Seedling growth and soil nutrient availability in exotic and native tree species: implications for afforestation in southern China |
| |
Authors: | Faming Wang Weixing Zhu Bi Zou Deborah A. Neher Shenglei Fu Hanping Xia Zhian Li |
| |
Affiliation: | 1. Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xingke Road 723, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, 510650 2. Department of Biological Sciences, State University of New York-Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA 3. Department of Plant and Soil Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA
|
| |
Abstract: | Background and aims The relationship between tree species and soil nutrient availability is critical for evaluating plantation succession and promoting forest restoration. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of exotic and native tress species on soil nutrient availability. Methods Four exotic species (Eucalyptus urophylla, E. tereticornis, Acaia auriculaeformis, A. mangium) and four native species (Castanopsis fissa, Schima superba, C. hystrix, Michelia macclurei) were planted and grown for one-year. Soil solution (DOC, DON, NH4?N, NO3?N) was sampled and analyzed during the study. After the experiment, soil properties were determined, and plant tissues were analyzed. Results DOC levels were greater in soils with trees planted than controls without trees. Compared to native species, exotic species had much faster growth rates and greatly reduced DON and NO3?N concentrations. Exotic species always had less P concentrations in leaves and stems than native species. Furthermore, N-fixing A. auriculaeformis led to greater soil available P compared to other species. Conclusions Based on these findings, we provide some recommendations for afforestation practice. This study highlights that a better understanding of the pros and cons of exotic species would be beneficial to advance afforestation in China and the world. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|