施肥对日本落叶松人工林细根直径、根长和比根长的影响

以辽宁东部山区16年生日本落叶松人工林为研究对象,探讨施肥对日本落叶松1～5级根序中细根直径、根长和比根长的影响.结果表明：随着根序等级的增加,日本落叶松细根平均直径和根长显著增加（P<0。05,P<0。01）、比根长则显著下降（P<0。01）.在日本落叶松的5级根序中,1级根的平均直径最细、根长最短、比根长最高,而5级根则相反;随着根序等级的增加,日本落叶松细根平均直径、根长和比根长的变异系数逐渐增大.除1级根外,土层对细根的平均直径、根长和比根长没有显著影响(P>0。05).与对照样地相比,施肥对各级细根平均直径、根长和比根长的影响主要表现在1～2级根上,对3级根序以上的细根影响不显著（P>0.05）.其中,施氮肥显著降低了1～2级根的平均直径（P<0.05）,施氮肥以及氮磷肥显著降低了表层土壤（0～10 cm）中1级根的平均根长（P<0.05）,表层土壤中细根的比根长在施氮肥的条件下显著增加（P<0.05）.     

Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass,root length density,specific root length,and soil resource availability in a Larix gmelinii plantation

Fine root tumover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and is most likely sensitive to many global change factors.Despite the importance of fine root turnover in plant C allocation and nutrient cycling dynamics and the tremendous research efforts in the past,our understanding of it remains limited.This is because the dynamics processes associated with soil resources availability are still poorly understood.Soil moisture,temperature,and available nitrogen are the most important soil characteristics that impact fine root growth and mortality at both the individual root branch and at the ecosystem level.In temperate forest ecosystems,seasonal changes of soil resource availability will alter the pattern of carbon allocation to belowground.Therefore,fine root biomass,root length density(RLD)and specific root length(SRL)vary during the growing season.Studying seasonal changes of fine root biomass,RLD,and SRL associated with soil resource availability will help us understand the mechanistic controls of carbon to fine root longevity and turnover.The objective of this study was to understand whether seasonal variations of fine root biomass,RLD and SRL were associated with soil resource availability,such as moisture,temperature,and nitrogen,and to understand how these soil components impact fine root dynamics in Larix gmelinii plantation.We used a soil coring method to obtain fine root samples(≤2 mm in diameter)every month from Mav to October in 2002 from a 17-year-old L.gmelinii plantation in Maoershan Experiment Station,Northeast Forestry University,China.Seventy-two soil cores(inside diameter 60 mm;depth intervals:0-10 cm,10-20 cm,20-30 cm)were sampled randomly from three replicates 25 m×30 m plots to estimate fine root biomass(live and dead),and calculate RLD and SRL.Soil moisture,temperature,and nitrogen(ammonia and nitrates)at three depth intervals were also analyzed in these plots.Results showed that the average standing fine root biomass(live (32.2 g.m-2.a-1)in the middle(10-20 cm)and deep layer (20-30cm),respectively.Live and dead fine root biomass was the highest from May to July and in September,but lower in August and October.The live fine root biomass decreased and dead biomass increased during the growing soil layer.RLD and SRL in May were the highestthe other months,and RLD was the lowest in Septemberdynamics of fine root biomass,RLD,and SRL showed a close relationship with changes in soil moisture,temperature,and nitrogen availability.To a lesser extent,the temperature could be determined by regression analysis.Fine roots in the upper soil layer have a function of absorbing moisture and nutrients,while the main function of deeper soil may be moisture uptake rather than nutrient acquisition.Therefore,carbon allocation to roots in the upper soil layer and deeper soil layer was different.Multiple regression analysis showed that variation in soil resource availability could explain 71-73% of the seasonal variation of RLD and SRL and 58% of the variation in fine root biomass.These results suggested a greater metabolic activity of fine roots living in soil with higher resource availability,which resulted in an increased allocation of carbohydrate to these roots,but a lower allocation of carbohydrate to those in soil with lower resource availability.     

Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, root length density, specific root length, and soil resource availability in a Larix gmelinii plantation

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and is most likely sensitive to many global change factors. Despite the importance of fine root turnover in plant C allocation and nutrient cycling dynamics and the tremendous research efforts in the past, our understanding of it remains limited. This is because the dynamics processes associated with soil resources availability are still poorly understood. Soil moisture, temperature, and available nitrogen are the most important soil characteristics that impact fine root growth and mortality at both the individual root branch and at the ecosystem level. In temperate forest ecosystems, seasonal changes of soil resource availability will alter the pattern of carbon allocation to belowground. Therefore, fine root biomass, root length density (RLD) and specific root length (SRL) vary during the growing season. Studying seasonal changes of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL associated with soil resource availability will help us understand the mechanistic controls of carbon to fine root longevity and turnover. The objective of this study was to understand whether seasonal variations of fine root biomass, RLD and SRL were associated with soil resource availability, such as moisture, temperature, and nitrogen, and to understand how these soil components impact fine root dynamics in Larix gmelinii plantation. We used a soil coring method to obtain fine root samples (⩽2 mm in diameter) every month from May to October in 2002 from a 17-year-old L. gmelinii plantation in Maoershan Experiment Station, Northeast Forestry University, China. Seventy-two soil cores (inside diameter 60 mm; depth intervals: 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm) were sampled randomly from three replicates 25 m × 30 m plots to estimate fine root biomass (live and dead), and calculate RLD and SRL. Soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen (ammonia and nitrates) at three depth intervals were also analyzed in these plots. Results showed that the average standing fine root biomass (live and dead) was 189.1 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹, 50% (95.4 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the surface soil layer (0–10 cm), 33% (61.5 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹), 17% (32.2 g·m⁻²·a⁻¹) in the middle (10–20 cm) and deep layer (20–30cm), respectively. Live and dead fine root biomass was the highest from May to July and in September, but lower in August and October. The live fine root biomass decreased and dead biomass increased during the growing season. Mean RLD (7,411.56 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (10.83 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the surface layer were higher than RLD (1 474.68 m·m⁻³·a⁻¹) and SRL (8.56 m·g⁻¹·a⁻¹) in the deep soil layer. RLD and SRL in May were the highest (10 621.45 m·m⁻³ and 14.83m·g⁻¹) compared with those in the other months, and RLD was the lowest in September (2 198.20 m·m⁻³) and SRL in October (3.77 m·g⁻¹). Seasonal dynamics of fine root biomass, RLD, and SRL showed a close relationship with changes in soil moisture, temperature, and nitrogen availability. To a lesser extent, the temperature could be determined by regression analysis. Fine roots in the upper soil layer have a function of absorbing moisture and nutrients, while the main function of deeper soil may be moisture uptake rather than nutrient acquisition. Therefore, carbon allocation to roots in the upper soil layer and deeper soil layer was different. Multiple regression analysis showed that variation in soil resource availability could explain 71–73% of the seasonal variation of RLD and SRL and 58% of the variation in fine root biomass. These results suggested a greater metabolic activity of fine roots living in soil with higher resource availability, which resulted in an increased allocation of carbohydrate to these roots, but a lower allocation of carbohydrate to those in soil with lower resource availability. __________ Translated from Acta Phytoecologica Sinica, 2005, 29(3): 403–410 [译自: 植物生态学报, 2005, 29(3): 403–410]     

施用氮肥对落叶松人工林一级根外生菌根侵染及形态的影响

以落叶松人工林为研究对象,通过施N肥试验,对不同季节、不同土壤深度根系进行取样,研究了1级根外生菌根真菌侵染率和形态,及其与不同季节、土壤深度和土壤N有效性的关系.结果表明:外生菌根真菌对落叶松人工林1级根的侵染率显著受不同季节和土壤深度土壤N有效性的影响.在不同季节和土层之间,施N肥导致菌根真菌侵染率下降.与未侵染菌根真菌相比,菌根真菌侵染导致1级根形态发生明显改变,平均直径增加18.7%,平均根长缩短23.7%,比根长降低16.3%.这种根系形态变化在不同季节、不同土壤深度处理中表现明显.菌根真菌侵染改变了1级根形态,影响根系的生理生态过程.     

Responses of root length/leaf area ratio and specific root length of an understory herb, Pteridophyllum racemosum, to increases in irradiance

The understory evergreen perennial Pteridophyllum racemosum Sieb. et Zucc. (Papaveraceae) has the ability to increase root mass per unit transpiring leaf area (RMA) if irradiance increases gradually over several years. In this study, we examined how P. racemosum changes its root length/leaf area ratio and specific root length when the species encounters abrupt increases in irradiance, such as sudden and unexpected canopy openings. Plants were transplanted from a low light condition in a subalpine wave-regenerating forest (photon flux density on the forest floor relative to the full sun (RPFD) was 2.7%) to a high light condition in a glasshouse (30% RPFD) (LH treatment). Transplantation from the low light condition in the forest to a low light condition in the glasshouse (LL) and transplantation from a high light condition in the forest (33% RPFD) to a high light condition in the glasshouse (HH) were also conducted as controls. Compared to the LL plants, the LH plants exhibited significant increases in RMA and root length/leaf area ratio from 30 to 70 days after transplantation. On the other hand, the effect of increased irradiance on specific root length (SRL) was weak, and both the LL and LH plants showed increased SRL from 30 to 70 days after transplantation. Increased SRL results from longer root length per unit construction cost. We concluded that increased root length/leaf area ratio of P. racemosum in response to abrupt increases in irradiance was caused by a combination of enhanced carbon allocation to roots with increased SRL.     

Phytoplankton alpha diversity as an indicator of environmental changes in a neotropical floodplain

Habitat fragmentation, overexploitation of natural resources, the introduction of alien species and environmental degradation in aquatic environments are the main causes of reductions in aquatic biota diversity. Phytoplankton represent good ecological indicators because they are highly diverse and rapidly respond to a wide array of environmental disturbances. We investigated the interannual variation in alpha diversity of the phytoplankton community in lakes of an alluvial floodplain. We predicted that the phytoplankton diversity decreases over time in lakes and rivers subjected to human activities, whereas those biotopes in areas under pristine environmental conditions do not show a reduction in alpha diversity. Phytoplankton samples were taken quarterly over a period of eleven years (2000–2010), from ten localities associated with three large rivers, which showed different uses of the watershed. The time series of alpha diversity was analysed, to assess the temporal trend, in addition to their relationships with environmental factors. Phytoplankton alpha diversity in the Upper Paraná River floodplain ranged between 4 and 87 species and showed a mean of 30 (±16.5). Sites associated with the Paraná River showed a decline in diversity, which was associated with transparency, nitrogen and phosphorus forms. These results reflect a combination of seston retention by damming and an increase in the N:P ratio, which appears to negatively affect phytoplankton diversity. If temporal trends in environmental variation and the phytoplankton community remain, the future consequences for phytoplanktonic diversity in the Paraná subsystem will be severe, which might cause changes in the trophic structure and dynamics, and therefore in the functioning of environments, since this community is one of the main sources of energy for other trophic levels.     

Response of fine roots to precipitation change: A meta-analysis

细根对土壤水分含量变化十分敏感, 增加和减少降水直接影响土壤水分含量。为探索细根对降水变化的响应, 该文从48篇已发表的国内外研究论文中搜集到202组数据, 通过meta分析的方法揭示细根生物量、生产量、周转率、根长度密度、比根长及细根分解对增加和减少降水的一般响应规律, 用加权响应比评价降水对细根各指标的影响效应, 降水变化对细根分解的影响用土壤微生物生物量碳的响应比衡量。结果表明: 1)不同类型植物的细根对降水变化的响应程度不同, 灌木细根的响应强于乔木。2)细根各指标对降水变化的响应存在土层空间异质性, 并且降水变化量为50%时细根响应最显著。降水增加50%时, 显著增加20-40 cm土层的细根生物量和0-10 cm土层的细根比根长, 降水减少50%时, 显著减少20-40 cm土层的细根生产量和增加0-10 cm土层的细根根长度密度。3)降水变化实验持续时间的长短会影响细根的响应程度, 短期实验中细根通过形态适应对降水变化做出应对, 而长期实验中细根通过重新分配生物量对降水变化做出响应。4)增加降水促进了细根养分归还, 致使土壤微生物得到了充足的底物资源, 提高了自身活性, 使细根分解加快。     

细根对降水变化响应的meta分析

细根对土壤水分含量变化十分敏感, 增加和减少降水直接影响土壤水分含量。为探索细根对降水变化的响应, 该文从48篇已发表的国内外研究论文中搜集到202组数据, 通过meta分析的方法揭示细根生物量、生产量、周转率、根长度密度、比根长及细根分解对增加和减少降水的一般响应规律, 用加权响应比评价降水对细根各指标的影响效应, 降水变化对细根分解的影响用土壤微生物生物量碳的响应比衡量。结果表明: 1)不同类型植物的细根对降水变化的响应程度不同, 灌木细根的响应强于乔木。2)细根各指标对降水变化的响应存在土层空间异质性, 并且降水变化量为50%时细根响应最显著。降水增加50%时, 显著增加20-40 cm土层的细根生物量和0-10 cm土层的细根比根长, 降水减少50%时, 显著减少20-40 cm土层的细根生产量和增加0-10 cm土层的细根根长度密度。3)降水变化实验持续时间的长短会影响细根的响应程度, 短期实验中细根通过形态适应对降水变化做出应对, 而长期实验中细根通过重新分配生物量对降水变化做出响应。4)增加降水促进了细根养分归还, 致使土壤微生物得到了充足的底物资源, 提高了自身活性, 使细根分解加快。     

Bird sensitivity to disturbance as an indicator of forest patch conditions: An issue in environmental assessments

An Environmental Assessment (EA) is one of the steps within the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Birds are often used in EA to help decision makers evaluate potential human impacts from proposed development activities. A “sensitivity to human disturbance” index, created by Parker III et al. (1996) for all Neotropical species, is commonly considered an ecological indicator. However, this parameter was created subjectively and, for most species, there have been no rigorous field test to validate its effectiveness as such. Therefore, in this study, we aim to: (1) evaluate if, at the local scale, birds from forest patches in a human-modified landscape (HML) may differ in sensitivity from Parker's sensitivity classification; (2) evaluate the effectiveness of the species richness value at each sensitivity level as an ecological indicator; (3) gather information on how often and in which manner Parker's classification has been used in EA. To do so, bird sampling was performed in eight forest patches in a HML over one year. Then, we created a local sensitivity to disturbance using information about threat, endemism, spatial distribution and relative abundance of all species in the study area. We found that 37% of the forest birds showed different local sensitivity levels when compared with Parker's classification. Our results show that only the richness of high-sensitivity species from our local classification fitted the ecological indicator assumptions helping the environmental conditions evaluation of the studied patches. We conclude that species richness of each Parker's bird sensitivity levels do not necessarily perform as an ecological indicator at the local scale, and particularly in HML. Nevertheless, Parker's Neotropical bird sensitivity classification was used in 50% of EA we reviewed. In these, 76% assumed that it was an accurate ecological indicator of the local forest conditions for birds. The lack of clear criteria used in Parker's classification allows diverse interpretations by ornithologists, and there is no agreement about the ecological meaning of each sensitivity level and what environmental conditions each level may indicate of. Therefore, the use of Parker's classification in EA may jeopardize accurate interpretations of proposed anthropogenic impacts. Furthermore, because a bird species’ sensitivity often varies between locations, we argue that Parker's generalized classification of bird sensitivity should not be used as an indicator of forest environmental conditions in EA throughout HMLs in Neotropics. Rather, local bird ecological indices should be explored, otherwise, erroneous predictions of the anthropogenic impacts will continue to be common.     

黄土高原白羊草、沙棘和辽东栎细根比根长特性

以黄土高原地区典型草本（白羊草）、灌木（沙棘）和乔木（辽东栎）为对象,研究了3种植物细根比根长在不同土层的分布状况以及与其它细根参数和土壤物理因子之间的相关性。结果表明,3种植物细根比根长的变化范围为6～55ram／rag。在0,80cm土层,白羊草、沙棘和辽东栎细根比根长变化范围分别为18—55mm／mg,14—4JDmm／mg,6—33mm／mg。3种植物0--80cm土层平均细根比根长从大到小依次为白羊草〉沙棘〉辽东栎。3种植物0-10cm土层细根比根长依次为沙棘〉辽东栎〉白羊草,10-80cm依次为白羊草〉辽东栎〉沙棘,表明3种植物细根比根长不仅在这两土层中的分布不具一致性,而且与0-80cm土层平均比根长也不具有一致性,进一步说明3种植物沿土壤剖面的生物量分配策略不同。相关分析表明,3种植物细根比根长与其它细根参数之间的相互关系各不相同,制约程度存在差异。与土壤物理因子的相关分析表明,3种植物细根比根长均随土壤含水量的增加而减少。土壤各级水稳性团聚体和土壤颗粒对3种植物细根比根长并无一致的影响。     

Specific root area: A soil characteristic

The root systems of all plants adapt to soil conditions. One of the ways Norway spruce adapts is a regulation of absorbing root surface area, which can be viewed as an ecomorphological index of soil conditions. Minimal specific root surface area of absorbing roots of Norway spruce (28–29 m²kg⁻¹) responds to optimal soil conditions. This was achieved at a soil bulk density of about 1.2 gcm⁻³.     

水曲柳根系生物量、比根长和根长密度的分布格局

采用连续钻取土芯法在生长季内对东北林业大学帽儿山实验林场17年生水曲柳人工林根系取样,研究水曲柳不同直径根系现存生物量、比根长和根长密度及垂直分布状况.结果表明,水曲柳人工林根系总生物量为1 637.6 g·m^-2,其中活根生物量占85%,死根占15%.在活根生物量当中,粗根(直径5～30 mm)占的比例最高（69.95%）,其次为活细根（直径<1 mm,13.53%）,小根(1～2 mm)和中等直径的根(2～5 mm)比例较小（分别为7.21%和9.31%）.直径<1 mm活细根的比根长为32.20 m·g^-1,直径5～30 mm粗根的比根长为0.08 m·g^-1.单位面积上活根的总长度为6 602.54 m·m^-2,其中直径<1 mm的细根占92.43%,其它直径等级则不到活根总长度的8%.直径<1 mm的细根生物量与根长密度具显著线性关系（R²=0.923）,但与比根长无显著相关关系（R²=0.134）.     

Comparison of environmental indicator sets using a unified indicator classification framework

Environmental indicator sets (EIS) are tools to monitor and assess sustainability, and many environmental organizations have embraced their use. Due to the large number of EIS, it is a challenge to compare and reconcile their differences and gain a comprehensive view of their utility. To compare EIS, the first step is to classify their component indicators, for which several frameworks exist. Among the most widely used, is the causal-chain framework, also referred to as PSR after its categories of Pressure, State and Response. Other frameworks classify indicators by subject, yet none is widely applied. Aiming to compare EIS, we first proposed a unified classification criteria for indicators using PSR and five subject categories (i.e., biodiversity and ecosystem health, E; natural resources, N; physical and chemical contamination, C; human environment, H; and general, G). Then, we used these classification criteria to describe and compare fourteen existing environmental indicator sets. Finally, we compared EIS based on their production characteristics and goals. Across the fourteen EIS, we analyzed 706 indicators (which represent ∼1200 variables) and selected 16 and 79 keywords for classification in the PSR and ENCHG categories respectively. We found on average that the ratio of categories in the causal chain framework was 2.5S:1.5P:1R, while we observed a large variability across EIS. For the subject categories, C-E-N were nearly equally represented among EIS, and better represented than H-G. Also, the evaluated EIS showed a polarization between C-H and E categories that we interpreted as a human vs. natural-ecosystem welfare focus. Finally, we identified three broad categories of EIS based primarily on the organization that produced them, non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations, and international organizations. Our results can contribute to the design and implementation of scientifically robust and representative EIS, which are key to incorporate environmental data to policymaking in the search of sustainability.     

Influence of storage methods on corn root length measurements

This study evaluated the changes in root length, mass, and diameter after air drying and rehydration of corn (Zea mays L.) root samples. For corn roots washed from soil, rehydrated root length was not reduced when compared with fresh root length, but rehydrated root mass was reduced to about half of fresh root mass, and rehydrated root diameter was approximately 75% of fresh diameter. Three storage methods (air dried, 70% ethanol, and 5% formaldehyde solution) were also compared for corn roots grown in moist paper towels. Although root mass and diameter were significantly reduced by air drying, root length was not altered by any of the treatments.     

亚热带6种树种细根序级结构和形态特征

以福建省建瓯市万木林自然保护区内占优势的6种天然林树种(沉水樟Cinnamomum micranthum,CIM;观光木Tsoongiodendron odorum Chun,TOC;浙江桂Cinnamomum chekiangense,CIC;罗浮栲Castanopsis fabri,CAF;细柄阿丁枫Altingiagracilipes,ALG;米槠Castanopsis carlesii,CAC)为研究对象,对其1—5级细根的结构,形态特征及生物量进行了分析。结果表明:沉水樟,细柄阿丁枫和米槠细根分支比表现出在1,2级(4倍以上)明显大于其它序级(3倍左右);其余3种树种则是在3,4级的细根分支比最大,其中浙江桂达到8.65倍,其它序级则大致为3倍左右。6种树种1,2级细根数量占到总数的70%—90%。6种树种细根直径,根长,组织密度随序级升高逐渐增大,比根长减小,生物量未表现出一致的变化规律,6种树种生物量主要集中在高级根部分。方差分析表明,树种对细根分支比例有显著影响(P<0.05),浙江桂和米槠细根分支水平对分支比例有极显著影响(P<0.01),其余4种树种分支水平对分支比例有显著影响(P<0.05),树种和分支水平的交互作用对6种树种细根分支比均有极显著的影响(P<0.01);树种对细根根长,直径以及生物量均有极显著影响(P<0.01),对比根长有显著影响(P<0.05),而对组织密度的影响则不显著(P>0.05);树种和序级的交互作用对细根根长,直径以及生物量均有极显著影响(P<0.01),对组织密度有显著影响(P<0.05),对比根长影响不显著(P>0.05)。序级对6种树种细根根长,直径,比根长以及生物量的影响并未达到一致,对6种树种细根组织密度有极显著影响(P<0.01)。树种间1—4级根的比根长变异主要由组织密度引起,而5级根的比根长变异则由直径引起,同时在1级根中组织密度与直径呈现出权衡的关系。6种树种细根数量,直径,根长,比根长,组织密度以及生物量与序级之间回归分析发现它们与序级之间具有指数函数,线性函数,二次函数,三次函数或者幂函数关系。     

A rapid quantitative measurement of root length and root branching by microcomputer image analysis

A computer program was made for fast and reliable measurement of root length and for estimating the number of root tips and branching points. Image-processing procedures available in a program package for image analysis by means of a personal computer were used. The method is described in this paper and some results of tests on variance and systematic errors (bias) are discussed.Time required for analysis of an evenly spread root (sub-)sample with a total length of max. 300 cm was reduced to less than 20 seconds. Random deviations from the real length, determined by measuring known lengths of wire, did not exceed 5%, after correction for length density dependent bias. Counts of root tips appeared to be unreliable, but branching ratios could be determined fairly accurately, after correction for the length density dependent number of pseudo-branches (e.g. crossings). Rhizotron root photographs were also analysed satisfactorily, after modification of a few steps in the program.     

Changes in cephalothorax length of diatomus oregonensis as an indicator of generations

Seasonal changes in cephalothorax length of Diaptomus oregonensis have been suggested as a means to segregate its life cycle. Problems associated with this technique are also discussed.     

青杨人工林根系生物量、表面积和根长密度变化

在植物生长季节,采用钻取土芯法对秦岭北坡50年生青杨人工林根径≤2 mm和2～5 mm根系的生物量、表面积和根长密度进行测定.结果表明：在青杨人工林根系(＜5 mm)中,根径≤2 mm根系占总生物量的77.8%,2～5 mm根系仅占22.2%;根径≤2 mm根系表面积和根长密度占根系总量的97%以上,而根径2～5 mm根系不足3%.随着土层的加深,根径≤2 mm根系生物量、表面积和根长密度数量减少,根径2～5 mm根系生物量、表面积和根长密度最小值均分布在20～30 cm土层.≤2 mm根系生物量、表面积和根长密度与土壤有机质、有效氮呈极显著相关,而根径2～5 mm根系的相关性不显著.