Effect of fencing and grazing on a Kobresia-dominated meadow in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Grazing is one of the most important factors influencing community structure and productivity in natural grasslands. Fencing to exclude grazers is one of the main management practices used to protect grasslands. Can fencing improve grassland community status by restraining grazing? We conducted a field community study and indoor soil analyses to determine the long-term effects of fencing and grazing on the above-ground community and soil in a Kobresia-dominated meadow in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, NW China. Our results showed that fencing significantly improved above-ground vegetation productivity but reduced plant density and species diversity. Long-term fencing favored the improvement of forage grass functional groups and restrained the development noxious weed functional groups. There were significant positive effects of fencing on below-ground organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, total phosphorus and available phosphorus. The productivity of grazed meadow showed a weak decrease over time. There were long-term decreasing trends for plant density both in fenced and grazed meadows. Our study suggests that grazing can be considered as a useful management practice to improve species diversity and plant density in long-term fenced grasslands and that periodic grazing and fencing is beneficial in grassland management.     

Decomposition and stabilization of root litter in top- and subsoil horizons: what is the difference?

Mechanisms leading to high mean residence times of organic matter in subsoil horizons are poorly understood. In lower parts of the soil profile root material contributes greatly to soil organic matter (SOM). The objective of this study was to elucidate the decomposition dynamics of root-derived C and N in different soil depths during a 3 year field experiment and to examine the importance of different protection mechanisms as well as abiotic factors for the decomposition dynamics. Additionally, we assessed the effect of root litter addition on native SOM. Our conceptual approach included the exposure of litterbags with ¹³C and ¹⁵N labeled wheat root material mixed to loamy agricultural soil at three different soil depths (30, 60 and 90 cm). During the incubation period, we monitored soil temperature, humidity and the incorporation of root derived C and N into the soil microbial biomass and physical SOM fractions. Our results showed that abiotic decay conditions were better in subsurface horizons compared to the topsoil. Root litter addition significantly increased the size of microbial biomass in all three soil horizons. In the topsoil, root-derived C decomposition was significantly higher in the first 6 months of incubation compared to subsoil horizons. In 60 and 90 cm depths, a lag phase with development of soil microbial biomass seemed to be prevailing before decomposition was activated. For root-derived N, similar decomposition kinetics could be observed in top- and subsoil horizons. Despite of higher SOM contents, better soil structure and higher microbial activity in the topsoil horizon compared to subsoil horizons, the amounts of root-derived C and N remaining after 3 years were similar for all three depths. Most of the root-derived C and N was present as organo-mineral complexes or occluded in soil aggregates (oPOM), illustrating similar importance of these two protection mechanisms in all three soil depths. Addition of fresh root litter caused small losses of native soil C whereas native N was retained. We conclude that despite of similar SOM protection mechanisms, there are distinct differences in decomposition dynamics of root litter between top- and subsoil horizons. In the long run, the better abiotic decay conditions prevailing in subsoil horizons may compensate for their poorer physico-chemical characteristics.     

甘肃兴隆山森林演替过程中的土壤理化性质

在森林群落恢复演替过程中,由于森林类型及其所处立地环境不同,森林与土壤相互作用过程具有复杂性。以甘肃兴隆山6种森林类型(青杄林、青杄-白桦林、山杨-白桦林、灌丛林、落叶松林和油松林)0—60 cm土壤层为研究对象,探讨森林恢复演替过程中土壤理化性质的变化规律,旨在为该区域退化森林生态系统恢复与重建提供依据。结果表明:1)在土壤剖面上,兴隆山森林土壤容重随深度的增加而逐渐增大,总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、自然含水量、最大持水量、毛管持水量、田间持水量均随深度的增加而减小;pH值差异不显著,无明显变化规律;土壤有机质、全N、水解N、有效P、速效K均随深度的增加而变小,表聚效应明显;全P差异不显著,呈"圆柱体"分布模式;2)在森林恢复演替过程中,天然林容重、孔隙度、持水能力、渗透性明显好于人工林,随森林正向演替的进行,天然林容重不断减少,孔隙度明显改善,通透性能不断增强,而人工林土壤物理性质出现明显退化现象;天然林pH值在演替方向上并未表现出酸化现象;天然林土壤有机质、全N、水解N、有效P和速效K变化规律不明显,但总的变化趋势为先增加后减小;3)有机质与全N、水解N、最大持水量、毛管持水量、田间持水量呈显著正相关,而与容重呈显著负相关;全N与水解N呈显著正相关;土壤有机质在改善土壤理化性质和促进养分循环方面具有重要作用,已成为植被恢复过程中土壤变化的一个重要标志。     

三峡库区不同林龄马尾松土壤养分与酶活性的关系

基于对三峡库区不同林龄马尾松林下土壤养分和酶活性的测定及典范对应分析,探讨了不同林龄马尾松林土壤养分、酶活性特征及其相互关系.结果表明:马尾松林0 ～ 20 cm土壤有机质、总氮、铵态氮和有效磷含量均表现出成熟林＞中龄林＞近熟林;随着林龄的增加,土壤转化酶活性先降低后增加,纤维素酶、多酚氧化酶活性逐渐降低,而脲酶和过氧化物酶活性先增加后降低.经典范对应分析,不同林分中主要土壤养分对酶活性的影响顺序为总氮＞有机质＞pH＞容重＞铵态氮＞有效磷,转化酶与土壤有机质、总氮、总磷呈显著正相关,过氧化物酶与有机质、总氮、总磷、容重呈显著负相关,土壤主要养分含量高,转化酶活性较高,过氧化物酶活性相对较低.转化酶、纤维素酶和过氧化物酶是评价土壤质量及肥力较好的生物学指标.     

主成分分析在指导红薯施肥中的应用--以漂白湿润淋溶土为例

漂白湿润淋溶土表层的有效钾、全磷、有效磷含量显著高于表下层,其它养分上下两层的含量差异尽管没有达到的显著性水平,但都有向表层集中的趋势.主分量分析结果表明,第一主分量是含氮有机质形成过程强度的量度,表层和表下层有机质、全氮、全磷、有效氮、表下层有效磷均对第一主分量有较大的正向负荷量.第二主分量表示含氮有机质形成过程强度大致相同的情况下,各种养分对红薯产量促进作用的量度,其中表层和表下层有效钾、表下层有效磷对第二主分量的负荷量最大,远远超出其它因素的作用.相关分析也表明,三者与红薯产量呈极显著正相关.这间接表明,将钾肥施入表层和表下层均能提高红薯产量,磷肥只有施入表下层才有增产效果,而氮肥目前不表现增产作用.以上结论为肥料三要素组合试验所证实.这意味着在不改变变量属性的前提下,把多个变量按照变量的特性组合成少数新变量用来解决多因素复杂问题的主分量分析方法,能够科学地、合理地指导作物施肥。     

Controls on microbial CO2 production: a comparison of surface and subsurface soil horizons

Although a significant amount of the organic C stored in soil resides in subsurface horizons, the dynamics of subsurface C stores are not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine if changes in soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels have similar effects on the mineralization of surface (0–25 cm) and subsurface (below 25 cm) C stores. Samples were collected from a 2 m deep unsaturated mollisol profile located near Santa Barbara, CA, USA. In a series of experiments, we measured the influence of nutrient additions (N and P), soil temperature (10–35°C), and soil water potential (?0.5 to ?10 MPa) on the microbial mineralization of native soil organic C. Surface and subsurface soils were slightly different with respect to the effects of water potential on microbial CO₂ production; C mineralization rates in surface soils were more affected by conditions of moderate drought than rates in subsurface soils. With respect to the effects of soil temperature and nutrient levels on C mineralization rates, subsurface horizons were significantly more sensitive to increases in temperature or nutrient availability than surface horizons. The mean Q₁₀ value for C mineralization rates was 3.0 in surface horizons and 3.9 in subsurface horizons. The addition of either N or P had negligible effects on microbial CO₂ production in surface soil layers; in the subsurface horizons, the addition of either N or P increased CO₂ production by up to 450% relative to the control. The results of these experiments suggest that alterations of the soil environment may have different effects on CO₂ production through the profile and that the mineralization of subsurface C stores may be particularly susceptible to increases in temperature or nutrient inputs to soil.     

Vertical Growth and Mycorrhizal Infection of Woody Plant Roots as Potential Limits to the Restoration of Woodlands on Landfills

We assessed the vertical growth and mycorrhizal infection of woody plant roots on a closed landfill, using tree and shrub clusters that had been previously installed in patches of increasing size to establish protocols for woodland restoration. The density of the fine roots of shrubs, which had poor-to-moderate mycorrhizal infection, decreased strongly with increasing depth. Oak ( Quercus ) seedlings planted within and outside patches were assessed for ectomycorrhizal infection. Oak root systems were mycorrhizal, but root-tip proliferation was improved and ectomycorrhizal composition was influenced by woody debris in the mineral soil. Most surviving oaks were found within patches, but all seedlings showed poor growth: most taproots were deflected horizontally above the boundary between surface soil and subsoil layers (−15 cm). Abrupt decreases in pH between surface and subsurface horizons (6.9 versus 5.3), together with poor drainage and aeration of the latter soil, were probably responsible for poor root growth. Root growth of greenhouse-grown pine and maple seedlings was similarly restricted in pots packed with topsoil over subsoil material. Our results suggest that many current specifications for the cover of closed landfills will not permit restoration of native woody plant communities because of physical limitations to root growth and infectivity. The structure of the engineered soil must address basic plant growth requirements as well as traditional concerns of drainage and barrier protection.     

岩层倾向对南方喀斯特地区坡耕地土壤理化性质的影响

岩层倾向与不同坡向组合形成了顺向坡和逆向坡的地貌差异,进而影响了土壤中非生物资源的分布。喀斯特地区由于特殊的地质构造,顺向坡和逆向坡分布普遍。以重庆市酉阳县泔溪镇喀斯特槽谷坡耕地为研究区域,研究岩层倾向对喀斯特地区坡耕地土壤理化性质的影响。研究结果表明,顺向坡表层和下层土壤的自然含水量、饱和含水量、总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度均显著高于逆向坡相应层位,非毛管孔隙度、容重显著低于逆向坡相应层位。顺向坡土壤的sa(SiO_2/Al_2O_3)、saf(SiO_2/(Al_2O_3+Fe_2O_3))值显著高于逆向坡,顺向坡淋溶发育程度高于逆向坡。顺向坡土壤表层和下层的有机质、速效钾及碱解氮含量均显著高于逆向坡表层和下层相应含量,而pH值和有效磷含量是逆向坡含量较高。顺向坡下层土壤pH值和水分含量低于表层,而逆向坡下层土壤pH值和水分含量高于表层。综上结果表明,当岩层倾向与坡向相同时,更有利于水分的入渗和保持,促进土壤的淋溶与发育。     

Ecological and human land-use indicator value of fungal spore morphotypes and assemblages

The value of non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) to complement reconstructions of past communities and environments has led to the identification of an increasing number of microfossil morphotypes. Unfortunately, limited knowledge about their specific ecological indicator values still restricts the interpretation of NPP accumulation rates or assemblage variations. Here, a comparison with classical palaeoecological proxies along a sedimentary sequence has been tested to improve the ecological indicator values of NPP morphotypes. Pollen, geochemical and NPP analyses performed on the same samples all along the Holocene sedimentary sequence of Lac de Moras (France) were compared using principal component analysis to identify statistical relationships and to establish correlations between all these parameters. Ecological indicator values were obtained for some morphotypes such as UG-1097 which is related to specific taxa (Corylus sp.), or Diporotheca rhizophila defined as an indicator of the local presence of alder swamp habitat. However, most of the NPP morphotypes can be combined in two opposite NPP assemblages reflecting the change from natural to managed ecosystems at the drainage basin scale and over the Holocene. It more specifically illustrates a change in the source of organic matter transferred to the lake system provided from the plant debris of woodland cover (litter) to organic matter from animal excreta (dung and manure).     

The effect of parent material and soil development on nutrient cycling in temperate ecosystems

The parent material of a soil determines the original supply of those nutrient elements that are released by weathering and influences the balance between nutrient loss and retention. Organic acids and exudates produced by microorganisms and plants enhance the weathering of minerals and the release of nutrients. Nutrients may be stored in organic cycles or as ions adsorbed to clay and organic matter. Nutrients are lost mainly by leaching, both as dissolved ions and when associated with soluble organic components. Soil formation evidently affects these processes and modifies the environment at different depths as soil horizons develop. Strong interactions between mineral and organic colloids occur where most residues are added below ground, as in grasslands, or mixed with mineral soil by faunal activity, as in some forests. These systems tend to be nutrient conserving. The addition of organic residues to the soil surface often results in slow decomposition, the tie-up of many nutrients in biologically resistant humic materials, and the generation of organic acids that are active in leaching and chelation. These soils tend to lose nutrients by leaching and become strongly acidic with time. Leaching is strongest in uplands with net downward flows to deep water tables, and may be dampened or obviated in lowlands with strong upward fluxes due to artesian pressure or capillary rise from a water table that is close to the surface. Pedogenic features such as clayeyB horizons or duripans may alter water flow. Simonson's concepts that all basic soil-forming processes occur to some degree in all soils are critical to developing models describing soil formation and nutrient cycles.     

Biological legacies promote succession and soil development on tephra from the Puyehue‐Cordon Caulle eruption (2011)

Volcanic deposits have frequently been studied from a successional point of view, but the main focus has been on vegetation dynamics, and less frequently on the development of invertebrate and microbial communities and soil properties. Biological legacies, understood as living organisms, seeds, organic debris and biologically derived patterns in soils and understories, are important in succession, and may also influence soil development on young volcanic deposits. The volcanic eruption of the Chilean Puyehue–Cordón Caulle complex (Northern Patagonia) in June 2011 deposited tephra in southern Argentina. Sandy tephra up to 30 cm deep was deposited in the De los Siete Lagos road in Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks, where a road under construction had exposed sub‐soil lacking vegetation, while adjacent forest supported a canopy of Nothofagus dombeyi with Chusquea culeou in the understory. This situation provided a unique opportunity to study soil development and succession on nearby young volcanic deposits with different biological legacies, considering several biological communities. Our hypothesis is that 29 months after the eruption the tephra in the forest would have higher organic C, total N, available P and biological activity than the tephra deposited on the roadside. Plant cover and species richness, invertebrate abundance and richness, as well as substrate respiration, N mineralization and enzymatic activities were highest in the forest. In addition, organic carbon and nutrient incorporation rates in the forest were twice those in the roadside substrate. Nevertheless, two and a half years after the eruption, most variables remained an order of magnitude lower than values expected for temperate forest soils. Surviving canopy and understory play a key role in ecosystem recovery after tephra deposition, providing seeds and organic matter and establishing conditions appropriate for plants, invertebrates, and microorganisms that would in turn accelerate soil development.     

Differential production yet chemical similarity of dissolved organic matter across a chronosequence with contrasting nutrient availability in Hawaii

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a critical phase in terrestrial carbon and nutrient cycling forming the basis of many ecosystem functions, yet the primary drivers controlling its flux from organic horizons and resultant chemical composition remain only partially understood. We studied dissolved organic matter production and chemistry from organic soil horizons across a 4.1 My old well-constrained chronosequence in Hawaii. Controlled soil column irrigation and leaching experiments were conducted on field moist organic soil horizons to quantify microbial activity, DOM production and chemistry. Both microbial activity (defined as CO₂ production per unit substrate C) and DOM production were found to be lowest in the youngest (0.3 ky) and oldest (4.1 My) sites of the chronosequence, where nutrients (N and P respectively) were most limiting. By contrast, DOM production and microbial activity was greatest at the intermediate-aged (20–350 ky) sites where nutrients were least limiting, unrelated to the mass of organic matter found in the organic horizons. While differences in production rates were found, ¹³C NMR spectroscopic results indicated that there was a convergence of chemistry from the solid to the dissolved phase at all sites. In particular, all DOM samples were found to have a high proportion of aromatic acids. With supporting data from a diverse range of ecosystems, we postulate that chemical homogenization of DOM relative to source material is a common feature of many ecosystems due to two microbially mediated processes: (1) similar extracellular enzymatic oxidation conferring solubility to a subset of degradation products; and (2) the rapid selective consumption of the more labile organic compounds in the soil solution.     

Effect of mycorrhizal inoculation and soluble phosphorus fertilizer on growth and phosphorus uptake of pearl millet

Summary Six mycorrhizal fungi were tested as inoculants for pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum Leeke) grown in pots maintained in a greenhouse. VAM fungi varied in their ability to stimulate plant growth and phosphorus uptake. Inoculation withGigaspora margarita, G. calospora andGlomus fasciculatum increased shoot drymatter 1.3 fold over uninoculated control. In another pot trial, inoculation withGigaspora calospora andGlomus fasciculatum resulted in dry matter and phosphorus uptake equivalent to that produced by adding phosphorus at 8 kg/ha.The influence of inoculatingGigaspora calospora on pearl millet at different levels of phosphorus fertilizer (0 to 60 kg P/ha) as triple superphosphate in sterile and unsterile alfisol soil was also studied. In sterile soil, mycorrhizal inoculation increased dry matter and phosphorus uptake at levels less than 20 kg/ha. At higher P levels the mycorrhizal effect was decreased. These studies performed in sterilized soil suggest that inoculation of pearl millet with efficient VAM fungi could be extremely useful in P deficient soils. However, its practical utility depends on screening and isolation of fungal strains which perform efficiently in natural (unsterilized) field conditions.     

不同密度华北落叶松林天然更新及其影响因子

以关帝山区8种林分密度(128、240、320、400、480、560、640和720株·hm^-2)华北落叶松纯林为研究对象,分析了不同密度下华北落叶松天然更新优劣及其影响因子。结果表明: 更新指数随林分密度增大先升高后降低,中密度(400～560株·hm^-2)林分更新效果明显优于过疏和过密林分;林下光环境、草本植物及凋落物对落叶松更新有双重作用,光照过强、草本植物盖度过大或凋落物过厚不利于林下更新,土壤有机质可使土壤质地松软、水分含量充足并形成低磷高氮环境促进林分更新;各因子对更新指数的影响依次为:土壤含水量(0.798)>全氮(0.621)>凋落物厚度(-0.597)>土壤孔隙度(0.504)>土壤有机质(0.493)>全磷(-0.404)>林下总光照(-0.274)>草本植物盖度(-0.021)。在后续森林经营中,可通过抚育间伐或补植将林分密度控制在480株·hm^-2左右,并适当清理林下凋落物,改善土壤条件,促进华北落叶松天然更新。     

Organic matter composition and degree of humification in lignite-rich mine soils under a chronosequence of pine

In the Lusatian mining district, in the eastern part of the Federal Republic of Germany, organic matter of reclaimed mine soils consists of a mixture of lignite and recently formed soil organic matter (recent carbon). The aim of the study was to investigate the recent carbon accumulation and the degree of humification of a chronosequence of young mine soils under forest. The lignite content of the forest floor, Ai (0–5 cm) and Cv horizons (1 m depth) was determined by ¹⁴CU activity measurements and the structural composition of the organic matter was characterised by ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy. To obtain a characterisation of the degree of humification, the soil samples were analysed for the content of polysaccharides, proteins, lignin and lipids by wet chemical methods. ¹⁴C activity measurements indicate that at the oldest site, comparable amounts of carbon accumulated in the first few centimetres of the soil profile than in natural forest soils. ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra of the organic matter in the Ai horizons of the three soil profiles were dominated by aromatic and alkyl carbon species characteristic for lignite, but indicated as well an increasing contribution of carbon species from decomposing plant litter with soil age. When the results from wet chemical analyses were normalised to the total carbon content no changes with age could be noticed. After normalisation of the amount of litter compounds to the recent carbon content, the carbon identified by plant litter compound analysis decreased with increasing depth and increasing age of the soils. After 32 years the values are comparable to those of natural forest soils. These observations were confirmed by increasing degree of lignin alteration with stand age and soil depth. The data of wet chemical analyses complement data obtained by ¹⁴C activity measurements and ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectroscopy and lead to the conclusion that 32 years after reforestation the degree of humification of the soil organic matter is in the same range as those of natural sites. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Biogeochemical cycling of soil phosphorus during natural revegetation of Pinus sylvestris on disused sand quarries in Northwestern Russia

Background and aims

Quarrying causes severe degradation of soils and vegetation that can be recovered partially when the quarries are abandoned and re-colonised by plants. To understand the recovery of soil functionality and nutrient cycling, we studied the development of soil phosphorus pools during Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) revegetation in a disused sand quarry in Northwestern Russia.

Methods

Sites that had been developing for different times since abandonment were compared to the parent sand and an adjacent undisturbed forest. Phosphorus speciation in genetic horizons of soil profiles was determined by sequential fractionation and solution phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Rapid transformations in soil properties occurred in 40 years, with a marked decline in pH and an accumulation of organic matter. Phosphorus transformations were shaped by geochemical processes, with a rapid release of inorganic phosphorus from primary minerals and accumulation of organic phosphorus to concentrations exceeding those found in the undisturbed site. Adsorbed and/or precipitated phosphorus increased rapidly, despite few reactive mineral colloidal surfaces.

Conclusions

Natural succession of Scots pine in post-mining landscapes promotes ecosystem restoration through the rapid re-establishment of the biogeochemical cycles of organic matter and phosphorus. This study provides an important example of biogeochemical phosphorus cycling during the initial stages of pedogenesis.     

Effect of phosphorus availability on basal root shallowness in common bean

Root gravitropism may be an important element of plant response to phosphorus availability because it determines root foraging in fertile topsoil horizons, and thereby phosphorus acquisition. In this study we seek to test this hypothesis in both two dimensional paper growth pouch and three-dimensional solid media of sand and soil cultures. Five common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes with contrasting adaptation to low phosphorus availability were evaluated in growth pouches over 6 days of growth, and in sand culture and soil culture over 4 weeks of growth. In all three media, phosphorus availability regulated the gravitropic response of basal roots in a genotype-dependent manner. In pouches, sand, and soil, the phosphorus-inefficient genotype DOR 364 had deeper roots with phosphorus stress, whereas the phosphorus-efficient genotype G19833 responded to phosphorus stress by producing shallower roots. Genotypes were most responsive to phosphorus stress in sand culture, where relative root allocation to the 0–3- and 3–6-cm horizons increased 50% with phosphorus stress, and varied 300% (3–6 cm) to 500% (0–3 cm) among genotypes. Our results indicate that (1) phosphorus availability regulates root gravitropic growth in both paper and solid media, (2) responses observed in young seedlings continue throughout vegetative growth, (3) the response of root gravitropism to phosphorus availability varies among genotypes, and (4) genotypic adaptation to low phosphorus availability is correlated with the ability to allocate roots to shallow soil horizons under phosphorus stress.     

青海三江源地区三种天然圆柏林更新特征

为明确青海三江源地区3种天然圆柏林的更新特征及其主导影响因子,对天然林保护与经营提供参考,本研究评价了圆柏林天然更新等级,分析了林分因子和林地土壤因子对圆柏林天然更新的影响.结果 表明:3种天然圆柏林更新不良,更新潜力不足.大果圆柏林、祁连圆柏林和密枝圆柏林平均更新密度分别为332、279和202株·hm-2,更新个体...     

Soil phosphorus supply controls P nutrition strategies of beech forest ecosystems in Central Europe

Phosphorus availability may shape plant–microorganism–soil interactions in forest ecosystems. Our aim was to quantify the interactions between soil P availability and P nutrition strategies of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. We assumed that plants and microorganisms of P-rich forests carry over mineral-bound P into the biogeochemical P cycle (acquiring strategy). In contrast, P-poor ecosystems establish tight P cycles to sustain their P demand (recycling strategy). We tested if this conceptual model on supply-controlled P nutrition strategies was consistent with data from five European beech forest ecosystems with different parent materials (geosequence), covering a wide range of total soil P stocks (160–900 g P m^?2; <1 m depth). We analyzed numerous soil chemical and biological properties. Especially P-rich beech ecosystems accumulated P in topsoil horizons in moderately labile forms. Forest floor turnover rates decreased with decreasing total P stocks (from 1/5 to 1/40 per year) while ratios between organic carbon and organic phosphorus (C:P_org) increased from 110 to 984 (A horizons). High proportions of fine-root biomass in forest floors seemed to favor tight P recycling. Phosphorus in fine-root biomass increased relative to microbial P with decreasing P stocks. Concomitantly, phosphodiesterase activity decreased, which might explain increasing proportions of diester-P remaining in the soil organic matter. With decreasing P supply indicator values for P acquisition decreased and those for recycling increased, implying adjustment of plant–microorganism–soil feedbacks to soil P availability. Intense recycling improves the P use efficiency of beech forests.     

Ecological Stoichiometry of Microbial Biomass Carbon,Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Bauxite Residue Disposal Areas

Abstract

Ecological succession by microbial activity on bauxite residue disposal areas (BRDAs) would accumulate nutrients and convert the residue into a soil-like material. However, the role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling remains elusive on BRDAs. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) ecological stoichiometry is a critical indicator of nutrient cycling in an ecosystem. In order to investigate the changes in nutrients following long-term natural weathering process, the contents of C, N, P, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) were measured in chronological stacks of bauxite residue. Deeply, their ecological stoichiometric characteristics were analyzed. Compared to freshly stacked residue, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorus (AP) have increased 89%, 1640%, and 369% after 20?years, respectively. The C/N in 20-year-old residue (BR20) is 12.41, which close to the mean range of soil C/N in China. Bauxite residue C/P and N/P increased significantly with the stacking age increased. MBC/MBN decreased from 6.75 to 4.52 after stacked for 5?years, whilst MBC/MBP increased from 23.74 to 59.16 with stacking age. Data analysis of C, N, P and MBC, MBN, MBP in bauxite residue correlated significantly, indicating that microbial biomass can be used as a biological indicator to evaluate bauxite residue quality. This study revealed that BRDAs ecosystem development reaches homeostasis gradually, whilst CNP and MBCNP substrate ratio can be used as an effective tool to explore the mechanism of nutrient cycling.