Afforestation increases microbial diversity in low-carbon soils

Afforestation has an important role in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function improvement.A meta-analysis was carried out in China,which has the largest plantation area globally,to quantify the effects of plantings on soil microbial diversity.The results showed that the overall effect of afforestation on soil microbial diversity was positive across the country.Random forest algorithm suggested that soil carbon was the most important factor regulating microbial diversity and the positive response was only found with new plantings on low-carbon bare lands but not on high-carbon farmlands and grasslands.In addition,afforestation with broadleaved species increased microbial diversity,whereas planting with conifers had no effect on microbial diversity.This study clarified the effects of plantings on soil microbial diversity,which has an important implication for establishing appropriate policies and practices to improve the multiple functionalities(e.g.,biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation)during plantation establishment.

Degree of shade tolerance shapes seasonality of chlorophyll, nitrogen and phosphorus levels of trees and herbs in a temperate deciduous forest

Forest productivity is closely linked to seasonal variations and vertical differentiation in leaf traits.However,leaf structural and chemical traits variation among co-existing species,and plant functional types within the canopy are poorly quantified.In this study,the seasonality of leaf chlorophyll,nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)were quantified vertically along the canopy of four major tree species and two types of herbs in a temperate deciduous forest.The role of shade tolerance in shaping the seasonal variation and vertical differentiation was examined.During the entire season,chlorophyll content showed a distinct asymmetric unimodal pattern for all species,with greater chlorophyll levels in autumn than in spring,and the timing of peak chlorophyll per leaf area gradually decreased as shade tolerance increased.Chlorophyll a:b ratios gradually decreased with increasing shade tolerance.Leaf N and P contents sharply declined during leaf expansion,remained steady in the mature stage and decreased again during leaf senescence.Over the seasons,the lower canopy layer had significantly higher chlorophyll per leaf mass but not chlorophyll per leaf area than the upper canopy layer regardless of degree of shade tolerance.However,N and P per leaf area of intermediate shade-tolerant and fully shade-tolerant tree species were significantly higher in the upper canopy than in the lower.Seasonal variations in N:P ratios suggest changes in N or P limitation.These findings indicate that shade tolerance is a key feature shaping inter-specific differences in leaf chlorophyll,N,and P contents as well as their seasonality in temperate deciduous forests,which have significant implications for modeling leaf photosynthesis and ecosystem production.

Long-term changes in radial growth of seven tree species in the mixed broadleaf-Korean pine forest in Northeast China:Are deciduous trees favored by climate change?

The role of the temperate mixed broadleaf-Korean pine forest(BKF)in global biogeochemical cycles will depend on how the tree species community responds to climate;however,species-specific responses and vulner-abilities of common trees in BKF to extreme climates are poorly understood.Here we used dendrochronological meth-ods to assess radial growth of seven main tree species(Pinus koraiensis,Picea jezoensis,Abies nephrolepis,Fraxinus mandshurica,Phellodendron amurense,Quercus mongolica,and Ulmus davidiana)in an old-growth BKF in response to climate changes in the Xiaoxing’an Mountains and to improve predictions of changes in the tree species compo-sition.Temperature in most months and winter precipita-tion significantly negatively affected growth of P.jezoensis and A.nephrolepis,but positively impacted growth of P.koraiensis and the broadleaf species,especially F.mandshu-rica and U.davidiana.Precipitation and relative humidity in June significantly positively impacted the growth of most tree species.The positive effect of the temperature during the previous non-growing season(PNG)on growth of F.mandshurica and Q.mongolica strengthened significantly with rapid warming around 1981,while the impact of PNG temperature on the growth of P.jezoensis and A.nephrolepis changed from significantly negative to weakly negative or positive at this time.The negative response of radial growth of P.jezoensis and A.nephrolepis to precipitation during the growing season gradually weakened,and the negative response to PNG precipitation was enhanced.Among the studied species,P.koraiensis was the most resistant to drought,and U.davidiana recovered the best after extreme drought.Ulmus davidiana,P.jezoensis and A.nephrolepis were more resistant to extreme cold than the other species.Climate warming generally exacerbated the opposite growth patterns of conifer(decline)and broadleaf(increase)spe-cies.Deciduous broadleaf tree species in the old-growth BKF probably will gradually become dominant as warming continues.Species-specific growth-climate relationships should be considered in future models of biogeochemical cycles and in forestry management practices.

Leaf nitrogen resorption is more important than litter nitrogen mineralization in mediating the diversity–productivity relationship along a nitrogen-limited temperate forest succession chronosequence

The resorption of nutrients by plants before litter fall and the mineralization of nutrients from plant litter by soil processes are both important pathways supporting primary productivity. While the positive relationship between plant biodiversity and primary productivity is widely accepted for natural ecosystems, the roles of nutrient resorption and mineralization in mediating that relationship remains largely unknown. Here, we quantified the relative importance of nitrogen(N) resorption and N mineralization in driving plant community N investment and the correlation between species diversity and community productivity along an N-limited successional chronosequence of the mixed broadleaved–Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis) forest in northeastern China. Leaf N resorption efficiency(NRE) at the community level increased significantly along the successional chronosequence,whereas litter N mineralization rate decreased significantly. Leaf NRE was more important than litter N mineralization rate in driving the diversity–productivity relationship. However, higher leaf NRE led to less N mineralization as succession progressed along the chronosequence. Our results highlight the importance of the N resorption pathway rather than the N mineralization pathway for forest N acquisition with community succession,and they provide mechanistic insights into the positive effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning. In future forest management practices, we recommend appropriate application of N fertilizer to mitigate the adverse effects of N-poor soil on seedling regeneration during late succession and thus maintain the sustainable development of temperate forest ecosystems.

Filling the“vertical gap”between canopy tree species and understory shrub species:biomass allometric equations for subcanopy tree species

Subcanopy tree species are an important component of temperate secondary forests.However,their biomass equations are rarely reported,which forms a“vertical gap”between canopy tree species and understory shrub species.In this study,we destructively sampled six common subcanopy species(Syringa reticulate var.amurensis(Rupr.)Pringle,Padus racemosa(Lam.)Gilib.,Acer ginnala Maxim.,Malus baccata(Linn.)Borkh.,Rhamnus davurica Pall.,and Maackia amurensis Rupr.et Maxim.)to establish biomass equations in a temperate forest of Northeast China.The mixed-species and species-specifi c biomass allometric equations were well fi tted against diameter at breast height(DBH).Adding tree height(H)as the second predictor increased the R^(2)of the models compared with the DBH-only models by–1%to+3%.The R^(2)of DBH-only and DBH-H equations for the total biomass of mixed-species were 0.985 and 0.986,respectively.On average,the biomass allocation proportions for the six species were in the order of stem(45.5%)>branch(30.1%)>belowground(19.5%)>foliage(4.9%),with a mean root:shoot ratio of 0.24.Biomass allocation to each specifi c component diff ered among species,which aff ected the performance of the mixed-species model for particular biomass component.When estimating the biomass of subcanopy species using the equations for canopy species(e.g.,Betula platyphylla Suk.,Ulmus davidiana var.japonica(Rehd.)Nakai,and Acer mono Maxim.),the errors in individual biomass estimation increased with tree size(up to 68.8%at 30 cm DBH),and the errors in stand biomass estimation(up to 19.2%)increased with increasing percentage of basal area shared by subcanopy species.The errors caused by selecting such inappropriate models could be removed by multiplying adjustment factors,which were usually power functions of DBH for biomass components.These results provide methodological support for accurate biomass estimation in temperate China and useful guidelines for biomass estimation for subcanopy species in other regions,which can help to improve estimates of forest biomass and carbon stocks.

Effects of tree size and organ age on variations in carbon,nitrogen,and phosphorus stoichiometry in Pinus koraiensis

Carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P)are of fundamental importance for growth and nutrient dynamics within plant organs and deserve more attention at regional to global scales.However,our knowledge of how these nutrients vary with tree size,organ age,or root order at the individual level remains limited.We determined C,N,and P contents and their stoichiometric ratios(i.e.,nutrient traits)in needles,branches,and fine roots at different organ ages(0-3-year-old needles and branches)and root orders(1st-4th order roots)from 64 Pinus koraiensis of varying size(Diameter at breast height ranged from 0.3 to 100 cm)in northeast China.Soil factors were also measured.The results show that nutrient traits were regulated by tree size,organ age,or root order rather than soil factors.At a whole-plant level,nutrient traits decreased in needles and fine roots but increased in branches with tree size.At the organ level,age or root order had a negative effect on C,N,and P and a positive effect on stoichiometric ratios.Our results demonstrate that nutrient variations are closely related to organ-specific functions and ecophysiological processes at an individual level.It is suggested that the nutrient acquisition strategy by younger trees and organ fractions with higher nutrient content is for survival.Conversely,nutrient storage strategy in older trees and organ fractions are mainly for steady growth.Our results clarified the nutrient utilization strategies during tree and organ ontogeny and suggest that tree size and organ age or root order should be simultaneously considered to understand the complexities of nutrient variations.

Differences and similarities in radial growth of Betula species to climate change

Betula platyphylla and Betula costata are important species in mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests.However,the specific ways in which their growth is affected by warm temperatures and drought remain unclear.To address this issue,60 and 62 tree-ring cores of B.platyphylla and B.costata were collected in Yichun,China.Using dendrochronological methods,the response and adaptation of these species to climate change were examined.A“hysteresis effect”was found in the rings of both species,linked to May–September moisture conditions of the previous year.Radial growth of B.costata was positively correlated with the standardized precipitation-evapotranspiration index(SPEI),the precipitation from September to October of the previous year,and the relative humidity in October of the previous year.Growth of B.costata is primarily restricted by moisture conditions from September to October.In contrast,B.platyphylla growth is mainly limited by minimum temperatures in May–June of both the previous and current years.After droughts,B.platyphylla had a faster recovery rate compared to B.costata.In the context of rising temperatures since 1980,the correlation between B.platyphylla growth and monthly SPEI became positive and strengthened over time,while the growth of B.costata showed no conspicuous change.Our findings suggest that the growth of B.platyphylla is already affected by warming temperatures,whereas B.costata may become limited if warming continues or intensifies.Climate change could disrupt the succession of these species,possibly accelerating the succession of pioneer species.The results of this research are of great significance for understanding how the growth changes of birch species under warming and drying conditions,and contribute to understanding the structural adaptation of mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests under climate change.

Ecosystem carbon storage and sink/source of temperate forested wetlands in Xiaoxing’anling, northeast China

Wetlands play an important role in the global carbon cycle, but there are still considerable uncertainties in the estimation of wetland carbon storage and a dispute on whether wetlands are carbon sources or carbon sinks. Xiaoxing’anling are one of several concentrated distribution areas of forested wetland in China, but the carbon storage and carbon sink/source of forested wetlands in this area is unclear. We measured the ecosystem carbon storage (vegetation and soil), annual net carbon sequestration of vegetation and annual carbon emissions of soil heterotrophic respiration of five typical forested wetland types (alder swamp, white birch swamp, larch swamp, larch fen, and larch bog) distributed along a moisture gradient in this area in order to reveal the spatial variations of their carbon storage and quantitatively evaluate their position as carbon sink or source according to the net carbon balance of the ecosystems. The results show that the larch fen had high carbon storage (448.8 t ha^(−1)) (6.8% higher than the larch bog and 10.5–30.1% significantly higher than other three wetlands (P < 0.05), the white birch swamp and larch bog were medium carbon storage ecosystems (406.3 and 420.1 t ha^(−1)) (12.4–21.8% significantly higher than the other two types (P < 0.0 5), while the alder swamp and larch swamp were low in carbon storage (345.0 and 361.5 t ha^(−1), respectively). The carbon pools of the five wetlands were dominated by their soil carbon pools (88.5–94.5%), and the vegetation carbon pool was secondary (5.5–11.5%). At the same time, their ecosystem net carbon balances were positive (0.1–0.6 t ha^(−1) a^(−1)) because the annual net carbon sequestration of vegetation (4.0–4.5 t ha^(−1) a^(−1)) were higher than the annual carbon emissions of soil heterotrophic respiration (CO_(2) and CH_(4)) (3.8–4.4 t ha^(−1) a^(−1)) in four wetlands, (the alder swamp being the exception), so all four were carbon sinks while only the alder swamp was a source of carbon emissions (− 2.1 t ha^(−1) a^(−1)) due to a degraded tree layer. Our results demonstrate that these forested wetlands were generally carbon sinks in the Xiaoxing’anling, and there was obvious spatial variation in carbon storage of ecosystems along the moisture gradient.

Allometric models for leaf area and leaf mass predictions across different growing seasons of elm tree(Ulmus japonica)

Convenient and effective methods to determine seasonal changes in individual leaf area (LA) and leaf mass (LM) of plants are useful in research on plant physiology and forest ecology. However, practical methods for estimating LA and LM of elm (Ulmus japonica) leaves in different periods have rarely been reported. We collected sample elm leaves in June, July and September. Then, we developed allometric models relating LA, LM and leaf parameters, such as leaf length (L) and width (W) or the product of L and W (LW). Our objective was to find optimal allometric models for conveniently and effectively estimating LA and LM of elm leaves in different periods. LA and LM were significantly correlated with leaf parameters (P < 0.05), and allometric models with LW as an independent variable were best for estimating LA and LM in each period. A linear model was separately developed to predict LA of elm leaves in June, July and September, and it yielded high accuracies of 93, 96 and 96%, respectively. Similarly, a specific allometric model for predicting LM was developed separately in three periods, and the optimal model form in both June and July was a power model, but the linear model was optimal for September. The accuracies of the allometric models in predicting LM were 88, 83 and 84% for June, July and September, respectively. The error caused by ignoring seasonal variation of allometric models in predicting LA and LM in the three periods were 1-4 and 16-59%, respectively.

Variations in fine root dynamics and turnover rates in five forest types in northeastern China

Quantifying fi ne root(≤ 2.0 mm in diameter) distribution and turnover is essential for accurately estimating forest carbon budgets. However, fi ne root dynamics are poorly understood, possibly because of their inaccessibility. This study quantifi es fi ne root distribution and turnover rates for fi ve representative Chinese temperate forests types. Fine root number, diameter, biomass, necromass, production, mortality, and turnover rates were measured using a minirhizotron over a 12-month period. More than 90% of the fi ne roots were < 0.5 mm in diameter, with thin fi ne roots at shallow layers, and thicker ones in deeper soil layers. The fi ne root dynamics were signifi cantly diff erent among the forest types. Coniferous plantations had fewer fi ne roots, less biomass, necromass, production and mortality but greater average diameters than fi ne roots of broadleaved forests. All traits, except for diameter, decreased along the soil profi le. Fine root numbers and production exhibited a unimodal seasonal pattern with peaks occurring in summer, whereas biomass, necromass and mortality progressivelyincreased over the growing season. The turnover rates of roots < 0.5 mm varied from 0.4 to 1.0 a-1 for the fi ve forest types, 0.5–1.0 a-1 for the soil layers and 0.2–1.1 a-1 for the seasons, with the largest turnover rate at the 0–10 cm depth in summer. The patterns of fi ne root numbers, biomass, necromass, production, mortality, and turnover rates varied with forest types, soil depths, growing season and diameter classes. This study highlights the importance of forest types and diameters in quantifying fi ne root turnover rates.

Variation of nutrient fluxes by rainfall redistribution processes in the forest canopy of an urban larch plantation in northeast China

Atmospheric deposition(dry and wet deposition)is one of the primary sources of chemical inputs to terrestrial ecosystems and replenishes the nutrient pool in forest ecosystems.Precipitation often acts as a primary transporting agent and solvent;thus,nutrient cycles in forests are closely linked to hydrological processes.We collected precipitation data during a growing season to explore variations in nutrient cycling and nutrient balances in the rainfall redistribution process(wet deposition)in a larch plantation in northeast China.We measured nutrient(NO_(3)^(-),PO_(4)^(3−),Cl^(−),K,Ca,Na,and Mg)inputs via bulk precipitation,throughfall and stemfl ow,and used a canopy budget model to estimate nutrient fl uxes via canopy exchange.Our results suggest that the average concentrations of the base cation(K,Ca,Na,and Mg)showed the following order:stemfl ow>throughfall>bulk precipitation.Throughfall and stemfl ow chemistry dramatically fl uctuated over the growing season when net fl uxes(throughfall+stemfl ow—bulk precipitation)of NO−3,PO3−4,SO2−4,Cl−,K,Ca,Na,and Mg were−6.676 kg·ha^(-1),−1.094 kg·ha^(-1),−2.371 kg·ha^(-1),1.975 kg·ha^(-1),0.470 kg·ha^(-1),−5.202 kg·ha^(-1),−0.336 kg·ha^(-1),and 1.397 kg·ha^(-1),respectively.These results suggest that NO−3,PO3−4,SO2−4,Ca,and Na were retained,while Cl−,K,and Mg were washed off by throughfall and stemfl ow.

Photosynthesis adaption in Korean pine to gap size and position within Populus davidiana forests in Xiaoxing’anling, China

Forest gaps restrict the restoration of temperate secondary forest to broad-leaved Korean pine forest in zonal climax vegetation by affecting the growth of Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis).However,the photo synthetic adaptability of Korean pine to gap size and position within the gap is unclear.In order to explore the adaptability of young Korean pine(35 years) to different gap sizes in Xiaoxing’anling,photo synthetic capacity and microenvironmental factors(leaf temperature,light transmittance) of Korean pine needles in three positions in the gap(central,transition,and edge areas) were investigated.Three gaps were identified in the secondary Populus davidiana forest:a large 201 m^(2) gap,a middle 112 m^(2) gap,and a small 50 m^(2) gap;12 m^(2) of the understory was sampled as a control.The results show that:(1) maximum net photosynthetic rate(P_(max)) in needles of Korean pine growing in the large gap was higher than in the small gap,and P_(max) in the centre in the same gap was higher than in the transition and edge areas;(2) light saturation point(LSP) and photosynthetic quantum yield(AQY)of needles in the large gap were higher than in the small gap,while the light compensation point(LCP) and chlorophyll contents of needles were lower in the small gap;and,(3)P_(max) had a significant positive correlation with temperature and light transmittance.It is suggested that the larger the gap in secondary Populus davidiana forests,the greater the change in light intensity and temperatures,the stronger the light adaption of Korean pine needles and the higher the photosynthetic capacity.Therefore,in the recovery of broadleaved/Korean pine forests,suitable gaps should be created and gap microhabitats fully utilized to accelerate the restoration process.

Canopy interception loss in a Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forest of Northeast China

Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica is one of the main species to be afforested in deserts of China. But little work has been carried out on the canopy interception loss of this plant species. For researching the canopy interception loss of a natural P. sylvestris forest, we observed the gross precipitation, gross snowfall, throughfall and stemflow in a sample plot at the Forest Ecosystem Research Station of Mohe in the Great Khingan Mountains of Northeast China from July 2012 to September 2013. Considering the spatial variability of the throughfall, we increased the area rather than the number of collector and randomly relocated them once a week. The results demonstrated that the throughfall, stemflow, and derived estimates of rainfall and snowfall interception loss during the main rainy and snowy seasons were 77.12%±5.70%, 0.80%, 22.08%±5.51% and 21.39%±1.21% of the incident rainfall or snowfall, respectively. The stemflow didn＇t occur unless the accumulated rainfall reached up to 4.8 mm. And when the gross precipitation became rich enough, the stemflow increased with increasing tree diameters. Our analysis revealed that throughfall was not observed when rainfall was no more than 0.99 mm, indicating that the canopy storage capacity at saturation was 0.99 mm for P. sylvestris forest.

Radiation and energy balance on a hillslope forest: horizontal versus slope-parallel installation of radiometer

Radiation is a major driver to the carbon,water, and energy exchanges of an ecosystem. For local radiation balance measurements, one essential question is whether the measurement systems should be installed horizontally or parallel to inclined slope surface. With a case study over a temperate deciduous forest on a moderate inclined(9°) northwest-facing slope, we quantified the slope effect on net radiation(Rn) and its components and the energy balance closure measured by an eddy covariance(EC) system.Compared with the slope-parallel radiometer, the horizontal sensor overestimated the incident solar radiation(SR) by 7%, the incoming photosynthetically active radiation(PAR) by 1.5%, and the incoming near-infrared radiation(NIR) by 10%;while underestimated the reflected shortwave radiation(SR)by 4% and NIR by 5%. The influence of radiometerorientation on incoming longwave radiation(LR) was about 3%, while that on outgoing LR was negligible.Summing all these components, horizontal sensor overestimated the Rn by 9%. Converting the horizontally-measured incident radiation to slopesurface reduced a half of the biases on incoming SR and Rn. Measuring the Rn with slope-parallel radiometer and correcting the slope-effect on horizontally-measured incident SR improved the energy balance ratio(EBR) by 8% and 5%,respectively. A mini-review indicated that, the horizontal sensor underestimated(overestimated) the EBR on north-facing(south-facing) slopes in temperate zone in the Northern Hemisphere, with an inclination angular sensitivity of EBR as high as 1.17%per degree of inclination angle. We recommend measuring radiations on inclined terrains with slopeparallel radiometers, or correcting at least for the incident SR in energy balance studies.

Understanding the Urban Sprawl in the Mid-Size Latin American Cities through the Urban Form:Analysis of the Concepcion Metropolitan Area(Chile)

Latin American cities, like those from North America and Europe, experience problems of urban sprawl. However, few studies have dedicated exclusively to this phenomenon in specific cities, and this omission is particularly noticeable regarding cities not considered among the megalopolis of the continent. The present work analyzes urban sprawl through an urban form in the Concepción Metropolitan Area, Chile, between 1990 and 2009, considering local aspects that may have played a role in the process. The main empirical results obtained from this study reveal a metropolitan area that has expanded intensely over a 20-year period, growing from 9000 hectares to more than 17,000 ha for a 96% increment in the built-up area. The new urban surfaces consolidate a central conurbation that strengthens the role of the main downtowns, with less-intense occupation towards the sub-centers but in a structure that follows the transportation infrastructure. Over the last 20 years, the distance between the shapes has grown progressively by around 2 km, increasing the size of the ellipse by more than 1000 km2. In particular the complexity of the urbanized surfaces has grown, becoming more irregular in shape and less compact as they come to occupy larger areas. So our principal findings include: an increment of nearly 100% in the urban surface, the importance of a polycentric urban structure in the process of consolidation as a support for analyzing different spatial dynamics, and the growing morphological irregularity of the territory of the sprawl.

Different hydraulic strategies under drought stress between Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix gmelinii seedlings

Persistent and severe drought induced by global climate change causes tree mortality mainly due to the hydraulic imbalance of conduit systems,but the magnitude of injury may be species dependent.A water-exclusion experiment was carried out on seedlings of two tree species with distinct characteristics,i.e.,Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix gmelinii to examine hydraulic responses of leaf,stem,and root to drought stress.The two species displayed different hydraulic strategies and related traits in response to drought stress.L.gmelinii reduced its leaf hydraulic conductance by quick stomatal closure and a slow decline in leaf water potential,with a more isohydric stomatal regulation to maintain its water status.In contrast,F.mandshurica was more anisohydric with a negative stomatal safety margin,exhibiting strong resistance to embolism in stem and leafstem segmentation of hydraulic vulnerability to preserve the hydraulic integrity of stem.These differences in hydraulic behaviors and traits between the two species in response to drought stress provide a potential mechanism for their coexistence in temperate forests,including which in the forest modeling would improve our prediction of tree growth and distribution under future climate change.

Soil water content and nitrogen differentially correlate with multidimensional leaf traits of two temperate broadleaf species

The variation and correlation of leaf economics and vein traits are crucial for predicting plant ecological strategies under different environmental changes.However,correlations between these two suites of traits and abiotic factors such as soil water and nitrogen content remain ambiguous.We measured leaf economics and vein traits as well as soil water and nitrogen content for two different shade-tolerant species(Betula platyphylla and Acer mono)in four mixed broadleaved-Korean pine(Pinus koraiensis)forests along a latitudinal gradient in Northeast China.We found that leaf economics traits and vein traits were decoupled in shade-intolerant species,Betula platphylla,but significantly coupled in a shadetolerant species,A.mono.We found stronger correlations among leaf traits in the shade tolerant species than in the shade intolerant species.Furthermore,leaf economic traits were positively correlated with the soil water gradient for both species,whereas vein traits were positively correlated with soil water gradient for the shade intolerant species but negatively correlated in the shade tolerant species.Although economic traits were positively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade intolerant species but not correlated in shade tolerant species,vein traits were negatively correlated with soil nitrogen gradient in shade tolerant species but not correlated in shade intolerant species.Our study provides evidence for distinct correlations between leaf economics and vein traits and local abiotic factors of species differing in light demands.We recommend that the ecological significance of shade tolerance be considered for species when evaluating ecosystem functions and predicting plant responses to environmental changes.

Multiscale analysis of the contents of palmatine in the Nature populations of Phellodendron amurense in Northeast China

Palmatine is a valuable ingredient in Chinese medicine that is produced by Phellodendron amurense Rupr. The contents of palmatine content in root bark, trunk bark, perennial branch bark, annual branches, and leaves of the trees with different ages and geographies in Northeast China were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The contents of palmatine in the barks of root, trunk, and perennial branch were significantly higher than those in annual branches and leaves. The contents of palmatine in trunk bark and root bark from Lesser Khingan Mountains increased with age, which is significantly opposite to other three vegetation types. The contents of palmatine in perennial branch bark, annual bark and leaves had no significant reg- ularity. Moreover, the contents of palmatine in samples of root bark, trunk bark, perennial branch bark and annual bark varied significantly with latitude. The nature populations of P. amurense growing at low latitude contained significantly more palmatine than those growing at high latitude. These results provide a scientific basis for the reasonable cultivation and efficient utilization of P. amurense.

Effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf functional traits and the relationships between traits in Pinus koraiensis

Investigating the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on leaf traits is important for understanding the utilization and distribution of resources in the process of plant growth.However,few studies have been conducted to show how traits and trait-trait relationships change across a range of ontogenetic stage and leaf age for evergreen coniferous species.We divided 67 Pinus koraiensis Sieb.et Zucc.of various sizes(0.3-100 cm diameter at breast height,DBH)into four ontogenetic stages,i.e.,young trees,middle-aged trees,mature trees and over-mature trees,and measured the leaf mass per area(LMA),leaf dry matter content(LDMC),and mass-based leaf nitrogen content(N)and phosphorus content(P)of each leaf age group for each sampled tree.One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to describe the variation in leaf traits by ontogenetic stage and leaf age.The standardized major axis method was used to explore the effects of ontogenetic stage and leaf age on trait-trait relationships.We found that LMA and LDMC increased significantly and N and P decreased significantly with increases in the ontogenetic stage and leaf age.Most trait-trait relationships were consistent with the leaf economic spectrum(LES)at a global scale.Among them,leaf N content and LDMC showed a significant negative correlation,leaf N and P contents showed a significant positive correlation,and the absolute value of the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually increasing trend with an increasing ontogenetic stage.LMA and LDMC showed a significant positive correlation,and the slopes of the trait-trait relationships showed a gradually decreasing trend with leaf age.Additionally,there were no significant relationships between leaf N content and LMA in most groups,which is contrary to the expectation of the LES.Overall,in the early ontogenetic stages and leaf ages,the leaf traits tend to be related to a"low investment-quick returns"resource strategy.In contrast,in the late ontogenetic stages and leaf ages,they tend to be related to a"high investment-slow returns"resource strategy.Our results reflect the optimal allocation of resources in Pinus koraiensis according to its functional needs during tree and leaf ontogeny.

Relationship between morphospecies and microcystin-producing genotypes of Microcystis species in Chinese freshwaters

Twenty water bodies in China were sampled,and 186 strains of different Microcystis species were isolated,from which eight morpho species were identified and 43 stains containing the mcyB gene were detected.Phylogenetic analysis based on the mcyB gene indicated that the microcystin(MC)-producing Microcystis in China could be divided into two groups(ⅠandⅡ)and showed significant differences between the two groups.The maximum sequence similarity was 69.1%.Microcystins(MCs)were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)analysis,and no microcystin-RR(MC-RR)was detected in some strains belonging to GroupⅡ.Compared to other regions of the world,the proportion of Chinese MC-producing was different,and the regional differences were more obvious.A whole-cell polymerase chain reactio(PCR)assay was conducted to analyze the proportion of the mcyB gene in the laboratory cultured and field cultured Microcystis.The proportion of four morphospecies(M.vividis,M.ichthyoblabe,M.novacekii,and M.aeruginosa)that contained the mcyB gene exceeded 50%in the field cultured sample s.Compared with former studies,M.aeruginosa was the mo st likely morphotype that can produce MCs in the world.This study provided new insight of Microcystis hazard assessment and field monitoring.