratios of 14.20 for C:N, 66.74 for C:P and 4.28 for N:P. The C, N and P contents were 438.49 mg·g^-1, 13.39 mg·g^-1, 0.86 mg·g^-1 for litterfall, with the litter C:N, C:P and N:P being 25.53, 665.67, 22.55, respectively. 2) In the plant-soil-litter system in P. edulis forest, leaf had higher C:N, litter had higher C:P and N:P, while soil were the lowest. The N, P resorption rate was 39.68% and 54.74%, indicating that P. edulis forest growth and development was constrained by P or by both of N and P in China. 3) N content and N:P in leaf showed a tendency to increase with latitude, while the C:N of leaf declined with latitude. N:P of leaf increased with longitude, but the P content and the C:N of leaf showed a opposite trend. C: N of soil increased with longitude, whereas the N content of soil declined longitude. The N content of litter declined with longitude. 4) The leaf N content was negatively correlated with mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation, but being more sensitive to temperature than precipitation. The positive correlations between N content and latitude support “Temperature-Plant Physiological” hypothesis, reflecting an adaptive strategy to environmental conditions.     

中国毛竹林碳氮磷生态化学计量特征

碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)生态化学计量比是生态系统过程与功能的重要特征, 开展种群生态化学计量学研究可以细化植物种群化学计量学内容, 确定限制植物生长的元素类型, 同时为大尺度模型的发展提供数据基础。为阐明我国毛竹(Phyllostachys edulis)林C、N、P化学计量学特征, 通过对毛竹主要产区文献数据的搜集整理与分析, 探索我国毛竹林“植物-土壤-凋落物”系统C、N、P及C:N、C:P、N:P生态化学计量特征, 以及不同组分生态化学计量特征与经纬度之间的关系。结果表明: 1)我国毛竹林叶片C含量为478.30 mg·g^-1, N含量为22.20 mg·g^-1, P含量为1.90 mg·g^-1, C:N为26.80, C:P为299.60, N:P为14.40; 毛竹林0-20 cm土层C含量为21.53 mg·g^-1, N含量为1.66 mg·g^-1, P含量0.41 mg·g^-1, C:N为14.20, C:P为66.74, N:P为4.28; 毛竹凋落物C含量为438.49 mg·g^-1, N含量为13.39 mg·g^-1, P含量为0.86 mg·g^-1, C:N为22.53, C:P为665.67, N:P为22.55。2)毛竹林“植物-土壤-凋落物”系统中, C:N表现为: 叶片>凋落物>土壤, C:P和N:P均表现为: 凋落物>叶片>土壤, 叶片N、P再吸收率分别为39.68%和54.74%, 我国毛竹林生长发育总体上可能受到P限制或者N和P两种元素的双重限制。3)纬度梯度: 叶片N含量、N:P随纬度增加而增加, C:N随纬度增加而降低。经度梯度: 叶片N:P随经度增加而增加, P含量、C:N随经度增加而降低; 土壤C:N随经度增加而增加, N含量随经度增加而降低; 凋落物N含量随经度增加而降低。4)叶片N含量与年平均气温和年降水量均存在明显负相关关系, 但对温度的响应比降水更敏感, 叶片N含量与纬度呈正相关关系, 支持“温度-植物生理假说”, 反映了植物对自然环境的适应。     

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

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

C,N and P stoichiometry in different organs of Vitex rotundifolia in a Poyang Lake desertification hill

Aims The objectives were to clarify the responses of C, N and P stoichiometry of Vitex rotundifolia to desertification, and determine the C, N and P stoichiometric relationships among the organs.
Methods In this study, different organs (e.g. flowers, leaves, twigs, creeping stems, fine roots) of V. rotundifolia were sampled along a desertification gradient in a typical Poyang Lak sandy hill. Subsequently, C, N and P contents of various organs were measured.
Important findings The results showed nutrient contents in different organs ranged from 386.28 to 449.47 mg·g^-1 for carbon, 11.40 to 25.37 mg·g^-1 for nitrogen and 0.89 to 1.54 mg·g^-1 for phosphorus, respectively. C, N and P contents differed significantly among the five organs. The maximum N and P content were found in flowers, whereas the minimums were observed in twigs and creping stems. Moreover, desertification intensity only significantly affected C, N and C:P. C:N and N:P ratios maintained relatively stable. Except N:P, the other nutrient elements and associated stoichiometry significantly differed among the organs. Hence, organs, rather than desertification intensity mainly controlled the C, N and P content and their stoichiometry variability. Although there was a positive correlation between mass-based N content (N_mass) and P content (P_mass) across the three desertification zones, the N_mass-P_mass relationship in V. rotundifolia did not shift. Irrespective desertification intensity and organs, N:P stoichiometry of V. rotundifolia was well constrained. In addition, significant correlations of C, N and P contents among organs were mainly found in the above-ground parts, especially between twigs and creeping stems.     

桂西北喀斯特森林植物-凋落物-土壤生态化学计量特征

探明我国西南喀斯特生态脆弱区植被恢复重建背景下, 森林植物、凋落物与土壤碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)化学计量特征有助于深入地认识喀斯特森林生态系统养分循环规律和系统稳定机制。该文选取桂西北典型喀斯特地区域3个原生林群落和3个自然恢复28年的次生林群落, 研究其“植物-凋落物-土壤”连续体的C、N、P化学计量学特征及其内在关联。结果表明: 1)圆果化香树(Platycarya longipes)、伞花木(Eurycorymbus cavaleriei)和青檀(Pteroceltis tatarinowii)以及圆叶乌桕(Sapium rotundifolium)、八角枫(Alangium chinense)和黄荆(Vitex negundo) 6种植物的C、N、P平均含量分别为427.5、21.2、1.2 mg·g^-1; 凋落物C、N、P平均含量分别为396.2、12.7、0.9 mg·g^-1, 而表层土壤(0-10 cm) C、N、P平均含量分别为92.0、6.35和1.5 mg·g^-1。2)原生林N再吸收率(平均值为42.7%)高于次生林(平均值为36.5%), P再吸收率(20.4%)显著低于次生林(32.3%) (p < 0.05); 6个森林群落N的再吸收率均大于P的再吸收率。3)不同群落凋落物的C:N值差异不显著, 原生林植物的C:N值小于次生林、土壤C:N显著大于次生林; 原生林土壤C:P与次生林无显著差异, 植物与凋落物C:P小于次生林; 原生林凋落物与土壤N:P值小于次生林, 植物N:P比平均值均为17.4。4)研究区典型森林群落植物中N和P含量呈显著的正相关关系, 植物C:N与N:P、C:P与N:P比值均无明显相关关系; 经过对数变换后的土壤C:N与N:P呈显著负相关关系, 凋落物的C:P与N:P值呈极显著正相关关系。研究结果可为我国西南典型喀斯特脆弱生态区的生态功能恢复与植被重建提供科学依据。     

Storage of carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus in temperate shrubland ecosystems across Northern China

Aims Studying storage of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in ecosystems is of significance in understanding carbon and nutrient cycling. Previous researches in ecosystem C, N and P storage have biased towards forests and grasslands. Shrubland ecosystems encompass a wide gradient in precipitation and soil conditions, providing a unique opportunity to explore the patterns of ecosystem C, N and P storage in relation to climate and soil properties.
Methods We estimated densities and storage of organic C, N and P of shrubland ecosystems in Northern China based on data from 433 shrubland sites.
Important findings The main results are summarized as follows: the average organic C, N and P densities in temperate shrubland ecosystems across Northern China were 69.8 Mg·hm^-2, 7.3 Mg·hm^-2 and 4.2 Mg·hm^-2, respectively. The average plant C, N and P densities were 5.1 Mg·hm^-2, 11.5 × 10^-2 Mg·hm^-2 and 8.6 × 10^-3 Mg·hm^-2, respectively, and were significantly correlated with precipitation and soil nutrient concentrations. The average litter C, N and P densities were 1.4 Mg·hm^-2, 3.8 ×10^-2 Mg·hm^-2, 2.5 ×10^-3 Mg·hm^-2 and were significantly correlated with temperature and precipitation. The average soil organic C, N and P densities in the top 1 m were 64.0 Mg·hm^-2, 7.1 Mg·hm^-2 and 4.2 Mg·hm^-2, respectively and the former two were significantly correlated with temperature and precipitation. The total organic C, N and P storage of shrublands in Northern China were 1.7 Pg, 164.9 Tg and 124.8 Tg, respectively. The plant C, N and P storage were 128.4 Tg, 3.1 Tg and 0.2 Tg, respectively. The litter C, N and P storage were 8.4 Tg, 0.45 Tg, 0.027 Tg, respectively. Soil is the largest C, N and P pool in the studied area. The soil organic C, N and P storage in the top 1 meter were 1.6 Pg, 161.3 Tg and 124.6 Tg, respectively.     

植物生态化学计量特征及其主要假说

植物生态化学计量学是生态化学计量学的重要分支, 主要研究植物器官元素含量的计量特征, 以及它们与环境因子、生态系统功能之间的关系。19世纪, 化学家们通过室内实验, 分析了植物器官的元素含量, 开始了对植物化学元素之间关系的探索。如今, 生态学家通过野外采样和控制实验, 探索植物化学元素计量特征的变化规律、对全球变化的响应以及与植物功能属性之间的关系, 促进了植物生态化学计量学的快速发展。该文在概述植物生态化学计量学发展简史的基础上, 综述了19世纪以来该领域的研究进展。首先, 该文将植物生态化学计量学的发展历程概括为思想萌芽期、假说奠基期和理论构建期3个时期, 对各个时期的主要研究进行了简要回顾和梳理。第二, 概述了植物主要器官的化学计量特征, 尤其是陆生植物叶片氮(N)和磷(P)的计量特征。总体上, 全球陆生植物叶片N、P含量和N:P (质量比)的几何平均值分别为18.74 mg∙g^-1、1.21 mg∙g^-1和15.55 (与16:1的Redfield比一致); 在物种或群落水平上, 叶片N和P含量一般呈现随温度升高、降水增加而降低的趋势。不同生活型植物叶片N和P计量特征差异明显, 尤其是草本植物叶片N和P含量高于木本植物, 落叶阔叶木本植物叶片N和P含量高于常绿木本植物。与叶片相比, 细根和其他器官化学计量特征研究较少。第三, 总结了养分添加实验对植物化学元素计量特征的影响。总体上, N添加一般会提高土壤N的可利用性, 使植物器官中N含量和N:P升高, 在一定程度上提高植物生产力; P添加可能会缓解过量N输入导致的N-P失衡问题, 提高植物器官P含量。但是, 长期过量施肥会打破植物器官原有的元素间计量关系, 导致元素计量关系失衡和生产力下降。第四, 梳理总结了植物生态化学计量学的重要理论、观点和假说, 主要包括刻画化学计量特征与植物生长功能关系的功能关联假说、刻画化学计量特征与环境因子关系的环境关联假说或理论以及刻画化学计量特征与植物进化历史关系的进化关联假说。最后, 指出了植物生态化学计量学研究中存在的问题, 展望了10个未来需要重点关注的研究方向。     

Carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in leaves and fine roots of dominant plants in Horqin Sandy Land

Aims The stoichiometric characteristics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in plant organism is vital to understand plant adaptation to environment. In particular, the correlations of elemental stoichiometric characteristics between leaf and fine root could provide insights into the interaction and balance among the plant elements, nutrient use strategies and plant response to global change.Methods We measured C, N, P contents and C:N, C:P, N:P in leaves and fine roots of 60 dominant plants in Horqin sandy land. The 60 plant species were classified into five life forms and two categories such as perennial forb, annual forb, perennial grass, annual grass, shrub, legume, and non-legume. We statistically analyzed the differences and correlations of C, N and P stoichiometry either between fine root and leaf or among five life forms.Important findings The average C, N and P concentrations in leaves of 60 plant species in Horqin sandy land are 424.20 mg·g^-1, 25.60 mg·g^-1 and 2.10 mg·g^-1, respectively. In fine roots, the corresponding element concentrations are 434.03 mg·g^-1, 13.54 mg·g^-1, 1.13 mg·g^-1. N and P concentrations in leaf are approximately twice as high as averages in fine root. Furthermore, similar N:P between leaf and fine root indicates conservative characteristic of elemental stoichiometry in plant organism, suggesting that nutrients distribution is proportional between aboveground and underground of plants. There are significant difference of C, N, P, C:N, C:P and N:P in leaf and root among five life forms. N and P in forb and C:N and C:P in grass are averagely higher than those in other life forms. N:P in annual forb and grass, however, are lower than those in other life forms. C, N in legume are higher than those in non-legume, while C:N in legume is lower than in non-legume. These results imply that nutrient use strategies are significantly different among plant life forms. Correlations analysis showed that N and P in leaf or fine root positively correlated, but C and N, C and P in fine root negatively correlated, suggesting coupling relationship among C, N and P in leaf and fine root. Subsequently, we detected positively significant correlations in C, N, P and their ratios between leaf and fine root, suggesting proportional distribution of photosynthate and nutrient between aboveground and underground during plant growth. Generally, these results supplied fundamental data to understand mass turnover and nutrients cycling of leaves and roots in sand land.     

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.     

Distribution of biomass in relation to environments in shrublands of temperate China

Aims Shrubland is one of the most widely distributed vegetation types in northern China. Previous studies on pattern and dynamics of plant biomass have been focused on forest and grassland ecosystems, while relevant knowledge on shrubland ecosystems is lacking. It is important to include shrublands in northern China to improve the accuracy in estimating the terrestrial ecosystem biomass in China.
Methods Based on investigations and samplings from 433 shrubland sites, we explored the distribution and allocation patterns of biomass in relation to climatic and soil nutrient factors of shrublands of temperate China.
Important findings The average shrubland biomass density in northern China is 12.5 t·hm^-2. It decreases significantly from temperate deciduous shrubland in northeast to desert shrubland in northwest. The average biomass density of temperate deciduous shrubland, alpine shrubland, and desert shrubland is 14.4, 28.8, and 5.0 t·hm^-2, respectively. Within temperate deciduous shrublands, plant biomass is lower in North China than in Northeast China. The average aboveground and belowground biomass density of shrub layer is 4.5 and 5.4 t·hm^-2, respectively; while that of grass layer is 0.8 and 1.8 t·hm^-2, respectively. Environmental factors affect biomass allocation across different plant organs. The belowground-aboveground biomass ratio of shrub exhibits no significant changes with environmental variables. The leaf-stem ratio increases with annual precipitation, and leaf biomass is low in arid region.     

不同诱导子对怀牛膝细胞生长及多糖含量的影响

为提高怀牛膝(Achyranthes bidentata)悬浮培养细胞中牛膝多糖的含量,以酵母提取物、榆黄蘑(Pleurotus citrinopileatus)及水杨酸作为诱导子,分别在同一时期以不同浓度或在不同时期以相同浓度添加至细胞培养物中,收获时测定细胞生长量和牛膝多糖含量。结果显示,在培养12天时添加2.5%(v/v)酵母诱导子,细胞干重最大,可达46.75 g·L–1,多糖含量为5.76 mg·g~(–1);在培养9天时添加5 mg GE·L–1榆黄蘑诱导子,收获时细胞中多糖含量可达6.56 mg·g~(–1),细胞干重达28.3g·L–1;1 mg·g~(–1)水杨酸对牛膝多糖的诱导效果不如以上2种诱导子明显。     

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

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

Effluxes of nitrous oxide,methane and carbon dioxide and their responses to increasing nitrogen deposition in the Gurbantünggüt Desert of Xinjiang,China

Aims Desert soils play an important role in the exchange of major greenhouse gas (GHG) between atmosphere and soil. However, many uncertainties existed in understanding of desert soil role, especially in efflux evaluation under a changing environment. Methods We conducted plot-based field study in center of the Gurbantünggüt Desert, Xinjiang, and applied six rates of simulated nitrogen (N) deposition on the plots, i.e. 0 (N0), 0.5 (N0.5), 1.0 (N1), 3.0 (N3), 6.0 (N6) and 24.0 (N24) g·m^-2·a^-1. The exchange rates of N₂O, CH₄ and CO₂ during two growing seasons were measured for two years after N applications. Important findings The average efflux of two growing seasons from control plots (N0) were 4.8 μg·m^-2·h^-1, -30.5 μg·m^-2·h^-1 and 46.7 mg·m^-2·h^-1 for N₂O, CH₄ and CO_2, respectively. The effluxes varied significantly among seasons. N0, N0.5 and N1 showed similar exchange of N₂O in spring and summer, which was relatively higher than in autumn, while the rates of N₂O in N6 and N24 were controled by time points of N applications. The uptake of CH₄ was relatively higher in both spring and summer, and lower in autumn. Emission of CO₂ changed minor from spring to summer, and greatly decreased in autumn in the first measured year. In the second year, the emission patterns were changed by rates of N added. N additions generally stimulated the emission of N₂O, while the effects varied in different seasons and years. In addition, no obvious trends were found in the emission factor of N₂O. The uptake of CH₄ was not significantly affected by N additions. N additions did not change CO₂ emissions in the first year, while high N significantly reduced the CO₂ emissions in spring and summer of the second year, without affected in autumn. Structure equation model analysis on the factors suggested that N₂O, CH₄ and CO₂ were dominantly affected by the N application rates, soil temperature or moisture and plant density, respectively. Over the growing seasons, both the net efflux and the global warming potential caused by N additions were small.     

陕西省森林各生态系统组分氮磷化学计量特征

研究森林植被、枯落物和土壤的氮(N)磷(P)化学计量关系对于理解生态系统各组分的相互作用和养分循环具有重要意义。该研究对陕西省不同类型森林生态系统植被、枯落物和土壤的N和P含量及其化学计量关系进行了研究分析。结果表明: 1)森林生态系统各组分的N、P化学计量特征存在显著差异(p < 0.05), N、P含量均以林下灌草层植物和枯落物层较高, 乔木层植物和土壤层较低; N:P值则稍有不同, 以枯落物层最高, 土壤层最低, 其他各层差异不显著; 各组分N、P含量和N:P值分别为0.72-11.99 mg·g^-1、0.47-1.07 mg·g^-1和1.86-14.84。0-1 m土层内N含量、N:P值均随土层加深而降低(p < 0.05), P含量则不随土层发生明显变化。2)各组分N、P含量和N:P值多表现为阔叶林高于针叶林, 但其差异不显著。3)生态系统同一组分内, N、P含量间极显著正相关, N、P含量与N:P值分别呈极显著正相关、负相关关系, 但是土壤层内N、P含量无显著相关关系。各组分间, 枯落物层与乔木层、草本层和土壤层的N、P含量和N:P值也均极显著正相关, 而枯落物层与灌木层植物无显著相关关系。4)生态系统各组分N、P含量和N:P值随空间变化表现不尽一致, 总体上呈稳态。该文通过对N、P化学计量特征的研究, 揭示了森林生态系统植被、枯落物和土壤组分间所存在的养分循环联系, 这些联系中也表现出分异特征, 而分异可能由各自所执行的不同生态功能所致。     

五寸石竹毛状根诱导及其植株再生

建立了五寸石竹(Dianthus chinensis)毛状根诱导及其植株再生体系。用含野生农杆碱型Ri质粒的发根农杆菌(Agrobacterium rhizogenes)15834感染五寸石竹叶片外植体10天后,从其形态学下端产生白色不定根;30天后,叶片外植体的生根率为95%;所产生的毛状根能在无外源生长调节剂的固体和液体MS培养基上快速自主生长。遗传转化鉴定结果表明,发根农杆菌Ri质粒的生根基因(rol)已在毛状根基因组中整合并表达。五寸石竹毛状根的根段在成分为MS+2.0 mg·L~(–1)6-BA+0.2 mg·L~(–1) NAA的培养基中培养15天后产生浅绿色疏松愈伤组织;将愈伤组织转入成分为MS+1.0 mg·L~(–1) 6-BA+0.02 mg·L~(–1) NAA的培养基中培养30天后逐渐形成不定芽。盆栽的五寸石竹毛状根再生植株与非转化植株(对照)相比节间缩短,开花期提前18天。     

Effects of environmental factors on gross caloric values of three life-forms aquatic plants on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau,China

Aims Gross caloric value (GCV) reflected plants’ capability of converting solar energy. It provided a reliable indicator of plants’ adaptations to environments in perspective of energy conversion and fixation. The aims of this study were (1) to illustrate the characteristics of GCV of aquatic plants on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, (2) to explore the geographical and environmental patterns and (3) to discuss the underlying mechanisms in forming the patterns.
Methods In July and August 2015, we collected 533 samples of aquatic plants’ leaves in 143 field sites on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and measured their GCV using SDACM-4000 oxygen bomb calorimeter. Together with mean annual temperature (MAT) of climatic factor and properties of water body, this study compared the differences of GCV among submerged, emergent and floating-leaved plants by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s HSD. We further regressed GCV of submerged and emergent plants against geographical and climatic factors and properties of water body by simple regression to explore the relative effects of environmental factors on GCV.
Important findings On the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the mean GCV was (15.95 ± 3.90) kJ·g^-1. Among the three life forms, the rank of GCV was the emergent plants (18.10 kJ·g^-1) > the floating-leaved plants (16.77 kJ·g^-1) > the submerged plants (14.31 kJ·g^-1). With an increasing latitude, the GCV of emergent and submerged plants increased. Only GCV of emergent plants decreased with increasing altitude and temperature. The GCV of emergent and submerged plants increased with increased water salinity. Dissolved oxygen had significant negative effects on emergent plants, while pH value had no significant effects.     

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。     

Characteristics of methane emission fluxes in the Zoigê Plateau wetland on microtopography

AimsThe Zoigê Plateau, as a very important wetland distribution region of China, was the major methane (CH₄) emission center of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The objective of this study is to study the effects of microtopographic changes on CH₄ emission fluxes from five plots across three marshes in the littoral zone of the Zoigê Plateau wetland.
Methods CH₄ emission fluxes were measured in five plots across three marshes in Zoigê Plateau wetland using the closed chamber method and Fast Greenhouse Gas Analyzer from May to October in 2014.
Important findings During the growing season, mean CH₄ emission fluxes from the permanently flooded hollow (P-hollow) and hummock (P-hummock) in the Zoigê Plateau wetland were 68.48 and 40.32 mg·m^-2·h^-1, while mean CH₄ emission fluxes from the seasonally flooded hollow (S-hollow) and hummock (S-hummock) were 2.38 and 0.63 mg·m^-2·h^-1. CH₄ emission fluxes from non-flooded lawn was 3.68 mg·m^-2·h^-1. Mean CH₄ emission fluxes from five plots across three sites was 23.10 mg·m^-2·h^-1, with a standard deviation of 30.28 mg·m^-2·h^-1 and the coefficient of variation was 131%. We also found that there was a significant and positive correlation between mean CH₄ emission fluxes and mean water table depth in the five plots across three sites (R² = 0.919, p < 0.01), indicating that water table depth was controlling the spatial variability of CH₄ emission fluxes from the Zoigê Plateau wetland on microtopography. CH₄ emission fluxes in the P-hollow, P-hummock, and S-hummock showed an obvious seasonal pattern, which was not observed in the lawn and S-hollow. However, CH₄ emission peaks were observed in all the plots during summer and/or autumn, which could be closely related to the water table depth, soil temperature, and the magnitude of litter mass. In addition, we found that the CH₄ emission flux in the P-hollow was much higher than the other four plots in the Zoigê Plateau wetland, suggesting that CH₄ in the P-hollow could be often transported to the surface by ebullition and CH₄ emission from the Zoigê Plateau wetland may be under estimated in the past.     

Effect of stem length to stem slender ratio of current-year twigs on the leaf display efficiency in evergreen and deciduous broadleaved trees

Aims Branches and leaves are the two main structural units of tree crown composition. Among the adaptive strategies of plants, the functional traits of branches and the relationships between branch traits and leaf traits determine the capacity of trees to access light and space. In this study, our objective is to test the hypothesis that leaf display efficiency is affected by the stem length to stem slender ratio within current-year twigs.Methods The stem length to stem slender ratios of current-year twigs were used as the proxy of stem structure traits. Leaf area ratio (total leaf area per stem mass), leaf density (leaf number per stem length) and leaf/stem mass ratio (total leaf mass per stem mass) were used as the proxies of leaf display efficiency. The relationship between stem structure traits and leaf display efficiency within current-year twigs were studied for 25 evergreen and 60 deciduous broadleaved woody species in Qingliang Mountain, Zhejiang, China. The standardized major axis estimation method was used to examine the scaling relationship between stem structural traits and leaf display efficiency within current-year twigs.Important findings The proxies of leaf display efficiency, measured by leaf area ratio, leaf density or leaf/stem mass ratio, were all significantly and negative correlated with stem length to stem slender ratio within current-year twigs in both evergreen and deciduous broadleaved woody species. This suggested that leaf display efficiency decreased with stem length to stem slender ratios within current-year twigs, which may reflect the role of mechanical safety and light within twigs. The slope of the relationship between leaf display efficiency and stem long-dimension structure traits in evergreen species was not significantly different from the one in deciduous species. In contrast, the y-intercept of the relationship between leaf density and stem long-dimension structure traits was significantly larger in evergreen species than in deciduous species, i.e. the leafing intensity of evergreen species was higher than that of deciduous species. Individual leaf area and specific leaf area were smaller in evergreen species than in deciduous species, which resulted in deciduous species have a larger leaf area per stem mass and leaf mass per stem mass at a given stem length to stem slender ratio compared to evergreen species. It may reflect the conservative adaptive strategy of high consumption and slow benefit in evergreen species. Our results demonstrated that leaf display efficiency could be affected by stem length, and would change with leaf life-span (deciduous versus evergreen).     

Carbon storage,spatial distribution and the influence factors in Tianshan forests

Aims
Accurate estimation of carbon density and storage is among the key challenges in evaluating ecosystem carbon sink potentials for reducing atmospheric CO₂ concentration. It is also important for developing future conservation strategies and sustainable practices. Our objectives were to estimate the ecosystem carbon density and storage of Picea schrenkiana forests in Tianshan region of Xinjiang, and to analyze the spatial distribution and influencing factors.
Methods
Based on field measurements, the forest resource inventories, and laboratory analyses, we studied the carbon storage, its spatial distribution, and the potential influencing factors in Picea schrenkiana forest of Tianshan. Field surveys of 70 sites, with 800 m² (28.3 m × 28.3 m) for plot size, was conducted in 2011 for quantifying arbor biomass (leaf, branch, trunk and root), grass and litterfall biomass, soil bulk density, and other laboratory analyses of vegetation carbon content, soil organic carbon content, etc.
Important findings
The carbon content of the leaf, branch, trunk and root of Picea schrenkiana is varied from 46.56% to 52.22%. The vegetation carbon content of arbor and the herbatious/litterfall layer was 49% and 42%, respectively. The forest biomass of Picea schrenkiana was 187.98 Mg·hm^-2, with 98.93% found in the arbor layer. The biomass in all layers was in the order of trunk (109.81 Mg·hm^-2) > root (39.79 Mg·hm^-2) > branch (23.62 Mg·hm^-2) > leaf (12.76 Mg·hm^-2). From the age-group point of view, the highest and the lowest biomass was found at the mature forest (228.74 Mg·hm^-2) and young forest (146.77 Mg·hm^-2), respectively. The carbon density and storage were 544.57 Mg·hm^-2 and 290.84 Tg C, with vegetation portion of 92.57 Mg·hm^-2 and 53.14 Tg C, and soil portion of 452.00 Mg·hm^-2 and 237.70 Tg C, respectively. The spatial distribution of carbon density and storage appeared higher in the western areas than those in the eastern regions. In the western Tianshan Mountains (e.g., Ili district), carbon density was the highest, whereas the central Tianshan Mountains (e.g., Manas County, Fukang City, Qitai County) also had high carbon density. In the eastern Tianshan Mountains (e.g., Hami City), it was low. This distribution seemed consistent with the changes in environmental conditions. The primary causes of carbon density difference might be a combined effects of multiple environmental factors such as terrain, precipitation, temperature, and soil.