Effects of light intensity variation on nitrogen and phosphorus contents,allocation and limitation in five shade-enduring plants

Aims To enhance the understanding on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) physiological responses to different light environments in shade-enduring plants and provide references to improve the stand structure and ecosystem functions of plantation forests.Methods We selected seedlings of five shade-enduring species with high ecological and economic value in subtropical area of China to study the effects of light intensity on leaf N and P contents, allocation and nutrient limitation in shade-enduring plants. A light intensity gradient of five different levels was set to simulate the varying understory light environment.Important findings With decreasing light intensity, the total biomass and total N and P accumulation of five shade-enduring plants all showed a decreasing trend, but N, P contents in different organs increased. Among them, Gardenia jasminoides (GJ) had the highest while Illicium henryi (IH) had the lowest N content; The P contents of Quercus phillyraeoides (QP) and GJ were significantly higher than Elaeocarpus sylvestris (ES), Ardisia crenata (AC) and IH. QP and GJ had the highest N, P contents under extremely low light intensity (6% natural light intensity) condition (LIC), while AC and IH had the highest N and P contents in low (15% natural light intensity) and moderate (33% and 52% natural light intensity) LIC. ES demanded differently for LIC on N and P, which were 52% and 6% natural light intensity, respectively. N and P allocation of ES, AC and IH followed leaf > root > stem, but for QP and GJ were root > leaf > stem. Decreasing LIC significantly affected N and P allocation. N content variations shown good consistency among different organs under higher LIC (100% natural light intensity) while distinct variability under lower LIC (15% and 6% natural light intensity) in all five species. Phosphorus contents exhibited good consistency in IH, QP and GJ but varied in ES and AC. Decreasing LIC significantly affected organ N/P ratios of shade-enduring plants, but the fundamental growth restriction patterns remained. Light intensity variation and tree species co-regulated N, P utilization and allocation in shade-enduring plants, and then affected the total biomass and total N, P accumulation, which might result from the change of N and P utilization strategy. Therefore, light intensity preference and N, P nutrient balances in shade-enduring plants should be taken into account when constructing multiple layer and uneven-aged forests.     

Leaf decomposition and nutrient release of dominant species in the forest and lake in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve,China

AimsLitter decomposition is an important ecological process in nutrient cycling and productivity of ecosystems. Our objective is to quantify the differences of litter decomposition and nutrient release (N and P) under the forest and in an alpine lake among the dominant tree species in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve.
Methods Fresh leaf litters of Abies ernestii, Pinus tabulaeformis, Betula albo-sinensis, and Salix cupularis were collected and placed in bags under the forest and in an alpine lake for a year.
Important findings The mass remaining ratio (MR) of the leaf litters was well predicted with Olson’s decay model (r > 0.93, p < 0.01). The time for 99% decomposition was the shortest for S. cupularis (6.80 a), followed by B. albo-sinensis (10.34 a), A. ernestii (18.88 a), and P. tabulaeformis (27.21 a). These values were 1.48-, 1.55-, 1.80-, and 1.65-folds of the corresponding values in the lake, respectively. Both MR and nitrogen remaining ratio (NR) had significantly negative correlations with the leaf initial N concentration, but significantly positive correlations with the initial C:N. The nutrient release was significantly different among the four species and between the two sites (i.e., forest and alpine lake). The N release of S. cupularis was consistent between forest and the lake (i.e. directly released in the beginning of decomposition), while other species had an obvious N enrichment process before it released. The release of P among was similar among the four species and between the two sites, with a release—enrichment—release pattern. Overall, the leaf litter decomposition appeared as an intricate process that was affected by the litter chemistry and and the environment. The fast litter decomposition in the lake may have a profound influence on the water quanlity in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve.     

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

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

Changes of the relationships between soil and microbes in carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry during ecosystem succession

AimsThe carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry (C:N:P) of soil profoundly influences the growth, community structure, biomass C:N:P stoichiometry, and metabolism in microbes. However, the relationships between soil and microbes in the C:N:P stoichiometry and their temporal dynamics during ecosystem succession are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the temporal patterns of soil and microbial C:N:P stoichiometry and their relationships during ecosystem succession.MethodsAn extensive literature search was conducted and data were compiled for 19 age sequences of successional ecosystems, including 13 forest ecosystems and 6 grassland ecosystems, from 18 studies published up to May 2016. Meta-analyses were performed to examine the sequential changes in 18 variables that were associated with soil and microbial C, N and P contents and the stoichiometry. Important findings (1) There was no consistent temporal pattern in soil C:N along the successional stages, whereas the soil C:P and N:P increased with succession; the slopes of the linear relationships between soil C:N:P stoichiometry and successional age were negatively correlated with the initial content of the soil organic C within given chronosequence. (2) There was no consistent temporal pattern in microbial C:N:P stoichiometry along the successional stages. (3) The fraction of microbial biomass C in soil organic C (qMBC), the fraction of microbial biomass N in soil total N, and the fraction of microbial biomass P in soil total P all increased significantly with succession, in consistency with the theory of succession that ecosystem biomass per unit resource increases with succession. (4) The qMBC decreased with increases in the values of soil C:N, C:P, or N:P, as well as the stoichiometric imbalances in C:N, C:P, and N:P between soil and microbes (i.e., ratios of soil C:N, C:P, and N:P to microbial biomass C:N, C:P, and N:P, respectively). The C:N, C:P, and N:P stoichiometric imbalances explained 37%-57% variations in the qMBC, about 7-17 times more than that explainable by the successional age, illustrating the importance of soil-microbial C:N:P stoichiometry in shaping the successional dynamics in qMBC. In summary, our study highlights the importance of the theories of ecosystem succession and stoichiometry in soil microbial studies, and suggests that appropriately applying macro-ecological theories in microbial studies may improve our understanding on microbial ecological processes.     

Salt accumulation in vegetative organs and ecological stoichiometry characteristics in typical halophytes in Xinjiang,China

AimsStudying salt accumulation in vegetative organs and carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) stoichiometry in halophytes contributes to understand the adaptive strategy to saline environment and the distribution mechanism of nutrients and salinity of the halophytes.MethodsFour typical dominant species, including three perennial shrubs (Halocnemum strobilaceum, Suaeda microphylla and Kalidium foliatum) and an annual herb (Salicornia europaea) were selected for analyzing the salt accumulation and C, N, P stoichiometry relationships.Important findings 1) The salt accumulation showed “salt island” effect at peak growing stage; Na⁺, Cl^- and electrical conductivity all showed significant positive trends, when salt ions were transported from the root to the shoot of 4 halophytes. 2) P was the limiting growth element of perennial shrubs, while both N and P were limiting factors for the annual herb. 3) Different organs, species and their interactions affected C, N, P stoichiometry and salt icons except Mg²⁺. 4) C was negatively correlated with N and P, but there was a significant positive correlation between N and P. 5) Electrical conductivity, Na⁺and K⁺ were positively correlated with N, N:P ratio, and negatively correlated with C, C:N and C:P ratios, and yet K⁺, CO₃^2- had significant positive correlation with P. These results implied that there were some kind of mutual promoting relationships between nutrients and salinity in halophytes in the saline environment, and fertilizing with N could promote sodium chloride desalination.     

Effects of desertification on the C:N:P stoichiometry of soil,microbes, and extracellular enzymes in a desert grassland

为探讨荒漠草地沙漠化对“土壤-微生物-胞外酶”系统生态化学计量的影响机理, 该研究采用空间序列代替时间演替的方法, 研究了宁夏盐池荒漠草地沙漠化过程中土壤、土壤微生物及土壤胞外酶碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)生态化学计量的变异特征。结果表明: (1)随着荒漠草地沙漠化的不断加剧, 土壤C、N、P含量和土壤C:P、N:P均呈降低趋势, 而土壤C:N逐渐增加。(2)荒漠草地沙漠化过程中, 土壤微生物生物量C (MBC):微生物生物量P (MBP)、微生物生物量N (MBN):MBP和土壤β-葡萄糖苷酶(BG):N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(NAG)逐渐降低, 而土壤BG:磷酸酶(AP)和NAG:AP基本表现为增加趋势。(3)随着荒漠草地沙漠化程度的加剧, 土壤微生物C利用效率CUE_C:N和CUE_C:P与土壤微生物N利用效率NUE_N:C和土壤微生物P利用效率PUE_P:C的变化趋势相反。(4)荒漠草地土壤、土壤微生物生物量和土壤胞外酶C:N化学计量(C:N, MBC:MBN, BG:NAG)与土壤、土壤微生物生物量和土壤胞外酶N:P化学计量(N:P, MBN:MBP, NAG:AP)显著负相关, 而土壤和胞外酶C:N化学计量(C:N, BG:NAG)与土壤和胞外酶C:P化学计量(C:P, BG:AP)显著正相关。土壤N:P与土壤MBN:MBP显著正相关, 而与土壤NAG:AP显著负相关。分析表明, 荒漠草地沙漠化过程中土壤微生物生物量及胞外酶活性随着土壤养分的变化而发生变化; 微生物-胞外酶C:N:P生态化学计量与土壤养分存在协变关系, 为理解荒漠草地土壤-微生物系统C、N、P循环机制提供理论依据。     

Effects of intercropping on photosynthetic rate and net photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency of maize under nitrogen addition

研究间作后作物光合碳同化和光合氮利用效率(PNUE)对氮投入的响应, 对阐释间作产量优势的氮调控效应, 指导间作氮肥管理有重要意义。本研究设置玉米(Zea mays)单作、玉米间作两种种植模式的4个氮水平(N0, 0 kg·hm ^-2; N1, 125 kg·hm ^-2; N2, 250 kg·hm ^-2; N3, 375 kg·hm ^-2), 分析间作与施氮量对玉米叶片特征、光合参数、PNUE和产量的影响。结果表明: 与单作相比, 间作显著增加玉米叶片的叶干质量和比叶质量; 各施氮水平(除N3)下, 间作中靠近马铃薯(Solanum tuberosum)侧的玉米叶面积均显著高于单作玉米。单间作对比发现, 间作提高了玉米光饱和点和暗呼吸速率。单作、间作靠玉米侧(I-M)、间作靠马铃薯侧(I-P)的玉米PNUE均随施氮量增加而降低, 降幅以I-P最大; 施氮量低于250 kg·hm ^-2时, 相同施氮量下的玉米PNUE和净光合速率(P_n)均以I-P最高, I-M和单作次之。间作显著提高了玉米产量(土地当量比>1)。该研究中当施氮量≤250 kg·hm ^-2时, 间作I-P的玉米叶片P_n和PNUE显著提高可能是间作玉米产量提高的重要原因。     

增温对苔原土壤和典型植物叶片碳、氮、磷化学计量学特征的影响

为探讨苔原植被对气候变暖的响应模式, 采用开顶箱增温法, 研究了3个生长季增温对长白山苔原3种代表植物——牛皮杜鹃(Rhododendron aureum)、笃斯越桔(Vaccinium uliginosum)和东亚仙女木(Dryas octopetala var. asiatica)的叶片及土壤碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)含量及其比值的影响。结果表明: 增温使土壤N和P的含量分别增加5.88%和4.83%, C含量降低13.19%; 增温和对照(不增温)条件下, 植物叶片的C、N、P含量及其比值在生长季有明显的变化。增温使笃斯越桔和东亚仙女木叶片的P含量分别增加10.34%和12.87%, 牛皮杜鹃则降低了16.26%, 增温并没有明显改变3种植物叶片的C、N含量, 但牛皮杜鹃和东亚仙女木叶片的C:N值在增温条件下呈现增加趋势。增温使土壤可利用的N、P含量增加。增温对3种植物的C:N值, 牛皮杜鹃、笃斯越桔的P含量, 以及东亚仙女木的C:P值都产生了显著的影响。结果表明增温增加了长白山苔原P元素对植物生长的限制, 且3种植物叶片的C、N、P化学计量学特性对增温的响应模式和尺度没有表现出一致性。     

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

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

青海森林生态系统中灌木层和土壤生态化学计量特征

灌木层作为森林生态系统的重要组成部分, 了解其生态化学计量特征将有助于揭示森林生态系统物质周转和养分循环等生态功能。该研究选取青海省7种主要优势林分——白桦(Betula platyphylla)林、毛白杨(Populus tomentosa)林、红桦(Betula albosinensis)林、青扦(Picea wilsonii)林、山杨(Populus davidiana)林、圆柏(Sabina chinensis)林、云杉(Picea asperata)林为研究对象, 采用野外取样和室内实验分析相结合的方法, 研究了不同林分林下灌木层不同器官(叶、枝干、根)及其表层(0-10 cm)土壤的碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)含量及其相关性。结果表明: 7种林分间灌木(叶、枝干、根) P含量、C:P均没有明显差异性; 山杨林、圆柏林、云杉林的林下灌木(叶、枝干、根) N含量、N:P高于白桦林、毛白杨林、红桦林和青扦林, C:N则相反。圆柏林的林下灌木生长受P限制, 其余6种林分的林下灌木生长受N限制。7种林分间土壤有机碳(SOC)和总氮(TN)含量呈现出明显差异性, 而总磷(TP)含量则差异不明显。相关性分析表明, 林下灌木(叶、枝干、根) N含量、C:N、N:P与土壤TN含量、C:N、N:P呈极显著相关性, 而P含量、C:P与土壤TP含量呈显著相关性。冗余分析表明, 林下灌木层植被C、N、P含量及生态化学计量特征受到土壤化学计量特征及各环境因子的共同影响, 其中土壤C:N、海拔、年平均气温、年降水量为主要影响因子。     

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

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

Seasonal dynamics of leaf C,N and P stoichiometry in plants of typical steppe in Nei Mongol,China

分析植物叶片(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)含量及其比值的季节动态, 不仅有助于认识植物生长发育和养分吸收利用等生理生态过程, 也有利于认识植物化学计量的动态平衡关系。该文选择内蒙古典型温带草原18种常见植物, 在生长季的6-9月, 每半月一次进行连续采样, 在此基础上分析了叶片C、N、P含量及其比值在生长季内的变化。主要结果: 1)植物叶片C、N、P含量及其比值的季节性变化在不同功能类群间不同步, 其中叶片N、P含量的季节变化体现了明显的稀释作用。2)叶片C、N、P含量及其比值在不同功能类群间差异显著, 单子叶、多年生禾草类的叶片N、P含量显著低于双子叶和多年生杂类草植物, 而其叶片C:N、C:P则高于双子叶和多年生杂类草植物。3)叶片N、P含量显著正相关, 叶片C:N和C:P分别与N和P含量显著负相关, 可能体现了植物体内营养元素间的内在耦合机制。4)叶片N含量与C:N, 叶片P含量与C:P以及叶片N含量与P含量均呈现等速生长关系, 且等速生长关系在生长季保持稳定。     

Carbon,nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of Myrica nana in Yunnan,China

Aims Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play important roles in plant growth and physiological functions. We aimed at exploring the intrinsic relationships of C, N and P in Myrica nana—a common shrub in Yunnan Province—as well as their relationships with pant biomass and soil nutrients.
Methods We measured the concentration of C, N and P of M. nana from 29 sites for their magnitudes and correlations with soil nutrients.
Important findings 1) The arithmetic mean value of C, N and P concentration in the roots, stems and leaves of M. nana was 45.94%, 0.54%, 0.03%, and 46.32%, 0.58%, 0.03%, and 49.05%, 1.70%, 0.06%, respectively. C, N and P concentrations in the leaves were significantly higher than those in the roots and the stems. The C:N:P in roots, stems and leaves was 1531:18:1, 1544:19:1, and 818:10:1, respectively. 2) The C concentration and N:P in leaves of M. nana decreased with the increase of biomass of M. nana; the leaf C concentration was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.01), while the correlation between N:P and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). The leaf N increased with the increase of plant biomass, the P was significantly correlated with biomass (p < 0.05), but the correlation between N concentration and biomass was not significant (p > 0.05). N:P in leaves was 34.2, suggesting that plant growth was limited by P. 3) C, N and P concentration in the roots were significantly correlated with soil P (p < 0.05), with N, P concentrations correlated with soil P positively (p < 0.01) and C negatively (p < 0.05). C concentration in the stems was significantly and negatively correlated with soil C, N, with significant correlation with C, N, and P concentration (p < 0.01). P concentration in the stems was significantly and positively correlated with soil P concentration (p < 0.01), while leaf P significantly and positively correlated with soil C, N and P (p < 0.01); leaf C concentration was significantly and negatively correlated with soil P (p < 0.01).     

Changes in soil-microbe-exoenzyme C:N:P stoichiometry along an altitudinal gradient in Mt. Datudingzi,Northeast China

海拔变化导致温度、水分、植被等条件的改变会显著影响土壤碳(C_soil)、氮(N_soil)、磷(P_soil)含量及其化学计量特征, 土壤微生物如何通过调整自身生物量和胞外酶化学计量特征进行适应仍不明确。为了研究海拔梯度变化对土壤微生物生物量和胞外酶活性的影响, 探索土壤-微生物-胞外酶C:N:P化学计量特征间的协变性, 该文以黑龙江省雪乡大秃顶子山800、1 100、1 600和1 700 m分布的典型生态系统(针阔混交林、针叶林、岳桦林和草地)为研究对象, 测定其C_soil、N_soil、P_soil含量, 微生物生物量C (C_mic)、N (N_mic)、P (P_mic)含量, 以及微生物获取C (β-1, 4-葡萄糖苷酶, BG), N (几丁质酶, NAG), P (酸性磷酸酶, AP)资源的相关胞外酶活性。结果表明: (1)海拔梯度变化对C_soil和C_mic含量没有显著影响; 不同海拔间土壤和微生物生物量N、P含量存在显著差异。(2) BG和NAG活性随着海拔的升高呈现显著降低趋势, 表明海拔升高导致的温度降低抑制了微生物的活性。(3)海拔对土壤C:N、微生物C:N:P以及胞外酶C:N:P均具有显著影响。胞外酶C:N:P随着微生物与土壤间C:N:P化学计量不平衡性(土壤C:N:P与微生物C:N:P的比值)的增加而逐渐降低。微生物可以通过调整自身生物量以及胞外酶C:N:P适应土壤化学计量特征的变异, 该结果支持了微生物的资源分配理论。     

中亚热带植被恢复阶段植物叶片、凋落物、土壤碳氮磷化学计量特征

为揭示植被恢复过程中生态系统的养分循环机制及植物的生存策略, 根据亚热带森林群落演替过程, 采用空间代替时间方法, 以湘中丘陵区地域相邻、环境条件基本一致的檵木(Loropetalum chinensis) +南烛(Vaccinium bracteatu) +杜鹃(Rhododendron mariesii)灌草丛(LVR)、檵木+杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata) +白栎(Quercus fabri)灌木林(LCQ)、马尾松(Pinus massoniana) +柯(Lithocarpus glaber) +檵木针阔混交林(PLL)、柯+红淡比(Cleyera japonica) +青冈(Cyclobalanopsis Glauca)常绿阔叶林(LCC)作为一个恢复系列, 设置固定样地, 采集植物叶片、未分解层凋落物和0-30 cm土壤样品, 测定有机碳(C)、全氮(N)、全磷(P)含量及其化学计量比, 运用异速生长关系、养分利用效率和再吸收效率分析植物对环境变化的响应和养分利用策略。结果表明: (1)随着植被恢复, 叶片C:N、C:P、N:P显著下降, 而叶片C、N、P含量和土壤C、N含量、C:P、N:P显著增加, 其中LCC植物叶片C、N含量, 土壤C、N含量及其N:P, PLL植物叶片P含量, 土壤C:P显著高于其他3个恢复阶段, 各恢复阶段植物叶片N:P > 20, 植物生长受P限制; 凋落物C、N、P含量及其化学计量比波动较大。(2)凋落物与叶片、土壤的化学计量特征之间的相关关系较弱, 叶片与土壤的化学计量特征之间具有显著相关关系, 其中叶片C、N、P含量与土壤C、N含量、C:N (除叶片C、N含量外)、C:P、N:P呈显著正相关关系; 叶片C:N与土壤C、N含量、C:P、N:P, 叶片C:P与土壤C含量、C:N、C:P, 叶片N:P与土壤C:N呈显著负相关关系。(3)植被恢复过程中, 叶片N、P之间具有显著异速生长关系, 异速生长指数为1.45, 叶片N、P的利用效率下降, 对N、P的再吸收效率增加, LCC叶片N利用效率最低, PLL叶片P利用效率最低而N、P再吸收效率最高。(4)叶片N含量内稳态弱, 而P含量具有较高的内稳态, 在土壤低P限制下植物能保持P平衡。植被恢复显著影响叶片、凋落物、土壤C、N、P含量及其化学计量比, 叶片与土壤之间C、N、P含量及化学计量比呈显著相关关系, 植物通过降低养分利用效率和提高养分再吸收效率适应土壤养分的变化, 叶片-凋落物-土壤系统的N、P循环随着植被恢复逐渐达到“化学计量平衡”。     

神农架常绿落叶阔叶混交林碳氮磷化学计量比

生态化学计量学是研究生态过程中化学元素平衡的科学, 碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)化学计量比是生态系统过程及其功能的重要特征。该研究测定了神农架常绿落叶阔叶混交林植物器官、凋落物及土壤的C、N、P含量, 利用生物量加权法计算其化学计量比, 并分析该生态系统不同组分间及不同器官间化学计量比的差异。研究结果发现: 在不同组分之间, C含量、C:N及C:P表现为植物>凋落物>土壤; N、P含量及N:P表现为凋落物>植物>土壤。在不同植物器官间, C含量的差异较小, 其变异系数相对N、P含量较低且保持稳定; N、P含量为叶片最高且变异系数最低; N:P为树皮最高, 而枝的变异系数最低。常绿与落叶树种的叶片N、P含量差异显著。与不同森林类型的化学计量比相比, 该常绿落叶阔叶混交林植物群落的C:P及N:P较低, 凋落物的C:P及N:P较高, 土壤的C、N、P化学计量比与亚热带常绿阔叶林基本一致, 生态系统的C:N相对较低。利用生物量加权法计算得到的该森林生态系统不同组分的C、N、P化学计量比的大小关系与前人利用枝叶取样算术平均的结果存在较大差异。C、N、P含量及其化学计量比在不同器官的分配及内稳性与器官的生理功能关系密切。     

Effects of different nitrogen:phosphorus levels on the growth and ecological stoichiometry of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Aims The increase in atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has accelerated N cycling of ecosystems, probably resulting in increases in phosphorus (P) demand of ecosystems. Studies on the effects of artificial N:P treatment on the growth and carbon (C), N, P ecological stoichiometry of desert steppe species could provide not only a new insight into the forecasting of how the interaction between soils and plants responses to long-term atmospheric N deposition increase, but also a scientific guidance for sustainable management of grassland in northern China under global climate change. Methods Based on a pot-cultured experiment conducted for Glycyrrhiza uralensis (an N-fixing species) during 2013 to 2014, we studied the effects of different N:P supply ratios (all pots were treated with the same amount of N but with different amounts of P) on aboveground biomass, root biomass, root/shoot ratio, and C:N:P ecological stoichiometry both in G. uralensis (leaves and roots) and in soils. Additionally, through the correlation analyses between biomass and C:N:P ecological stoichiometry in leaves, roots, and soils, we compared the differences among the C:N:P ecological stoichiometry of the three pools, and discussed the indication of C:N:P ecological stoichiometry in soils for the growth and nutrient uptake of G. uralensis. Important findings The results showed that, reducing N:P decreased C:P and N:P ratios both in G. uralensis (leaves and roots) and in soils but increased aboveground biomass and root biomass of G. uralensis, indicating that low to moderate P addition increased P availability of soils and P uptake of G. uralensis. However, excessive low N:P (high P addition) led to great decreases in soil C:P and N:P ratios, thus hindering N uptake and the growth of G. uralensis. C:N:P ratios in the two pools of G. uralensis (especially in leaves) had close correlations with soil C:N:P ratio, indicating that the change in soil C:N:P ratio would have a direct influence on plants. Our results suggest that, through regulating C:N:P ratio in leaves and soils, appropriate amounts of P addition could balance soil P supply and plant P demand and compensate the opposite influences of long-term atmospheric N deposition increase on the structure of desert steppe.     

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

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

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

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

C:N:P stoichiometry in forest floor litter of evergreen broad-leaved forests at different successional stages in Tiantong,Zhejiang, eastern China

地表凋落物在森林物质循环中起着重要作用, 但是目前缺乏对其不同分解层次中碳(C)、氮(N)、磷(P)演替动态的研究。该文以浙江天童常绿阔叶林为研究对象, 用空间代替时间序列的方法, 通过测定5个演替阶段地表凋落物不同分解层次的凋落物量、有机碳库和氮磷养分库的储量及C:N:P化学计量特征, 探讨地表凋落物特征的演替动态。结果表明: 1)随着演替的进行, 地表凋落物量和有机碳储量呈现下降的趋势。2)在各演替阶段, 有机碳含量在各分解层表现出未分解层(L) > 半分解层(F) > 已分解层(Y)的趋势; 有机碳储量均表现为Y < F。3)演替前期群落氮含量和储量显著低于演替中后期群落; 不同分解层的氮含量在各演替阶段皆表现为: Y > F > L, 且各层氮含量随着演替的进行均趋于升高。4)磷含量在演替中期群落最低, 各演替阶段不同分解层的磷含量皆表现为Y > F > L。磷储量的演替趋势不明显。L层磷储量随着演替进行趋于降低。5)随着演替进行, 凋落物C:N、C:P和N:P皆趋于下降(p < 0.05)。在各分解层之间, C:N和C:P皆表现为Y < F < L, N:P差异不显著。总之, 随着演替进行, 天童常绿阔叶林地表凋落物量降低, 有机碳库及氮磷养分库的含量趋于升高, 储量趋向降低, C:N:P趋于下降, 体现了生态系统碳和养分循环随着演替进行在不断优化。