Nutrient availability and leaching in an archaeological Anthrosol and a Ferralsol of the Central Amazon basin: fertilizer,manure and charcoal amendments

Soil fertility and leaching losses of nutrients were compared between a Fimic Anthrosol and a Xanthic Ferralsol from Central Amazônia. The Anthrosol was a relict soil from pre-Columbian settlements with high organic C containing large proportions of black carbon. It was further tested whether charcoal additions among other organic and inorganic applications could produce similarly fertile soils as these archaeological Anthrosols. In the first experiment, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) was planted in pots, while in the second experiment lysimeters were used to quantify water and nutrient leaching from soil cropped to rice (Oryza sativa L.). The Anthrosol showed significantly higher P, Ca, Mn, and Zn availability than the Ferralsol increasing biomass production of both cowpea and rice by 38–45% without fertilization (P<0.05). The soil N contents were also higher in the Anthrosol but the wide C-to-N ratios due to high soil C contents led to immobilization of N. Despite the generally high nutrient availability, nutrient leaching was minimal in the Anthrosol, providing an explanation for their sustainable fertility. However, when inorganic nutrients were applied to the Anthrosol, nutrient leaching exceeded the one found in the fertilized Ferralsol. Charcoal additions significantly increased plant growth and nutrition. While N availability in the Ferralsol decreased similar to the Anthrosol, uptake of P, K, Ca, Zn, and Cu by the plants increased with higher charcoal additions. Leaching of applied fertilizer N was significantly reduced by charcoal, and Ca and Mg leaching was delayed. In both the Ferralsol with added charcoal and the Anthrosol, nutrient availability was elevated with the exception of N while nutrient leaching was comparatively low.     

Influence of market orientation on food plant diversity of farms located on Amazonian Dark Earth in the region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil

Homegardens may serve as reservoirs of agro-biodiversity on highly fertile, anthropogenic Amazonian Dark Earth (ADE) soils of the Amazon basin. However, as these soils are used more intensively for market-oriented agriculture, we suspected a decrease in their agro-biodiversity. We present data obtained from surveys on 16 farms where ADE was present in the region of Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. When farms were separated into two groups by market orientation, species richness on the farms was not significantly influenced by market orientation, but there was less dominance (i.e., more diversity) for homegardens in the low-market orientation group (P < 0.1). The proportion of native species was not affected by market orientation. Hence, while the most market-oriented farms retained high species richness, homegardens located on them contained higher proportions of commercially interesting species.     

长期施肥对红壤旱地作物产量和土壤肥力的影响

历时14年的田间定位试验表明,红壤旱地磷素最为缺乏,施用磷肥对提高作物产量效果最好;施用石灰和微量元素对作物产量没有明显增产作用．施肥可以提高花生植株磷、钾的浓度,表明作物的养分含量受土壤养分供应水平的影响．土壤中赢余(亏损)的养分在养分库重建中的作用可以用速效养分库重建效率来表示．研究表明,当红壤旱地N、P2O5、K2O养分赢余1kg·hm^-2时,可分别使土壤中水解氮、有效磷、交换性钾含量提高0．6～6．26、0．20～0．28和1．1～8．5mg·kg^-1．红壤旱地氮和磷通过径流等损失较大,不同处理之间的变化幅度也较大．红壤每年可固定磷43．5kg·hm^-2,通过自身风化作用每年可提供氮48．1kg·hm^-2和钾40．5kg·hm^-2,以满足作物生长所需．     

黑土长期施肥及养分循环再利用的作物产量及土壤肥力质量变化Ⅰ.作物产量

在一丰P黑土(Olsen P25.8mg·kg^-1)上进行13年中长期田间试验的结果表明,氮肥平均增产率为275%,年增产粮食(大豆、玉米、小麦混合)724kg·hm^-2,1kgN增产粮食9.4kg;磷肥前期增产不明显,13年平均增产率为7%,年增产粮食241kg·hm^-2,1kgP增产粮食12.7kg.每年施用循环回田猪圈肥(以处理区收获产品的80%喂猪、垫圈经堆制而成),粮食平均年增产量在不施化肥、施N、施NP基础上,分别为268、258、255kg·hm^-2,相应的增产率为9.8%、7.6%和7.0%.试验期间循环回田猪圈肥的增产效果有逐渐增长趋势,表明存在着猪圈肥残效的叠加效应.     

Scarification,fertilization and herbicide treatment effects on planted conifers and soil fertility

The influences of soil surface modification (blade scarification and plastic mulching), fertilization and herbicide application on soil nutrient and organic carbon content and tree growth and foliar nutrient status were examined after seven years in a study located within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region of Canada. Plots had been planted with white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) seedlings. Light (PAR), soil moisture and temperature were monitored and recorded throughout the growing season. Forest floor and soil mineral (0–20 cm layer) samples were collected from all experimental plots, except those which had plastic mulching. Foliar samples were collected in autumn and analysed for N, P and K and storage compounds. Seedling mortality was 20% higher in unscarified plots. Combined silvicultural treatments increased productivity as much as 14 times, but scarification reduced soil carbon and nutrient capital 2–3 fold. Herbicide application reduced soil carbon by at least 20 %. Foliar nutrient, protein, starch and lipid contents in autumn were little affected by treatment. The future management of such stands in Canada probably will include more shelterwood harvesting and crop rotations, silvicultural systems that are more closely aligned with natural forest succession.     

长期施肥对石灰性土壤磷素肥力的影响Ⅰ．有机质、全磷和速效磷

在陕西关中黄土区连续23年进行了不同施肥、小麦-玉米轮作定位试验。研究了0～100cm土层土壤有机质、全磷、速效磷含量变化．结果表明,长期单施化肥或有机肥与化肥且配施均可增加耕层(0～20cm)土壤有机质含量．长期施用厩肥并配施化肥处理对土壤总磷库及无机磷库、速效磷的贡献大于玉米秸秆处理．长期单施化肥可增加土壤全磷、无机磷和速效磷含量,增加幅度低于厩肥和休闲处理,与秸秆处理对全磷、速效磷含量的影响效应相近．23年的不同施肥处理,与无肥处理相比,其理土壤磷素增量在0～100cm土壤剖面中的分布特点是：全磷增量剖面分布可为3层——耕层(0～20cm)为显著累积层,20～60cm土层为微增一亏损层,60～100cm土层为轻度累积层．速效磷增量剖面分布趋势与全磷增量分布趋势基本相同,仅在60～100cm土层累积较弱．     

生物炭施用的固碳减排潜力及农田效应

气候变暖及粮食安全是保证人类可持续发展的重要课题。生物炭具有较高的稳定性、较高碳含量等特点,能增加土壤碳储量,提高土壤物理及化学性质,提高农田产出,能应对高温胁迫及土壤退化双重压力,具有一举多赢的生态环境效益,在缓解温室效应及粮食危机方面展现出巨大的潜力。综合前人研究成果,分析了生物炭固碳减排潜力及农田效应影响因素(包括:生物炭原料、制备温度、施用量、土壤类型等)。综合固碳减排及提高产出两方面因素,提出了较合适的生物炭施用标准,即300—700℃制备的农林废弃物生物炭,且施用量不超过5%。对生物炭固碳减排及田间效应领域未来的研究方向进行了展望。     

Phosphorus limitation of forest leaf area and net primary production on a highly weathered soil

We tested the hypothesis that P was the nutrient limiting net primary production of a nativeMetrosideros polymorpha forest on a highly weathered montane tropical soil in Hawaii. A factorial experiment used all combinations of three fertilizer treatments: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and a mix of other essential nutrients (OE), consisting primarily of mineral derived cations and excluding N and P. P addition, but not N or OE, increased leaf area index within 12 months, foliar P concentration measured at 18 months, and stem diameter increment within 18 months. Stem growth at 18 months was even greater when trees fertilized with P also received the OE treatment. N and P additions increased leaf litterfall and N and P in combination further increased litterfall. The sequence of responses suggests that increased available P promoted an increase in photosynthetic area which led to increased wood production. P was the essential element most limiting to primary production on old volcanic soil in contrast to the N limitation found on young volcanic soils.     

长期施肥条件下黄土高原黑垆土作物产量与土壤碳氮的关系

通过设置在黄土高原黑垆土区的长期定位试验系统,研究了长期施肥条件下作物产量与土壤碳氮的互馈关系.试验设不施肥(CK)、单施氮肥(N)、氮磷配施(NP)、秸秆与氮磷配施(SNP)、施有机肥(M)和有机肥与氮磷配施(MNP)6个处理.结果表明: 与对照相比,长期平衡施用化肥、单施有机肥、化肥与有机肥配合施用和秸秆还田配施化肥显著增加了作物产量及其稳定性, NP、SNP、M、MNP处理玉米和小麦产量分别增加92%、97%、93%、141%和147%、164%、139%、214%.NP处理玉米和小麦年均产量与当地常规施肥作物产量相当且稳定,小麦-玉米轮作体系施肥量为N 90 kg·hm^-2、P₂O₅ 75 kg·hm^-2能够满足作物需要.秸秆还田与隔年施磷相配合的SNP处理与NP处理作物产量相似,且可减少磷肥施用量50%.平衡施用化肥、有机肥、化肥与有机肥配施和秸秆还田配施化肥均可显著增加土壤有机碳含量,而施用化肥对土壤全氮含量影响不明显,综合所有处理,土壤有机碳和全氮含量呈显著正相关.不同处理土壤有机碳固存率在15%～41%.SNP处理土壤有机碳累积投入量增加1 t·hm^-2,土壤有机碳含量增加0.06 g·kg^-1,而CK、N、NP、M和MNP处理的增幅在0.12～0.15 g·kg^-1.玉米和小麦产量都与土壤全氮含量呈显著正相关,玉米产量随土壤有机碳含量的增加而增加,但小麦产量随土壤有机碳含量的增加先快速增加后趋于平稳,拐点出现在6.8 g·kg^-1.长期平衡施用化肥、有机肥、有机肥与化肥配合施用及秸秆还田配施化肥可显著增加黄土高原黑垆土土壤有机碳和全氮含量、作物产量和根茬还田量,根茬还田量的增加又进一步增加了土壤有机碳和全氮含量,形成了相互促进的互馈关系.     

The effects of crop rotation and fertilization on soil xylanase activity in a soil of the southeastern United States

Summary Xylanase activity was determined in soils from a 3-year rotation with corn, (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) as summer crops at Auburn, Alabama, in the southeastern U.S.A. Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) followed corn and a period of winter fallow as maintained after soybeans. A combination of common vetch (vicia sativa L.) and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum Gibelli & Belli) followed cotton during the winter months to serve as green manure. Highest xylanase activity was detected after soybeans and lowest after cotton among the summer crops. The culture of wheat and winter legumes resulted in increased soil xylanase activity wheareas winter fallowing reduced the activity. The effect of various fertilization schemes superimeposed on the rotation on soil xylanase activity was also studied. Seasonal fluctuations in soil xylanase activity were not affected by the fertilization regimes and highest xylanase activities were observed during crop periods and with fertilization treatments that resulted in high root densities but not necessarily in high yields.     

长期施肥对石灰性土壤磷素肥力的影响 Ⅰ.有机质、全磷和速效磷

在陕西关中黄土区连续23年进行了不同施肥、小麦玉米轮作定位试验,研究了0～100cm土层土壤有机质、全磷、速效磷含量变化.结果表明,长期单施化肥或有机肥与化肥且配施均可增加耕层(0～20cm)土壤有机质含量.长期施用厩肥并配施化肥处理对土壤总磷库及无机磷库、速效磷的贡献大于玉米秸秆处理.长期单施化肥可增加土壤全磷、无机磷和速效磷含量,增加幅度低于厩肥和休闲处理,与秸秆处理对全磷、速效磷含量的影响效应相近.23年的不同施肥处理,与无肥处理相比,其理土壤磷素增量在0～100cm土壤剖面中的分布特点是:全磷增量剖面分布可为3层———耕层(0～20cm)为显著累积层,20～60cm土层为微增-亏损层,60～100cm土层为轻度累积层.速效磷增量剖面分布趋势与全磷增量分布趋势基本相同,仅在60～100cm土层累积较弱.     

Effects of an induced drought on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux and soil CO2 production in an Eastern Amazonian rainforest, Brazil

In the next few decades, climate of the Amazon basin is expected to change, as a result of deforestation and rising temperatures, which may lead to feedback mechanisms in carbon (C) cycling that are presently unknown. Here, we report how a throughfall exclusion (TFE) experiment affected soil carbon dioxide (CO₂) production in a deeply weathered sandy Oxisol of Caxiuanã (Eastern Amazon). Over the course of 2 years, we measured soil CO₂ efflux and soil CO₂ concentrations, soil temperature and moisture in pits down to 3 m depth. Over a period of 2 years, TFE reduced on average soil CO₂ efflux from 4.3±0.1 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ (control) to 3.2±0.1 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ (TFE). The contribution of the subsoil (below 0.5 m depth) to the total soil CO₂ production was higher in the TFE plot (28%) compared with the control plot (17%), and it did not differ between years. We distinguished three phases of drying after the TFE was started. The first phase was characterized by a translocation of water uptake (and accompanying root activity) to deeper layers and not enough water stress to affect microbial activity and/or total root respiration. During the second phase a reduction in total soil CO₂ efflux in the TFE plot was related to a reduction of soil and litter decomposers activity. The third phase of drying, characterized by a continuing decrease in soil CO₂ production was dominated by a water stress‐induced decrease in total root respiration. Our results contrast to results of a drought experiment on clay Oxisols, which may be related to differences in soil water retention characteristics and depth of rooting zone. These results show that large differences exist in drought sensitivity among Amazonian forest ecosystems, which primarily seem to be affected by the combined effects of texture (affecting water holding capacity) and depth of rooting zone.     

不同施肥对水稻土作物碳同化与土壤碳固定的影响——以太湖地区黄泥土肥料长期试验为例

肥料施用对农田土壤生产力及土壤碳循环的影响是农业与陆地生态系统碳循环及全球变化研究的重要科学问题。以太湖地区黄泥土的长期肥料定位试验为例,研究不同施肥处理对水稻土-作物系统作物碳同化及土壤碳固定的影响。所研究的肥料施用处理包括不施肥(NF)、单施化肥(CF)、化肥与秸秆配施(CFS)以及化肥与猪粪配施(CFM) 4个处理,始于1987年,一直实行稻-油轮作,实行少耕。连续观测水稻和油菜的产量,并于2004年和2005年分别采集了土壤剖面样品和耕作层（0～5cm和5～15cm）土壤,测定土壤总有机碳含量。研究表明,不同施肥处理对水稻产量有显著影响,尤其以配施有机无机肥处理水稻产量显著最高且最为稳定,而对油菜产量的影响不明显。施肥显著提高了耕层土壤碳密度,而对全土碳密度没有显著影响。施肥处理的固碳速率介于0.1～0.4t/(hm^２•a), 配施有机肥处理显著高于单施化肥处理。相关分析表明,土壤固碳速率与作物根茬+有机肥源碳的总碳输入量呈显著的对数关系。这提示土壤有机碳积累主要与作物产量有关,而并非依变于有机肥源碳输入。因此,与作物产量直接关联的作物碳输入的增加是土壤中碳固定提高的重要途径。施入N素对水稻碳同化和土壤碳固定的效应均为化肥配施有机肥处理显著高于单施化肥处理,这揭示化肥配施有机肥是提高与稳定稻田生产力和促进土壤固碳和温室气体减排的双赢措施。当然,不同施肥下上述效应的差异可能与土壤-作物系统中碳分配和土壤生物碳利用的差异有关。     

The effects of stubble retention and tillage practices on surface soil structure and hydraulic conductivity of a loess soil

The current cropping system of excessive tillage and stubble removal in the northwestern Loess Plateau of China is clearly unsustainable. A better understanding of tillage and stubble management on surface soil structure is vital for the development of effective soil conservation practices in the long term. Changes in surface soil structure and hydraulic properties were measured after 4 years of stubble management (stubble retained vs. stubble removed) under contrasting tillage practices (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage) in a silt loam soil (Los Orthic Entisol) in Dingxi, Gansu, the northwestern Loess Plateau, China. Our results indicated that after 4 years small but significant changes in soil properties were observed amongst the different tillage and stubble treatments. Surface soil (0–5 cm) under no-tillage with stubble retention had the highest water stability of macroaggregates (>250 μm), soil organic carbon (SOC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Significant correlation was found between water stable macro-aggregates and soil organic carbon content, indicating the importance of the latter on soil structural stability. The improvement in soil structure and stability was confirmed by higher soil hydraulic conductivity measurements. Consistently higher K_sat was detected in the no tillage with stubble retained soil compared to other treatments. Therefore, no-tillage with stubble retention practice is an effective management technique for improving physical quality of this fragile soil in the long term.     

The effects of stubble retention and tillage practices on surface soil structure and hydraulic conductivity of a loess soil

The current cropping system of excessive tillage and stubble removal in the northwestern Loess Plateau of China is clearly unsustainable. A better understanding of tillage and stubble management on surface soil structure is vital for the development of effective soil conservation practices in the long term. Changes in surface soil structure and hydraulic properties were measured after 4 years of stubble management (stubble retained vs. stubble removed) under contrasting tillage practices (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage) in a silt loam soil (Los Orthic Entisol) in Dingxi, Gansu, the northwestern Loess Plateau, China. Our results indicated that after 4 years small but significant changes in soil properties were observed amongst the different tillage and stubble treatments. Surface soil (0–5 cm) under no-tillage with stubble retention had the highest water stability of macroaggregates (>250 μm), soil organic carbon (SOC) and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Significant correlation was found between water stable macro-aggregates and soil organic carbon content, indicating the importance of the latter on soil structural stability. The improvement in soil structure and stability was confirmed by higher soil hydraulic conductivity measurements. Consistently higher K_sat was detected in the no tillage with stubble retained soil compared to other treatments. Therefore, no-tillage with stubble retention practice is an effective management technique for improving physical quality of this fragile soil in the long term.     

不同施肥对水稻土作物碳同化与土壤碳固定的影响——以太湖地区黄泥土肥料长期试验为例

肥料施用对农田土壤生产力及土壤碳循环的影响是农业与陆地生态系统碳循环及全球变化研究的重要科学问题。以太湖地区黄泥土的长期肥料定位试验为例,研究不同施肥处理对水稻土-作物系统作物碳同化及土壤碳固定的影响。所研究的肥料施用处理包括不施肥(NF)、单施化肥(CF)、化肥与秸秆配施(CFS)以及化肥与猪粪配施(CFM)4个处理,始于1987年,一直实行稻-油轮作,实行少耕。连续观测水稻和油菜的产量,并于2004年和2005年分别采集了土壤剖面样品和耕作层(0~5cm和5~15cm)土壤,测定土壤总有机碳含量。研究表明,不同施肥处理对水稻产量有显著影响,尤其以配施有机无机肥处理水稻产量显著最高且最为稳定,而对油菜产量的影响不明显。施肥显著提高了耕层土壤碳密度,而对全土碳密度没有显著影响。施肥处理的固碳速率介于0.1~0.4t/(hm2.a),配施有机肥处理显著高于单施化肥处理。相关分析表明,土壤固碳速率与作物根茬 有机肥源碳的总碳输入量呈显著的对数关系。这提示土壤有机碳积累主要与作物产量有关,而并非依变于有机肥源碳输入。因此,与作物产量直接关联的作物碳输入的增加是土壤中碳固定提高的重要途径。施入N素对水稻碳同化和土壤碳固定的效应均为化肥配施有机肥处理显著高于单施化肥处理,这揭示化肥配施有机肥是提高与稳定稻田生产力和促进土壤固碳和温室气体减排的双赢措施。当然,不同施肥下上述效应的差异可能与土壤-作物系统中碳分配和土壤生物碳利用的差异有关。     

Effect of five tree crops and a cover crop in multi-strata agroforestry at two fertilization levels on soil fertility and soil solution chemistry in central Amazonia

The spatio-temporal patterns of soil fertility and soil solution chemistry in a multi-strata agroforestry system with perennial crops were analysed as indicators for the effects of crop species and management measures on soil conditions under permanent agriculture in central Amazonia. The study was carried out in a plantation with locally important tree crop species and a leguminous cover crop at two fertilization levels on a xanthic Ferralsol. Soil fertility to 2 m soil depth was evaluated 3.5 years after the establishment of the plantation, and soil solution chemistry at 10, 60 and 200 cm soil depth was monitored over 2 years. Several soil fertility characteristics exhibited spatial patterns within the multi-strata plots which reflected the differing properties of the plant species and their management, including the fertilizer input. Significant differences between species could be detected to 150 cm depth, and between fertilization treatments to 200 cm depth. Favourable effects on nutrient availability in the soil were found for annatto (Bixa orellana) (P, K) and cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) (Ca, Mg) in comparison with peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) and Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa). Nutrient concentrations of the soil solution showed pronounced fluctuations in the topsoil, corresponding to fertilizer applications. Large nutrient concentrations in the soil solution were accompanied by increased concentrations of aluminium and low pH values, caused by exchange reactions between fertilizer and sorbed acidity and reinforced by the acidifying effect of nitrification. The soil solution under the leguminous cover crop Pueraria phaseoloides had relatively large N concentrations during periods when those under the tree crops were small, and this could partly explain why no yield responses to N fertilization were observed at this site.     

Elevated atmospheric CO2 and soil N fertility effects on growth,mycorrhizal colonization,and xylem water potential of juvenile ponderosa pine in a field soil

Interactive effects of atmospheric CO₂ enrichment and soil N fertility on above- and below-ground development and water relations of juvenile ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) were examined. Open-top field chambers permitted creation of atmospheres with 700 µL L^-1, 525 µL L^-1, or ambient CO₂ concentrations. Seedlings were reared from seed in field soil with a total N concentration of approximately 900 µg g^-1 or in soil amended with sufficient (NH₄)₂SO₄ to increase total N by 100 µg g^-1 or 200 µg g^-1. The 525 µL L^-1 CO₂ treatment within the intermediate N treatment was excluded from the study. Following each of three consecutive growing seasons, whole seedlings of each combination of CO₂ and N treatment were harvested to permit assessment of shoot and root growth and ectomycorrhizal colonization. In the second and third growing seasons, drought cycles were imposed by withholding irrigation during which predawn and midday xylem water potential and soil water potential were measured. The first harvest revealed that shoot weight and coarse and fine root weights were increased by growth in elevated CO₂. Shoot and root volume and weights were increased by CO₂ enrichment at the second harvest, but growth stimulation by the 525 µL L^-1 CO₂ concentration exceeded that in 700 µL L^-1 CO₂ during the first two growing seasons. At the third harvest, above- and below-ground growth increases were largely confined to the 700 µL L^-1 CO₂ treatment, an effect accentuated by high soil N but evident in all N treatments. Ectomycorrhizal formation was reduced by elevated CO₂ after one growing season, but thereafter was not significantly affected by CO₂ and was unaffected by soil N throughout the study. Results of the xylem water potential measurements were variable, as water potentials in seedlings grown in elevated CO₂ were intermittently higher on some measurement days but lower on others than that of seedlings grown in the ambient atmosphere. These results suggest that elevated CO₂ exerts stimulatory effects on shoot and root growth of juvenile ponderosa pine under field conditions which are somewhat dependent on N availability, but that temporal variation may periodically result in a greater response to a moderate rise in atmospheric CO₂ than to a doubling of the current ambient concentration.     

Interactive effects of soil warming and fertilization on root production, mortality, and longevity in a Norway spruce stand in Northern Sweden

The effects of soil warming and nitrogen availability on root production, longevity and mortality were studied using minirhizotrons in irrigation (C), fertilized (F), heated (H), and heated‐fertilized (HF) plots in a Norway spruce stand in northern Sweden from October 1996 to October 1997. Irrigation was included in all treatment plots. Heating cables were used to maintain the soil temperature in heated plots at 5°C above that in unheated plots during the growing season. A Kaplan–Meier approach was used to estimate the longevity of fine roots and Cox proportional hazards regression to analyze the effects of the H, F, and HF treatments on the risk of root mortality. The proportion of annual root length production contributed by winter–spring production amounted to 52% and 49% in heated plots and heated‐fertilized plots, respectively. The annual root length production in C plots was significantly higher than in other treatments, while the HF treatment gave significantly greater production compared with the F treatment. The risk of mortality (hazard ratio) relative to C plots was higher in H plots (358%) and F plots (191%). The interaction between heating and fertilizing was strongly significant. The increase in the risk of root mortality in combined fertilization and heating (103%) was lower than that in the H or F plots. The results show that nitrogen addition combined with warmer temperatures decreases the risk of root mortality, and fine root production is a function of the length of the growing season. In the future, fertilization combined with the warmer temperatures expected to follow predicted climatic change may increase root production in boreal forests at low fertility sites.     

C,N and P fertilization in an Amazonian rainforest supports stoichiometric dissimilarity as a driver of litter diversity effects on decomposition

Plant leaf litter generally decomposes faster as a group of different species than when individual species decompose alone, but underlying mechanisms of these diversity effects remain poorly understood. Because resource C : N : P stoichiometry (i.e. the ratios of these key elements) exhibits strong control on consumers, we supposed that stoichiometric dissimilarity of litter mixtures (i.e. the divergence in C : N : P ratios among species) improves resource complementarity to decomposers leading to faster mixture decomposition. We tested this hypothesis with: (i) a wide range of leaf litter mixtures of neotropical tree species varying in C : N : P dissimilarity, and (ii) a nutrient addition experiment (C, N and P) to create stoichiometric similarity. Litter mixtures decomposed in the field using two different types of litterbags allowing or preventing access to soil fauna. Litter mixture mass loss was higher than expected from species decomposing singly, especially in presence of soil fauna. With fauna, synergistic litter mixture effects increased with increasing stoichiometric dissimilarity of litter mixtures and this positive relationship disappeared with fertilizer addition. Our results indicate that litter stoichiometric dissimilarity drives mixture effects via the nutritional requirements of soil fauna. Incorporating ecological stoichiometry in biodiversity research allows refinement of the underlying mechanisms of how changing biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning.