Earthworm numbers,biomass and respiratory metabolism in a beech woodland-Wytham Woods,Oxford

Summary The mean annual population density of earthworms was found to be 164.6 m^-2 during a period of detailed study between October 1971 and September 1972. In a year of less detailed study between November 1972 and October 1973 the population density was 117.5 m^-2 (139.8 m^-2 when the type of extraction method was allowed for). Mean biomass densities in the two years of investigation were 41.0 g preserved wet wt m^-2 (1971–1972) and 38.6 (possibly 39.2) g preserved wet wt m^-2 (1972–1973).Comparison of the Brogden's Belt population and biomass densities with those reported from other woodlands indicates that soil type is more important than leaf litter type in determining the numerical abundance of earthworms. Population densities are lower in beechwoods on mor soils, mor soils also support significantly fewer species. As with numbers, mean biomass density in beechwoods on mor soils was significantly lower than that occurring in beechwoods on mull soils; the latter, in turn, being lower than those found in mixed deciduous woods on mull soils. Unlike population density biomass density is influenced by both soil and litter type, this is discussed by reference to mean body weights and food quality as reflected by tannin, nitrogen and carbohydrate content.The annual respiratory metabolism of the Brogden's Belt earthworms was calculated to be between 10.7 and 13.41 O₂ m^-2 a^-1, which is equivalent to between 4.1 and 5.1% of the total soil metabolism. A production/biomass ratio of 0.49–0.58 was estimated, as was a net population efficiency of 22%.     

Observation and modeling of plant biomass of meadow steppe in Tumugi, Xingan League, Inner Mongolia, China

We examined the long-term dynamics of plant biomass of Filifolium sibiricum steppe, Stipa baicalensis steppe and Leymus chinense (syn. Aneurolepidium chinense) steppe relative to interannual variation of precipitation and temperature during 1981–1990 in the Tumugi, Xingan League, eastern Inner Mongolia of China. On the average, annual precipitation was 41.1 cm. Peak live aboveground biomass (PLAB) was 152 g m^-2 for F. sibiricum steppe and S. baicalensis steppe and 162 g m^-2 for L. chinense steppe. Peak live belowground biomass (PLBB) varied between 968 g m^-2 for F. sibiricum steppe and 1022 g m^-2 for L. chinense steppe. The coefficient of variation (CV) in annual precipitation (25%) was lower than the CV in PLAB (35% to 37%) but larger than the CV in PLBB (10%) of the three meadow steppe sites. Rain use efficiency was 3.6 gDM m^-2 cm^-1 yr^-1 for F. sibiricum steppe and S. baicalensis steppe, and 3.9 gDM m^-2 cm^-1 yr^-1 for L. chinense steppe, respectively.Using the CENTURY ecosystem model, simulation results agreed reasonably well with the observed soil organic matter, seasonal dynamics and interannual variation of plant biomass of these three steppe sites during 1981–1990. The CENTURY model is slightly more successful than the empirical regression models that use annual precipitation to estimate PLAB of these meadow steppe over time. Both seasonal distribution and interannal variation in precipitation and temperature are the important controls of temporal dynamics of plant biomass, rain use efficiency, carbon flux and storage of these meadow steppe ecosystems over time.     

A quantitative study of the invertebrate fauna of the River Tees below Cow Green Reservoir

Monthly samples were taken in the River Tees below Cow Green dam from four sites differing in flow conditions, by means of trays containing stones from the river, which were immersed for a period of 1 month. Information on the distribution, abundance and biomass of the benthos of the River Tees is given with additional data on the life-histories of some of the more common species, during the period May 1971 to May 1972. Of the seventy-two taxa found, fourteen made up 95% of the total numbers. Hydra, Polycentropodidae, and the molluscs Limnaea peregra and Ancylus fluviatilis were the most abundant animals in the slower-flowing water (10–26 cm s^?1) and Simuliidae, Orthocladiinae, and Baetis rhodani dominate the riffle (50–75 cm s^?1) fauna numerically. Some organisms, Nais spp., Caenis rivulorum and Baetis scambus favoured intermediate flows of 20–60 cm s^?1. The slowest-flowing water contained the largest number of taxa and the site with the fastest flow supported the least. A mean monthly weight per square metre of 14·56 g (95% limits from 7 to 31) was calculated using data from all four sites. The frequency distribution of nymphal size-classes is given for B. scambus, C. rivulorum, Ephemerella ignita, and Brachycentrus subnubilus, and the association of certain nymphal size-classes with a particular site is analysed. The composition and distribution of the fauna is discussed. It is suggested that the relative richness of the fauna in terms of biomass is attributable to the organic enrichment of the river following the building of the Cow Green dam. The regulation of the flow has allowed the dense growth of algae and mosses, and the development of large molluscan populations, and the reservoir itself provides a rich source of food, particularly zooplankton and phytoplankton, for the river benthos.     

A quantitative diving survey of benthic vegetation and fauna in Lake Kariba, a tropical man-made lake

SUMMARY. 1. The biomass distribution of submerged vascular vegetation and benthic fauna were investigated by diving in Lake Kariba. The vegetation was well correlated with transparency of the water. Maximum biomass (1400 g dryweight m^?2) and a depth penetration of 6 m were found in areas little influenced by river inflow, while these were only 110 g m^?2 and 2 m, respectively, in the basin receiving water from the Zambezi river. 2. The lake is mesotrophic-oligotrophic. The total biomass for the lake was 101,000 tons dryweight of rooted vegetation composed of Lagarosiphon ilicifolius Oberm. (52%), Najas pectinata (Parl) Magnus (33%), Vatlisneria aethiopica Frenzl (11%), Ceratophyllum demersum L. (3%) and Potamogeton octandrus L. (0.5%). Average plant biomass for the potentially colonizable depth zone of 0-12 m and for the total lake amounted to 79.9 g m^?2 and 18.8 g m^?2, respectively. 3. The distribution of the benthic fauna generally followed that of the vegetation. The total animal biomass of 118,840 tons dryweight. including shells, consisted of mussels (95.8%), snails (4.1%) and insect larvae (0.1%). Four species of mussels were found: Caelatura mossambicensis (von Martens) (81% of mussel biomass), Corbicula africana (Krauss) (9%). Mutela dubia (Gmelin) (5%) and Aspatharia wahlbergii (Krauss) (5%). Among the snails Melnoides tuberculuta (Müller), Cleopatra spp. and Bellamya capillata (Frauenfeld) dominated. 4. The average animal biomass was high compared to most other lakes perhaps due to lack of predators. For the colonizable 0-12 m depth interval and the total lake it was 96.2 g m^?2 including shells (15.0 g m^?2 shell-free dryweight) and 22.6 g m^?2 including shells (3.4 g m^?2 shell-free dryweight). respectively. Biomass of plants and animals was even higher prior to the recent lowering of the water level by 7 m, which was estimated to have stranded 84,000 tons of mussels on the shore.     

Abundance and biomass estimates of the benthic fauna in Admiralty Bay,King George Island,South Shetland Islands

Summary Quantitative benthic samples were collected along three transects in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetlands. At each of a total of 18 stations, between 15 and 250 m depth, we took 3 replicate samples with a van Veen grab. Animals collected were classed into major groups. Abundance and biomass per m² was calculated for each sampling site. Considerable population densities and high biomass values were found. Most abundant groups were Bivalvia, Polychaeta and Amphipoda, whereas the largest part of the biomass was due to Ascidiacea, Ophiuroidea, Echinoidea, Polychaeta and Bivalvia. The maximum abundance recorded was 36,000 ind m^-2 while the average was approximately 6500 ind m^-2. Maximum biomass was over 2400 g m^-2 with an average of ca. 700 g m^-2. The contribution to the total biomass by groups such as the Oligochaeta, Cumacea and Tanaidacea was higher in the inner shallow part of Admiralty Bay (Ezcurra Inlet) than in the deeper areas of the bay. Our results confirm the reports on an unusually high density and biomass of the Antarctic sublittoral benthic fauna. Sessile suspension feeders belonging to the Bivalvia, Ascidiacea, sedentary Polychaeta, and vagile scavengers of the Ophiuroidea, Amphipoda and errant Polychaeta are the most significant groups in the Antarctic Ecosystem. The total benthic biomass in Admiralty Bay, based on the present preliminary quantitative data, was estimated to be over 600,000 t. This value is probably still an underestimate.     

Productivity and nutrient uptake of water hyacinth,Eichhornia crassipes I. Effect of nitrogen source

Water hyacinth,Eichhornia crassipes, growth and nutrient uptake rates, as influenced by different N sources and N transformations, were measured using microcosm aquaculture systems. Net productivity was highest in the system receiving equal amounts of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^- (at 10 mg N 1^-1 each) and decreased in the order of NO₃ ^-, NH₄ ⁺, urea (added at 20 mg N 1^-1 each), and methane digestor effluent (at 6 mg N 1^-1). During the first 7-wk study (average ambient air temperature was 26–28°C), biomass yields were in the range of 19–53 g dry wt m^-2 day^-1, while between the 8th and 12th wk (average ambient air temperature was 16–22°C), biomass yields were in the range of 10–33 g dry wt m^-2 day^-1. In the systems with either NH₄ ⁺ or NO₃ ^-, or both added in equal proportions, about 14–20% of the total yield was contributed by roots, whereas in the system with urea and digestor effluent, roots contributed about 23 and 44% of the total yield, respectively. Nitrogen and P uptake per unit area followed trends similar to biomass yields. Nitrogen uptake rates were in the range of 533–2, 161 mg N m^-2 day^-1 for the systems receiving NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^-, and urea, while uptake rates were in the range of 124–602 mg N m^-2 day^-1 for the system receiving methane digestor effluent. Phosphorus uptake rates were found to be in the range of 59–542 mg P m^-2 day^-1. Under the most favorable conditions, maximum recorded biomass yield was 53 g dry wt m^-2 day^-1, with N and P removal rate of 2,161 mg N m^-2 day^-1 and 542 mg P m^-2 day^-1, indicating the potential of water hyacinth to produce large amounts of biomass which can be potentially used as a feedstock to produce methane.     

BIOMASS AND PRODUCTION OF PONTEDERIA CORDATA AND POTAMOGETON EPIHYDRUS IN THREE CONNECTICUT RIVERS

Above- and below-ground biomass of the emergent Pontederia cordata and the floating-leaved Potamogeton epihydrus was measured during the growing season in three interconnected rivers in Connecticut, U.S.A. Maximum biomass of Pontederia, averaging 1,212 g m^-2 dry weight (524 g m^-2 above-ground, 688 g m^-2 below-ground), occurred 100–150 days after major spring growth began. Peak biomass of Potamogeton averaged 94 g m^-2 (81 g m^-2 above-ground, 14 g m^-2 below-ground) and was attained in 45–85 days. New growth of Pontederia in spring arose from, and was heavily subsidized by, the large biomass of living overwintered rhizomes and roots, which averaged 497 g m^-2 in early June. This new growth appeared to have been produced in only one season, but in reality it contained energy fixed the current season, plus energy carried over from previous years. Net production of Pontederia calculated for only one growing season averaged 1,049 g m^-2. Potamogeton also perennated from rhizomes, but the biomass of these organs in spring was low, averaging 11 g m^-2 in late May. Biomass of Potamogeton in summer consisted primarily of tissue produced during the current season. Rhizomes and roots comprised a much greater proportion of the plant in Pontederia than in Potamogeton. The ratio of new living below-ground/above-ground biomass of Pontederia rose from zero in spring to an average of 1.71 in autumn. For Potamogeton, the below-ground/above-ground ratio averaged 0.37 in late spring, 0.20 in midsummer, and 0.41 in autumn. The overwintered below-ground biomass of Pontederia alive in spring was 42–79% of the new living below-ground biomass the previous autumn. Net photosynthetic efficiency during the period between initiation of major growth in spring and attainment of peak biomass averaged 1.3% for Pontederia and 0.3% for Potamogeton.     

Effects of urine on soil microbial biomass,methanogenesis, nitrification and denitrification in grassland soils

Urine was added under controlled conditions to intact turfs taken from long-term permanent pasture on clay loam and sandy loam soils in South West England. Methane exchanges were small (<+/−0.03 μg CH₄ m^-2 min^-1) and overall absorption equalled or exceeded emission in both soils. On the clay loam, wetting with water or urine increased soil microbial biomass C and N contents by about 20% but there was no specific effect of urine. Urine, however, caused an increase in soil respiration of >50% and the average increase was greater for cow's urine (30.8 mg CO₂ m^-2 min^-1) than for an artificial urine (20.1 mg CO₂ m^-2 min^-1). Emissions of nitric and nitrous oxides following urine application were substantial (on average 0.36 μg NO-N and 29 μg N₂O-N m^-2 min^-1) but short lived (<40 days). The high levels of ammonium found in the urine treated soils (>200 mg NH₄ ⁺-N kg^-1) were nitrified to nitrate over a period of 42 days. Qualitative changes in the soil microbial biomass were evidently not related to biomass size. Relationships between trace gas emissions and soil processes are discussed. ei]Section editor: R Merckx     

Primary production in papyrus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyperus papyrus</Emphasis> L.) of Rubondo Island,Lake Victoria,Tanzania

Above- and below-ground production and morphological characteristics of papyrus wetlands were measured at monthly intervals from July 2005 to June 2006 at Rubondo Island, Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The average value of live culm biomass (5,789 ± 435 g DW m⁻²) was higher than that of umbel biomass (2,902 ± 327 g DW m⁻²) by 50%. Root to rhizome means biomass value ratio was 1:1.8, rhizome biomass (4,144 ± 452 g DW m⁻²) being higher than roots biomass (2,254 ± 314 g DW m⁻²) by 45%. Direct proportion was observed between shoot density and culm–unit (culms and umbels) biomass. The average value of detritus/litter biomass (1,306 ± 315 g DW m⁻²) was less than total aerial biomass by 86%. The values of biomass are average of 12 sampling months from July 2005 to June 2006.     

Contribution of root respiration to soil respiration in a C3/C4 mixed grassland

The spatial and temporal variations of soil respiration were studied from May 2004 to June 2005 in a C₃/C₄ mixed grassland of Japan. The linear regression relationship between soil respiration and root biomass was used to determine the contribution of root respiration to soil respiration. The highest soil respiration rate of 11-54 Μmol m^-2 s^-1 was found in August 2004 and the lowest soil respiration rate of 4.99 Μmol m^-2 s^-1 was found in April 2005. Within-site variation was smaller than seasonal change in soil respiration. Root biomass varied from 0.71 kg m^-2 in August 2004 to 102 in May 2005. Within-site variation in root biomass was larger than seasonal variation. Root respiration rate was highest in August 2004 (5.7 Μmol m^-2 s^-1) and lowest in October 2004 (1.7 Μmol m^-2 s^-1). Microbial respiration rate was highest in August 2004 (5.8 Μmol m^-2 s^-1) and lowest in April 2005 (2.59 Μmol m^-2 s^-1). We estimated that the contribution of root respiration to soil respiration ranged from 31% in October to 51% in August of 2004, and from 45% to 49% from April to June 2005.     

Influence of rainfall and grazing on herbage dynamics in a seasonally dry tropical savanna

Species composition and herbage dynamics in relation to rainfall variability and cattle grazing were studied in permanently protected, grazed, and temporarily fenced treatments on three sites in a seasonally dry tropical savanna. Permanently protected sites, established between 1979 and 1984, were 55–79% similar with each other in species composition, and 14–25% similar with grazed sites during the period 1986–1988. Similarity among grazed sites was only 36–43%. Number of species was greater in the grazed treatment than in the permanently protected treatment. The percentages of annual grasses and non-leguminous forbs were greater in grazed savanna than in permanently protected savanna. Species diversity was higher in grazed savanna than in the corresponding permanently protected savanna. Species the two annual cycles studied, peak live shoot biomass was 614 g m^-2 in permanently protected savanna, 109 g m^-2 in grazed savanna, and 724 g m^-2 in temporarily fenced savanna. Live shoot biomass in temporarily fenced savanna was 18 to 44% greater than in permanently protected savanna. Peak canopy biomass ranged from 342 to 700 g m^-2 in permanently protected savanna. It was related with total rainy season rainfall, and was particularly sensitive to late rainy season rainfall. On the other hand, peak canopy biomass in grazed savanna ranged from 59 to 169 g m^-2 and was related to grazing intensity rather than either total rainy season rainfall or late rainy season rainfall. Coefficient of variation of green biomass in permanently protected savanna was related with rainfall variability indicating it to be a pulsed system which responds quickly to rainfall events. Biomass of woody species ranged from 2466 to 5298 g m^-2 in permanently protected savanna and from 744 to 1433 g m^–2 in the grazed savanna. Green foliage biomass was 3.7 to 6.4% of the woody biomass in permanently protected and 5.6 to 5.9% in grazed savanna, and supplements substantially the fodder resource during the dry periods of the year.     

Energy dynamics of grasshopper populations in a temperate grassland community in India

Population dynamics, biomass and secondary net production of orthopterans, particularly acridids, were studied in a temperate grassland at Naukuchiatal, India, from February 1986 to January 1988. A total of 38 plant species were recorded in the grassland and mean aboveground net primary production was 6760 kJ m^-2 per year. Thirteen orthopteran species occurred in the grassland. Most individuals were acridids, followed by tettigonids and gryllids; acridids were dominant both in density and biomass. The maximum population density was 5 m^-2 and the maximum biomass was 275 mg m^-2. Mean secondary net production was 10 kJ m^-2 per year. Acridids consumed an average of 2.3% of the above-ground primary production.     

Biogeochemical cycle of Sulfer in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain, China

To better understand the Sulfur (S) cycle in the wetland ecosystem, the S cycle and its compartmental distribution within an atmosphere-plant-soil system were studied using a compartment model in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The results showed that the soil was the main S storage and flux hinge in which 97.78% S was accumulated. In the plant subsystem, the root was the main S storage, and it remained at 79.60% of the total S contents, which in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem showed that the parts above the ground took up 0.75 g S/m², the S re-transferring biomass to the root was 0.24 g S/m², and to the litter was 0.51 g S/m²; the root took up 3.76 g S/m² and the S transferring biomass to the soil took up 3.07 g S/m²; the litter S biomass was 0.75 g S/(m²·a) and the S transferring biomass to the soil was more than 0.52 g S/(m²·a). The emission amount of H2S from the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem to the atmosphere was 1.42 mg S/m², whereas carbonyl sulfide (COS) was absorbed by the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland from the atmosphere and the absorption amount was 1.83 mg S/m². The S input biomass from the rain to the ecosystem was 4.85mg S/m² during the growing season. The difference between input and output amounts was 5.26 mg S/m², which indicated that S was accumulated in the ecosystem and would lead to wetland acidification in the future.     

Biogeochemical cycle of Sulfer in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem in the Sanjiang Plain, China

To better understand the Sulfur (S) cycle in the wetland ecosystem, the S cycle and its compartmental distribution within an atmosphere-plant-soil system were studied using a compartment model in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The results showed that the soil was the main S storage and flux hinge in which 97.78% S was accumulated. In the plant subsystem, the root was the main S storage, and it remained at 79.60% of the total S contents, which in the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem showed that the parts above the ground took up 0.75 g S/m², the S re-transferring biomass to the root was 0.24 g S/m², and to the litter was 0.51 g S/m²; the root took up 3.76 g S/m² and the S transferring biomass to the soil took up 3.07 g S/m²; the litter S biomass was 0.75 g S/(m²·a) and the S transferring biomass to the soil was more than 0.52 g S/(m²·a). The emission amount of H2S from the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland ecosystem to the atmosphere was 1.42 mg S/m², whereas carbonyl sulfide (COS) was absorbed by the Calamagrostis angustifolia wetland from the atmosphere and the absorption amount was 1.83 mg S/m². The S input biomass from the rain to the ecosystem was 4.85mg S/m² during the growing season. The difference between input and output amounts was 5.26 mg S/m², which indicated that S was accumulated in the ecosystem and would lead to wetland acidification in the future.     

Root turnover as determinant of the cycling of C,N, and P in a dry heathland ecosystem

Root production and turnover were studied using sequential core sampling and observations in permanent minirhizotrons in the field in three dry heathland stands dominated by the evergreen dwarfshrub Calluna vulgaris and the grasses Deschampsia flexuosa and Molinia caerulea, respectively. Root biomass production, estimated by core sampling, amounted to 160 (Calluna), 180 (Deschampsia) and 1380 (Molinia) g m^-2 yr^-1, respectively. Root biomass turnover rate in Calluna (0.64 yr^-1) was lower compared with the grasses (Deschampsia: 0.96 yr^-1; Molinia 1.68yr^-1)). Root length turnover rate was 0.75–0.77 yr^-1 (Deschampsia) and 1.17–1.49 yr^-1 (Molinia), respectively. No resorption of N and P from senescing roots was observed in either species. Input of organic N into the soil due to root turnover, estimated using the core sampling data, amounted to 1.8 g N m^-2 yr^-1(^Calluna), 1.7 g N m^-2 yr^-1 (Deschampsia) and 19.7 g N m^-2 yr^-1 (Molinia), respectively. The organic P input was 0.05, 0.07 and 0.55 g P M^-2 yr^-1, respectively. Using the minirhizotron turnover estimates these values were20–22% (Deschampsia) and 11–30% (Molinia) lower.When the biomass turnover data were used, it appeared that in the Molinia stand root turnover contributed 67% to total litter production, 87% to total litter nitrogen loss and 84% to total litter phosphorus loss. For Calluna and Deschampsia these percentages were about three and two times lower, respectively.This study shows that (1) Root turnover is a key factor in ecosystem C, N, and P cycling; and that (2) The relative importance of root turnover differs between species.     

滇西北高原纳帕海湿地湖滨带优势植物生物量及其凋落物分解

选取滇西北高原湿地纳帕海湖滨带优势植物茭草(Zizania caducifolia)、水葱(Scirpus tabernaemontani)和刘氏荸荠(Heleocharis liouana),研究其生物量及其凋落物分解特征,结果表明:水葱、茭草、刘氏荸荠为纳帕海湿地湖滨带单优植物群落,均具有较高的地上生物量,不同植物群落地上生物量不同,其中,茭草地上生物量(853.6±58.2)g·m-2·a-1显著高于水葱(730.7±7.8)g·m-2·a-1与刘氏荸荠(338.9±32.6) g·m-2·a-1的地上生物量.3种植物群落凋落物分解速率不同、并随月平均气温升高均呈增加的趋势,其中,刘氏荸荠分解速率k值最大(0.067±0.0026)、茭草(0.062±0.0072)其次、水葱最小(0.039±0.0062).凋落物经过1年的分解,水葱、茭草和刘氏荸荠凋落物存留率分别为(62.0±8.8)％、(47.5±9.0)％和(44.5±7.9)％.综合3种湖滨带植物地上生物量与凋落物年分解,水葱地上生物量年存留量(453.1±4.9)g·m-2·a-1显著高于茭草(405.4±27.7)g·m-2·a-1和刘氏荸荠(150.9±14.5) g·m-2·a-1.研究进一步表明滇西北高原湿地湖滨带植物具有极高的生物量存留率,成为该类型湿地生态系统碳汇功能的基础,其碳汇过程及其贡献率需要进一步深入研究.     

Black fly (Diptera: Simuliidae) response to phosphorus enrichment of an arctic tundra stream

This study reports on the density, growth, and production response of the dominant black fly, Prosimulium martini, to whole river fertilization of the Kuparuk River in arctic Alaska during the summer of 1984. Beginning in 1983, a long term study of fertilization effects was initiated in the Kuparuk River. Increased nutrient supply stimulated algal and microbial biomass and microbial activity, which in turn affected the larval growth and abundance of Prosimulium. This experiment allowed us to isolate the effects of nutrient supply from other factors in determining black fly growth and abundance. Phosphorus addition had the following indirect effects on Prosimulium: growth was higher, but abundance decreased in the enriched section, leading to a net decrease in secondary production from 2.62 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ to 0.77 g m⁻² yr⁻¹. Prosimulium emergence rates were not measureably affected. The decrease in abundance and production appears to be a result of competitive displacement by the caddisfly Brachycentrus americanus which increased in abundance in the fertilized section of the river.     

香港桃金娘灌木群落植物生物量 和净第一性生产量

本文研究香港桃金娘灌木林植物生物量和净第一性生产量。结果表明(1)桃金娘茎的直径与高度与各组分的生物量有明显的相关关系。(2)桃金娘叶子占地上部活植物生物量的20.2%,花和果如果以它的峰值计算,其占地上部活植物生物量的9.6%,茎和枝占70.4%。(3)地上部和地下部活植物生物量分别为1553g*m     

Availability of mineralized N from microbial biomass and organic matter after drying and heating of grassland soils

A dwarf bamboo-type grassland soil (Thick High-humic Andosol) was nitrogen-limited for grass despite the presence of a considerable amount of microbial biomass N. By either treatments of air-drying and subsequent heating, the content of mineral N in the soil was increased by 3.7 g N and 11.7 g N m^-2, respectively, after a 55-day incubation period. The efficiency of mineralized N for growth of orchardgrass was compared with nitrate-N added just before cultivation. The dry matter content of the grass increased from 81.7 g (control) to 169 g and to 337 g m^-2 in the dried and in the heated soils, respectively, when N application was omitted. Of the mineral N released by air-drying and heating of the soil, 84% and 77% were absorbed by the grass, and 30% and 20% was assumed to be derived from microbial biomass, respectively. In contrast the grass apparently absorbed 54–56% of the 5 g nitrate-N m^-2 added to the control and the air-dried soils. It was also noted that fungal biomass N had decreased by 1.5–1.9 g m^-2 in the control soil after addition of 10 g nitrate-N m^-2.     

Translocation,remineralization, and turnover of nitrogen in the roots and rhizomes of Spartina alterniflora (Gramineae)

We used ¹⁵N to quantify rates of N translocation from aerial to belowground tissues, foliar leaching, and turnover and production of root and rhizome biomass in the plant-sediment system of short Spartina alterniflora areas of Great Sippewissett Marsh, Massachusetts. Decay of belowground tissues in litterbag incubations at 1- and 10-cm depths resulted in 80% remineralization of the original plant (¹⁵N-labeled) N and 20% burial after 3 years. Translocation of ¹⁵N from plant shoots in hydrologically controlled laboratory lysimeters maintained under field conditions was 38% of the aboveground pool while leaching of N was 10% from June to October. Most of the translocated N was not retranslocated to new aboveground growth in December but appeared to be either remineralized or buried in the sediment. Injection of ¹⁵N into field stands of grass showed initially high incorporation into plants followed by a continuous decline over the next 7 years yielding a gross tumover time of 1.5–1.6yr. Correcting the gross N turnover for recycling of label via translocation and uptake of remineralized label during this period, a net root and rhizome turnover time of 1.0–1.1 yr was obtained. Combining the turnover time with independent estimates of seasonal belowground biomass yielded an estimate of belowground production of 929–1,022 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹, similar to measurements by traditional biomass harvest, CO² based budgets and models for comparable areas of this marsh. Integration of the production and nitrogen balance estimates for short Spartina marsh yielded translocation, 1.4 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹, leaching, 0.4 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹, remineralization, 14.9–16.3 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹, and burial, 3.7–4.1 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹.