内蒙古荒漠草原放牧强度对风沙通量和沉积物粒径的影响

以内蒙古短花针茅(Stipa breviflora)草原为研究对象, 在放牧11年的样地布设BSNE集沙仪, 通过2013年4月到2015年4月4个采样期对短花针茅草原放牧强度与风沙通量的定量关系及风蚀物粒度特征进行了研究。结果表明: (1)放牧强度对风沙通量有显著影响(p < 0.05)。随着放牧强度增强, 风沙通量逐渐增加; 风沙通量对放牧强度的响应存在季节差异, 生长季的日平均风沙通量小于非生长季, 且生长季不同放牧强度间风沙通量差异较大, 其中重度放牧区风沙通量是对照区的5倍, 而非生长季不同放牧强度间风沙通量差异较小, 重度放牧区是对照区的1.7倍; (2)生长季不同高度风沙通量的自然对数和垂直高度之间存在较好的二项式拟合结果, 而非生长季风沙通量的垂直分布没有明显规律; 放牧强度间通量的垂直分布差异主要表现在0-50 cm高度; 在同样高度, 放牧强度大, 垂直通量也大; (3)风蚀沉积物中粒径≤250 μm颗粒富集度随垂直高度变化而变化; 风沙沉积物中, ≤250 μm的颗粒占沉积物总量的85%以上, 沉积物中粒径≤50 μm的颗粒有明显的富集作用, 且随垂直高度增加富集比逐渐增加; 粒径为125-250 μm和50-125 μm的颗粒表现为随垂直高度增加富集比降低的趋势, 且125-250 μm粒径的富集比显著小于50-125 μm颗粒的富集比; 荒漠草原放牧强度对风沙通量有不同程度的影响, 放牧强度越大, 风蚀越重, 风蚀作用强化了重度放牧对草地退化的影响作用。     

Greenhouse gas fluxes of typical northern subtropical forest soils: Impacts of land use change and reduced precipitation

Aims It is important to study the effects of land use change and reduced precipitation on greenhouse gas fluxes (CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O) of forest soils. Methods The fluxes of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O and their responses to environmental factors of primary forest soil, secondary forest soil and artificial forest soil under a reduced precipitation regime were explored using the static chamber and gas chromatography methods during the period from January to December in 2014. Important findings Results indicate that CH₄ uptake of primary forest soil ((-44.43 ± 8.73) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) was significantly higher than that of the secondary forest soil ((-21.64 ± 4.86) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) and the artificial forest soil ((-10.52 ± 2.11) μg C·m^-2·h^-1). CH₄ uptake of the secondary forest soil ((-21.64 ± 4.86) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) was significantly higher than that of the artificial forest ((-10.52 ± 2.11) μg C·m^-2·h^-1). CO₂ emissions of the artificial forest soil ((106.53 ± 19.33) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) were significantly higher than that of the primary forest soil ((49.50 ± 8.16) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) and the secondary forest soil ((63.50 ± 5.35) μg C·m^-2·h^-1) (p < 0.01). N₂O emissions of the secondary forest soil ((1.91 ± 1.22) μg N·m^-2·h^-1) were higher than that of the primary forest soil ((1.40 ± 0.28) μg N·m^-2·h^-1) and the artificial forest soil ((1.01 ± 0.86) μg N·m^-2·h^-1). Reduced precipitation (-50%) had a significant inhibitory effect on CH₄ uptake of the artificial forest soil, while it enhanced CO₂ emissions of the primary forest soil and the secondary forest soil. Reduced precipitation had a significant inhibitory effect on CO₂ emissions of the artificial forest soil and N₂O emissions of the secondary forest (p < 0.01). Reduced precipitation promotes N₂O emissions of the primary forest soil and the artificial forest soil. CH₄ uptake of the primary forest and the secondary forest soil increased significantly with the increase of soil temperature under natural and reduced precipitation. CO₂ and N₂O emission fluxes of the primary forest soil, secondary forest soil and artificial forest soil were positively correlated with soil temperature (p < 0.05). Soil moisture inhibited CH₄ uptake of the secondary forest soil and the artificial forest soil (p < 0.05). CO₂ emissions of the primary forest soil were significantly positively correlated with soil moisture (p < 0.05). N₂O emissions of primary forest soil and secondary forest soil were significantly correlated with the nitrate nitrogen content (p < 0.05). It was implied that reduced precipitation and land use change would have significant effects on greenhouse gas emissions of subtropical forest soils.     

不同放牧强度下短花针茅荒漠草原植被的空间异质性

分析不同放牧强度下植物群落中物种的空间分布特征, 有助于阐明群落在放牧胁迫下的演替规律。该研究基于幂函数法则, 探讨了不同放牧强度下短花针茅(Stipa breviflora)荒漠草原群落植物的频率和空间异质性。结果表明: 不同放牧强度下物种空间分布与幂函数法则能很好地吻合; 不同物种空间异质性具有特异性, 随着放牧强度的增加, 提高群落空间异质性的物种分别由无芒隐子草(Cleistogenes songorica)、冷蒿(Artemisia frigida)、短花针茅、银灰旋花(Convolvulus ammannii)等多个物种逐渐转变为以无芒隐子草、短花针茅为主的少数物种, 同时, 物种空间异质性大于群落空间异质性的物种数逐渐减少。     

Responses of soil respiration with biocrust cover to water and temperature in the southeastern edge of Tengger Desert,Northwest China

Aims Soil respiration of the lands covered by biocrusts is an important component in the carbon cycle of arid, semi-arid and dry-subhumid ecosystems (drylands hereafter), and one of the key processes in the carbon cycle of drylands. However, the responses of the rate of soil respiration with biocrusts to water and temperature are uncertain in the investigations of the effects of experimental warming and precipitation patterns on CO₂ fluxes in biocrust dominated ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships of carbon release from the biocrust-soil systems with water and temperature in drylands. Methods Intact soil columns with two types of biocrusts, including moss and algae-lichen crusts, were collected in a natural vegetation area in the southeastern fringe of the Tengger Desert. Open top chambers were used to simulate climate warming, and the soil respiration rate was measured under warming and non-warming treatments using an automated soil respiration system (LI-8150). Important findings Over the whole observational period (from April 2016 to July 2016), soil respiration rates varied from -0.16 to 4.69 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 for the moss crust-covered soils and from -0.21 to 5.72 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 for the algae-lichen crust-covered soils, respectively, under different rainfall events (the precipitations between 0.3-30.0 mm). The mean soil respiration rate of the moss crust-covered soils is 1.09 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, which is higher than that of the algae-lichen crust-covered soils of 0.94 μmol·m^-2·s^-1. The soil respiration rate of the two types of biocrust-covered soils showed different dynamics and spatial heterogeneities with rainfall events, and were positively correlated with precipitation. The mean soil respiration rate of the biocrust-covered soils without warming was 1.24 μmol·m^-2·s^-1, significantly higher than that with warming treatments of 0.79 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 (p < 0.05). By increasing the evaporation of soil moisture, the simulated warming impeded soil respiration. In most cases, soil temperature and soil respiration rate displayed a similar single-peak curve during the diel cycle. Our results show an approximately two hours’ lag between soil temperature at 5 cm depth and the soil respiration rate of the biocrust-covered soils during the diel cycle.     

基于超声清洗的树木叶面颗粒物粒径分布与吸滞效率研究——以银杏和油松为例

明确在常规叶片清洗方法(泡洗或泡洗+刷洗)上增加超声清洗对叶面各径级颗粒物滞纳量定量评估的影响, 并在此基础上研究叶面颗粒物的粒径分布和吸滞效率, 可进一步提高城市树木大气颗粒物吸滞能力的定量评估精度。该文以城市森林建设常用阔叶树种银杏(Ginkgo biloba)和针叶树种油松(Pinus tabuliformis)为研究对象, 于雨后(降水量>15 mm) 4天(短滞尘时长)和14天(长滞尘时长)分别采集叶样, 并依次对其进行泡洗(WC)、刷洗(BC)、超声清洗(UC)等洗脱程序, 然后对每个清洗步骤下叶片洗脱液中颗粒物的质量和粒径分布进行测试, 并依此估算叶片各径级颗粒物的吸滞效率。结果表明, 以“泡洗+刷洗+超声清洗”清洗流程的测试结果为参照, 若只对叶片进行泡洗, 则银杏和油松对大气颗粒物(PM₁, 粒径d ≤1 µm)、PM_2.5 (d ≤ 2.5 µm)、PM₅ (d ≤ 5 µm)、PM₁₀ (d ≤ 10 µm)吸滞量会分别被低估约一半(54%、53%、53%和53%)和40% (42%、42%、42%和42%); 若只进行“泡洗+刷洗”, 则银杏和油松对相应径级颗粒物的吸滞量仍会分别被低估约15% (17%、16%、15%和15%)和20% (21%、20%、20%和20%)。油松叶面颗粒物粒径分布呈双峰曲线, 而银杏叶面颗粒物粒径则呈单峰分布, 且银杏叶面颗粒物平均粒径在短、长滞尘时长下均大于油松。油松叶片对PM₁、PM_2.5、PM₅、PM₁₀和总悬浮颗粒物的吸滞效率分别为8.96、23.92、23.96、23.96和23.96 mg·m^-2·d^-1, 分别比银杏叶片高112%、73%、34%、37%和42%。     

北亚热带地带性森林土壤温室气体通量对土地利用方式改变和降水减少的响应

弄清土地利用和降水变化对林地土壤主要温室气体(CO₂、CH₄和N₂O)排放通量变化的影响, 是准确评估森林土壤温室气体排放能力的重要基础。该研究以常绿落叶阔叶混交林原始林、桦木(Betula luminifera)次生林和马尾松(Pinus massoniana)人工林为对象, 采用静态箱-气相色谱法研究了3种土地利用方式(常绿落叶阔叶混交林原始林、桦木次生林和马尾松人工林)和降水减少处理状况下森林土壤CO₂、CH₄和N₂O通量排放特征, 并探讨了其环境驱动机制。研究结果表明: 原始林土壤CH₄吸收通量显著高于次生林和人工林, 次生林CH₄吸收通量显著高于人工林土壤。人工林土壤CO₂排放通量显著高于原始林和次生林土壤。次生林土壤N₂O排放通量高于原始林和人工林, 但三者间差异不显著。降水减半显著抑制了3种不同土地利用方式下林地土壤CH₄吸收通量; 降水减半处理对原始林和次生林土壤CO₂排放通量均具有显著的促进作用, 而对人工林土壤CO₂排放通量具有显著的抑制作用; 降水减半处理促进了原始林和人工林林地土壤N₂O排放而抑制了次生林林地土壤N₂O排放。原始林和次生林林地土壤CH₄吸收通量随土壤温度升高显著增加, CH₄吸收通量与土壤温度均呈显著相关关系; 原始林、次生林和人工林土壤CO₂和N₂O排放通量与土壤温度均呈显著正相关关系; 土壤湿度抑制了次生林和人工林土壤CH₄吸收通量, 其CH₄吸收通量随土壤湿度增加显著减少; 原始林土壤CO₂排放通量与土壤湿度呈显著正相关关系。自然状态下, 原始林土壤N₂O排放通量与土壤湿度呈显著正相关关系, 原始林和次生林土壤N₂O排放通量与硝态氮含量呈显著相关关系。研究结果表明全球气候变化(如降水变化)和土地利用方式的转变将对北亚热带森林林地土壤温室气体排放通量产生显著的影响。     

A comparison of measured and calculated net community CO2 exchange: Scaling from leaves to communities

Leaf net photosynthesis is crucial for detecting the mechanism of photosynthesis, whereas community net photosynthesis is useful for understanding the photosynthetic capacity of communities and its relationship with environmental factors. In particular, we need to scale up eco-physiological models from leaf scale to canopy level to study carbon cycling at regional or global scale. We hypothesized that accumulated leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_c) at community scale, i.e., calculated based on leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n) and leaf area index (LAI), equals to measured net community CO₂ exchange (NCE). The purpose of this study is to verify this hypothesis. Our field study was carried out in Duolun, Nei Mongol, China, where we constructed single-species communities by sowing Medicago sativa ‘Aohan’ seeds in three plots (3 m × 5 m) on May 30, 2012. On August 16, 2014, P_n of five healthy leaves of M. sativa ‘Aohan’ in each plot were measured with a LI-6400 portable photosynthesis system at 10:00, and net ecosystem CO₂ exchange (NEE) in each plot was measured simultaneously with a LI-8100 system connected with a assimilation chamber (0.5 m × 0.5 m × 0.5 m). P_c was calculated based on P_n, number of leaves (n), LAI percentage of healthy leaves (r) and percentage of received effective light by leaves (m). NCE was derived from NEE and ecosystem respiration rate (R_eco). P_c was 3.52 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1, and very close to NCE (3.56 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1), suggesting that leaf-scale photosynthesis may accurately predict community-scale photosynthesis. However, our method could not separate community respiration from soil respiration, and future studies, should be designed to counteract this effect. Scaling up from leaf photosynthesis to community photosynthesis should also consider vertical structure of communities and nonlinear responses of leaf photosynthesis to changes in light quantum.     

Effects of nitrogen enrichment on root exudative carbon inputs in Sibiraea angustata shrubbery at the eastern fringe of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

Aims Understanding the responses of root exudative carbon (C) to increasing nitrogen deposition is important for predicting carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, fewer studies have investigated the dynamics of root exudation in shrubbery ecosystems compared to forests and grassland ecosystems. This objective of this study was to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the rate and C flux of root exudates.Methods Three levels of nitrogen addition treatments were applied to a Sibiraea angustata shrubbery ecosystem situated at the eastern fringe of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, including N₀ (without nitrogen application), N₅ (nitrogen addition rate of 5 g·m^-2·a^-1), and N₁₀ (nitrogen addition rate of 10 g·m^-2·a^-1), respectively, in 5 m ´ 5 m plots. Root exudates were collected in June, August and October of 2015, using a modified culture-based cuvette system. Root biomass in each plot was measured with root core method.Important findings The rates of root exudates on biomass, length, and surface area basis all displayed apparent seasonal variations during the experimental period, with the magnitude ranked in the order of: August > June > October, consistent with changes in soil temperature at 5 cm depth. With increases in the nitrogen addition rate, the rate of root exudates on biomass, length, and area basis all trended lower. Compared with the control (N₀), the N₅ and N₁₀ treatments significantly reduced fine root biomass in the Sibiraea angustata shrubbery, by 23.36% and 33.84%, respectively. The decreasing root exudation and fine root biomass in response to nitrogen addition significantly decreased C flux of root exudates. Our results provide additional evidences toward a robust theoretical foundation for better understanding soil C-nutrient cycling process mediated by root exudation inputs in Alpine shrubbery ecosystems under various environmental changes.     

Dynamics and regulations of ecosystem light use efficiency in a broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest,Changbai Mountain

Aims Ecosystem light use efficiency (LUE) reflects the ability of CO₂ uptake and light utilization via photosynthesis, which is a key parameter in ecosystem models to evaluate ecosystem productivity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) compare the differences of LUE derived from different methods; (2) elucidate the seasonal dynamics of LUE and its regulatory factors; and (3) evaluate the maximum LUE (LUE_max) and its variability based on eddy-covariance (EC) flux.Methods Using the flux data from an EC tower during 2003-2005 at a broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) mixed forest, Changbai Mountain, two types of LUE indicators were generated from: 1) the apparent quantum yield (ε) estimated with rectangular hyperbolic curve, and 2) the ecological light use efficiency (LUE_eco) calculated as the ratio between gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and photosynthetically-active radiation (Q).Important findings The seasonal variation of ε and LUE_eco appeared a unimodal pattern within a year, with the variations significantly dominated by soil surface temperature and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). A positive correlation between GEP and LUE was found for both ε and LUE_eco, with the effect of Q on LUE relatively weak. The increase in diffusion radiation appeared favorable for enhanced LUE. Generally, there was a significant positive relationship between ε and LUE_eco, while ε was higher than LUE_eco, especially during the mid-season. The annual maximum value of ε and LUE_eco was (0.087 ± 0.003) and (0.040 ± 0.002) μmol CO₂·μmol photon^-1 over the three years, respectively. The interannual variability of LUE_max for ε and LUE_eco was 4.17% and 4.25%, respectively, with a maximum difference of >8%, likely resulted from considerable uncertainty in model simulations. Our results indicated that the inversion and optimization of maximum LUE should be taken seriously in the application of LUE models.     

Effects of nitrogen addition on soil respiration of Rhododendron simsii shrubland in the subtropical mountainous areas of China

Aims As the second largest C flux between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems, soil respiration plays a vital role in regulating atmosphere CO₂ concentration. Therefore, understanding the response of soil respiration to the increasing nitrogen deposition is urgently needed for prediction of future climate change. However, it is still unclear how nitrogen deposition influences soil respiration of shrubland in subtropical China. Our objectives were to explore the effects of different levels of nitrogen fertilization on soil respiration, root biomass increment, and litter biomass, and to analyze the relationships between soil respiration and soil temperature and moisture.
Methods From January 2013 to September 2014, we conducted a short-term simulated nitrogen deposition experiment in the Rhododendron simsii shrubland of Dawei Mountain, located in Hunan Province, southern China. Four levels of nitrogen addition treatments (each level with three replicates) were established: control (CK, no nitrogen addition), low nitrogen addition (LN, 2 g·m^-2·a^-1), medium nitrogen addition (MN, 5 g·m^-2·a^-1) and high nitrogen addition (HN, 10 g·m^-2·a^-1). Soil respiration was measured by LI-8100 soil CO₂ efflux system. At the same time, we measured root biomass increment and litter biomass in each plot.
Important findings Soil respiration exhibited a strong seasonal pattern, with the highest rates found in summer and the lowest rates in winter. Annual accumulative soil respiration rate in the CK, LN, MN and HN was (2.37 ± 0.39), (2.79 ± 0.42), (2.26 ± 0.38) and (2.30 ± 0.36) kg CO₂·m^-2, respectively. Annual mean soil respiration rate in the CK, LN, MN and HN was (1.71 ± 0.28), (2.01 ± 0.30), (1.63 ± 0.27) and (1.66 ± 0.26) μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1, respectively, and it was 17.25% higher in the LN treatment compared with CK (p = 0.06). The root biomass increment was increased by LN, MN, and HN treatments by 18.36%, 36.49% and 61.63%, respectively, compared to CK. The litter biomass was increased by LN, MN, and HN treatments by 35.87%, 22.17% and 15.35%, respectively, compared with CK. Soil respiration exhibited a significant exponential relationship with soil temperature (p < 0.01, R² is 0.77 to 0.82) and a significant linear relationship with soil moisture at the depth of 5 cm (p < 0.05, R² is 0.10 to 0.15). The temperature sensitivity (Q₁₀) value of CK, LN, MN and HN plots was 3.96, 3.60, 3.71 and 3.51, respectively. These results suggested that nitrogen addition promoted plant growth and decreased the temperature sensitivity of soil respiration. The increase of root biomass under N addition may be an important reason for the change of soil respiration in the study area.     

放牧强度对荒漠草原建群种短花针茅空间异质性的影响

为探讨不同放牧强度下短花针茅种群密度空间分布的变化特点及差异,本研究以内蒙古四子王旗短花针茅荒漠草原建群物种短花针茅为对象,分析了对照、轻度放牧、中度放牧和重度放牧4块样地短花针茅种群小尺度空间分布异质性.结果表明: 短花针茅种群密度分别为重度放牧(27.81株·m^-2)>中度放牧(22.17株·m^-2)>对照(11.31株·m^-2)>轻度放牧(10.76株·m^-2),中度与重度放牧显著增加了短花针茅种群密度;通过半方差函数进行模型拟合,对照、轻度放牧、中度放牧及重度放牧样地短花针茅种群分布分别符合指数模型、球状模型、指数模型和球状模型;通过对短花针茅种群的空间分布格局分析,各样地结构比分别为对照(99.7%)>重度放牧(94.7%)>轻度放牧(92.7%)>中度放牧(87.9%),表明4块草地空间自相关性程度均较高,主要受结构性因素影响,中度放牧草地短花针茅种群结构比最小,受随机性因素影响相对较大;通过分形维数分析,4块草地空间结构良好,空间分布简单,并随着放牧强度增大,空间分布更简单且均质化;结合2D及3D图看,轻度放牧及重度放牧均造成短花针茅种群空间分布从梯度分布变成斑块分布,并使空间异质性降低.     

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.     

蛋白核小球藻生长和无机碳利用对不同光照强度和CO2浓度的响应

为了探讨光照强度和CO₂浓度对蛋白核小球藻(Chlorella pyrenoidosa)生长、无机碳利用的复合效应, 丰富绿藻中无机碳浓缩机制的资料, 该文设置两种光照强度(40和120 µmol photons•m^-2•s^-1)和两种CO₂浓度(0.04%和0.16%)组合成4种条件, 比较了蛋白核小球藻生长、无机碳浓度、pH补偿点、光合放氧速率、碳酸酐酶(CA)活性和α-CA基因转录表达对这4种培养条件的响应。结果发现: 蛋白核小球藻在高光强高CO₂浓度组生长最快; 低光强高CO₂浓度组培养体系中总无机碳浓度为1163.3 µmol•L^-1, 显著高于其他3组; 高光强低CO₂浓度组藻的pH补偿点最高(9.8), 而低光强高CO₂浓度组藻的pH补偿点最低(8.6); 低光强高CO₂浓度组藻的最大光合速率(V_max)和最大光合速率一半时的无机碳浓度(K_0.5)最高, 分别是其他3组的1.28-1.91倍和1.61-2.00倍; 高光强低CO₂浓度组藻的胞外CA活性最高; 而低光强低CO₂浓度组藻的胞外α-CA基因表达量显著高于其他3组。以上结果表明低CO₂浓度可促进蛋白核小球藻的pH补偿点和无机碳亲和力的提高, 诱导胞外CA活性及α-CA基因的表达; 该藻主要以HCO₃^-为无机碳源, 其对无机碳的利用受光照的调节。     

Sap flow characteristics and its responses to precipitation in Robinia pseudoacacia and Platycladus orientalis plantations

Aim In the loess hilly region, drought stress frequently occurs during the late spring and early summer as a result of insufficient water supply and asynchronous changes between temperature and precipitation. Our objective was to quantify the characteristics of water-consumption through transpirations and their responses to precipitation in the dominant plantations in this region. Methods Thermal dissipation probe (TDP) was used to measure the sap flow density (F_d) of Robinia pseudoacacia and Platycladus orientalis from April through October in 2009 in Ansai National Ecological Experimental Station. Environmental variables, including meteorological factors and soil water content, were simultaneously measured. Important findings The diurnal variation of F_d exhibited a single-peak curve during the growing season of R. pseudoacacia and P. orientalis. The maximum F_d was three times greater in R. pseudoacacia (0.12068 m³·m^-2·h^-1) than that in P. orientalis (0.03737 m³·m^-2·h^-1). Except in the rapid-growth season (July to August), the F_d of these two species during the post-precipitation period were significantly higher than that during the pre-precipitation period. The F_d of P. orientalis and R. pseudoacacia was well fitted with transpiration (VT), an integrated index calculated from both vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and solar radiation (R_s), using an exponential saturation function. Generally, F_d increased in response to rising VT, while these values tended to be stable when VT reached about 50 kPa (W·m^-2)^1/2. Furthermore, R. pseudoacacia showed more sensitive to precipitation (p < 0.001) than P. orientalis, according to different hydraulic conductance model coefficients (fitting parameter b) between pre- and post-precipitation periods. Therefore, R. pseudoacacia could be considered as a precipitation-sensitive species, while P. orientalisasa precipitation-insensitive species. Through analyzing the different responses of plantation species to precipitation in the loess hilly region, this study provides a scientific basis for the local plantation management from the aspect of tree water use during ecological restoration.     

Characteristics and partitioning of ozone dry deposition measured by eddy-covariance technology in a winter wheat field

Aims Anthropogenic pollutants cause an increase in ground-level ozone concentration, which is a known threat to plant growth and yield and has been extensively observed worldwide. Since ozone is only slightly soluble in water, it is deposited mainly through dry deposition in terrestrial ecosystem. The object of this study was to analyze the characteristics of ozone dry deposition and to estimate the contribution of stomatal and non-stomatal ozone deposition pathways to total ozone deposition in a winter wheat field.Methods The research site was a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) field located in Yongfeng experimental station of Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology. The data used in this study were collected from March 16, 2016 to May 30, 2016. We observed ozone dry deposition with an eddy-covariance system. This system mainly included a 3D sonic anemometer, an open-path infrared absorption spectrometer, a fast-response ozone chemiluminescent analyzer and a slow-response ozone monitor. We simultaneously measured meteorological data including solar radiation (SR), air temperature (T), air relativity humidity (RH), wind speed, net radiation, and rainfall. All raw data were recorded with data-logger and averaged every 30 min.Important findings Half hourly means of ozone concentrations (C_O3), ozone flux (F_O3) and ozone dry deposition velocity (V_d) in the winter wheat field were 32.9 nL·L^-1, -5.09 nmol·m^-2·s^-1, 0.39 cm·s^-1, and the ranges of them were 16-58 nL·L^-1, -2.9- -11.7 nmol·m^-2·s^-1, 0.17-0.63 cm·s^-1, respectively. F_O3 and C_O3/V_d were found to be mismatched with phase peaks occurring at different time intervals. The ecosystem was more effective on ozone dry deposition, under conditions of moderate to high SR (SR ≥ 400 W·m^-2), moderate T and humility (T = 18 °C and RH > 40%). The relationship between V_dmax and SR was this function (y = 1.06 -exp (-0.0094 - x)). V_dmax increased with SR When SR < 400 W·m^-2, and V_dmax reached its maximum when SR =400 W·m^-2. V_dmax maintained its maximum when SR ≥ 400 W·m^-2. The relationship between V_dmax and T was “bell” curve (y = 1.06 - (x - 18)²/169). V_dmax reached its maximum when T = 18 °C. V_dmax decreased with RH when RH < 40 % (y = 0.030x - 0.106). The variation of V_d might uncertainty when RH was high. There was a liner positive relationship between friction velocity (u*) and V_d, but this relationship was not significant. The mean day-to-day and daytime contributions of stomatal and non-stomatal ozone deposition pathway to total ozone deposition were 32%, 68% and 42%, 58%, respectively, during the whole experimental period.     

Short-term responses of winter soil respiration to snow removal in a Picea asperata forest of western Sichuan

Aims Seasonal snow cover is one of the most important factors that control winter soil respiration in the cold biomes. The warming-induced decreases in snowpack could affect winter soil respiration of subalpine forests. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of snow removal on winter soil respiration in a Picea asperata forest.Methods A snow removal experiment was conducted in a P. asperata forest stand in western Sichuan during the winter of 2015/2016. The snow removal treatment was implemented using wooden roof method. Soil temperatures, snow depth and soil respiration rate were simultaneously measured in plots of snow removal and controls during the experimental period.Important findings Compared to the control, snow removal increased the fluctuations of soil temperatures. The average daily temperature of the soil surface and that at 5 cm depth were 1.12 °C and 0.34 °C lower, respectively, and the numbers of freeze-thaw cycles of the soil surface and that at 5 cm depth were increased by 39 and 12, respectively, in plots of snow removal than in the controls. The average rate of winter soil respiration and CO₂ efflux were 0.52 μmol·m^-2·s^-1 and 88.44 g·m^-2, respectively. On average, snow removal reduced soil respiration rate by 21.02% and CO₂ efflux by 25.99%, respectively. More importantly, the snow effect mainly occurred in the early winter. The winter soil respiration rate had a significant exponential relationship with soil temperature. However, snow removal significantly reduced temperature sensitivity of the winter soil respiration. Our results suggest that seasonal snow reduction associated with climate change could inhibit winter soil respiration in the subalpine forests of western Sichuan, with significant implications for the carbon dynamics of the subalpine forests.     

Foliar stable carbon isotope ratios of Phragmites australis and the relevant environmental factors in marsh wetlands in Tianjin

Aims Phragmites australis marshes in Tianjin play an important role in ecosystem functioning. Wetlands of Tianjin municipality have been suffering from serious nitrogen loading, salinization and water shortage. The foliar stable carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C) is a good parameter which records environmental change information associated with the plant growth process, and reflects physiological and ecological responses of plants to environment changes. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of environment stress on the leaf δ¹³C of P. australis in marsh wetlands in Tianjin municipality.Methods This study was conducted in Qilihai, Beidagang, and Dahuangpu marsh wetlands. We investigated the foliar δ¹³C of P. australis and sediment properties, and evaluated the relationships between the foliar δ¹³C and sediment environmental factors. Important findings 1) Foliar δ¹³C ranged from -26.3‰ to -23.6‰, with an average value of -25.8‰. 2) Sediment water and nitrogen status were the important factors affecting reed foliar δ¹³C. Foliar δ¹³C was negatively correlated to sediment relative water content, and positively correlated to sediment total nitrogen and available nitrogen content. In contrast, foliar δ¹³C was not significantly correlated to sediment salinity and phosphorus content. 3) Leaf δ¹³C were significantly positively correlated with leaf nitrogen content, and negatively correlated with leaf carbon and nitrogen ratio across all site. However, these relationships were not detected due to the wetland drainage at Qilihai site in August. Wetland drainage changed the plant water and nitrogen balance, and further affected water and nitrogen utilization strategies of P. australis. Moreover, wetland drainage had stronger effects on these processes than nitrogen loading and salinization.     

Relationship between photochemical reflectance index with multi-angle hyper-spectrum and light use efficiency in urban green-land ecosystems

Aims Light-use efficiency (LUE) is one of critical parameters in the terrestrial ecosystem production studies. Accurate determination of LUE is very important for LUE models to simulate gross primary productivity (GPP) at regional and global scales. We used eddy covariance technique measurement and tower-based, multi-angular spectro-radiometer observations in autumn 2012 to explore the relationship between bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) corrected photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and LUE in different phenology and environment conditions in urban green-land ecosystems. Methods Using the eddy covariance technique, we estimated the temporal changes in GPP during the autumn 2012 over Beijing Olympic Forest Park. LUE was calculated as the ratio of GPP to the difference between incoming photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and PAR reflected from the canopy. Daily PRI values were averaged from the BRDF using semi-empirical kernel driven models. The absolute greenness index (2G_RB) was made by webcam at a constant view zenith and view azimuth angle at solar noon. The logistic function was used to fit the time series of the greenness index. The onset of phonological stages was defined as the point when the curvature reached its maximum value. Important findings Webcamera-observed greenness index (2G_RB) showed a decreasing trend. There was a highly significant relationship between 2G_RB and air temperature (R² = 0.60, p < 0.001). This demonstrates that air temperature is the main driving factor to determine the phenology. PRI estimated from multi-angle hyper-spectrum can estimate LUE in urban green-land ecosystems in vigorous photosynthetic period. The correlation was the strongest (R² = 0.70, p < 0.001) in the peak photosynthetic period. PRI relates better to LUE under high temperature (>15 °C) with high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) (>700 Pa) and high PAR (>300 μmol·m^-2·s^-1). The LUE was up-scaled to landscape/regional scales based on these relationships and phenology. It can also be used for the estimation of GPP of urban green-land with high accuracy.     

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.     

叶片和群落尺度净光合速率关系的探讨

叶片净光合速率(P_n)是研究光合作用机理的基本尺度; 而群落净光合速率(P_c)是研究群落光合能力及其与外部环境因子间关系的更好尺度, 特别是区域乃至全球尺度碳循环的研究, 需要将叶片尺度的生理生态模型扩展到冠层尺度。理论上, 群落内所有叶片的累积P_n与实测群落净气体交换速率(NCE)是相等的, 但在野外实际观测中, 两者之间的相互关系目前尚未见报道。该文选取敖汉苜蓿(Medicago sativa ‘Aohan’)人工草地, 采用美国LI-COR公司生产的便携式光合测定系统LI-6400测定P_n, 结合叶面积指数等参数推算P_c, 利用LI-8100连接同化箱测定生态系统净气体交换速率(NEE), 加上土壤呼吸速率, 得到NCE。结果表明: P_c为3.52 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1, 与实测NCE (3.56 μmol CO₂·m^-2·s^-1)基本相等。这表明: 可利用P_n, 结合叶面积指数、群落叶片数目、健康叶片比例和群落可接收有效光照的平均比例等4个关键参数, 准确地换算P_c。然而, 利用同化箱式法测定群落呼吸速率时, 不可避免地会包含土壤呼吸, 所以在观测NCE时, 需要同时测定土壤呼吸。此外, 在冠层模型中, 群落垂直结构和光量子的非线性响应不可忽视。