A field experiment was conducted at Kezuohouqi County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, which was located on the southeastern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land, to study the spatial variability of soil nutrients...A field experiment was conducted at Kezuohouqi County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, which was located on the southeastern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land, to study the spatial variability of soil nutrients for a smallscale, nutrient-poor, sandy site in a semi-arid region of northern China; to investigate whether or not there were 'islands of fertility' at the experimental site; and to determine the key nutrient elements that sustained ecosystem stability. Results obtained from geostatistical analysis indicated that the spatial distribution pattern of soil total nitrogen (STN) was far different from those of soil organic matter (SOM), total phosphorus (STP), and total potassium (STK). Compared to SOM, STP, and STK, STN had a lower structural heterogeneity ratio and a longer range, while other elements were all similar. In addition, STN had an isotropic spatial structure, whereas the others had an anisotropic spatial structure. The spatial structure patterns of herbage species, cover,and height also differed, indicating that spatial variability was subjected to different ecological factors. Differences in the spatial variability patterns among soil nutrients and vegetation properties showed that soil nutrients for a small-scale were not the primary limiting factors that influenced herbage spatial distribution patterns. Incorporating spatial distribution patterns of tree species, namely, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. and shrub Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. in a research plot and using fractal dimension,SOM, STP, and STK were shown to contribute to the 'islands of fertility' phenomenon, however STN was not, possibly meaning that nitrogen was a key limiting element. Therefore, during restoration of similar ecosystems more attention should be given to soil nitrogen.展开更多
The dynamics of soil inorganic nitrogen （NH4^＋ -N and NO3^- -N） and microbial biomass carbon （Cmic） and nitrogen （Nmic） under 30-year-old fenced Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litvin （SF）, unfenced P. syl...The dynamics of soil inorganic nitrogen （NH4^＋ -N and NO3^- -N） and microbial biomass carbon （Cmic） and nitrogen （Nmic） under 30-year-old fenced Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litvin （SF）, unfenced P. sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litvin （SUF）, and unfenced Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc. （DUF） plantations in the Zhanggutai sandy soil of China were studied during Apr. to Oct. 2004 by the in situ closed-top core incubation method. All mentioned C and N indices in each stand type fluctuated over time. The ranges of inorganic N, Cmic, and Nmic contents in the three stand types were 0.7-2.6, 40.0-128.9, and 5.4-15.2 μg g^-1, respectively. The average contents of soil NH4^＋ -N and Cmic under the three 30-year-old pine plantations were not different. However, soil NO3^ -N and total inorganic N contents decreased in the order of SUF ≥ SF ≥ DUF, the Nmic content was in the order of SF = SUF 〉 DUF, and the Cmic：Nmic ratio was in the order of SUF = DUF 〉 SF. Seasonal variations were observed in soil inorganic N, microbial biomass, and plant growth. These seasonal variations had certain correlations with microbe and plant N use in the soil, and their competition for NH4^＋ -N was mostly regulated by soil N availability. The influence of tree species on inorganic N and Nmic were mainly because of differences in litter quality. Lack of gazing decreased the Cmic：Nmic ratio owing to decreased carbon output and increased the ability of soil to supply N. The soil N supply under the P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation was lower than under the P. densiflora plantation.展开更多
The effects of soil animals on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and its availability were studied by investigating soil animal groups and their amounts of macro-faunas sorted by hand, and middle and microfaunas distin...The effects of soil animals on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and its availability were studied by investigating soil animal groups and their amounts of macro-faunas sorted by hand, and middle and microfaunas distinguished with Tullgren and Baermann methods under three Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. plantations in Zhanggutai sandy land, China. In addition, soil N mineralization rate was also measured with PVC closed-top tube in situ incubation method. The soil animals collected during growing season belonged to 13 orders, 5 groups, 4 phyla, whose average density was 86 249.17 individuals·m^(-2). There were significant differences in soil animal species, densities, diversities and evenness among three plantations. Permanent grazing resulted in decrease of soil animal species and diversity. The average ammonification, nitrification and mineralization rates were 0.48 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1), 3.68 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1) and 4.16 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1), respectively. The ammonification rate in near-mature forest was higher than that in middle-age forests, while the order of nitrification and net mineralization rates was: middle-age forest without grazing < middle-age forest with grazing < near-mature forest with grazing (P<0.05). Soil N mineralization rate increased with soil animal amounts, but no significant relationship with diversity. The contribution of soil animals to N mineralization was different for different ecosystems due to influences of complex factors including grazing, soil characteristics, the quality and amount of litter on N mineralization.展开更多
In the past 50 years, large areas of the Horqin sandy land were afforested to prevent desertification. Although the afforestation policy appears successful, many people now doubt whether it is suitable to plant trees ...In the past 50 years, large areas of the Horqin sandy land were afforested to prevent desertification. Although the afforestation policy appears successful, many people now doubt whether it is suitable to plant trees with high density on the poor soils in semiarid regions. Little is known about the impacts of afforestation on the sandy soil properties, although the evaluation of these impacts is fundamental to judge the rationality of afforestation policy. Soil phosphorus （P） fractions, acid phosphomonoesterase activities, and other soil chemical properties were compared among five adjoining typical ecosystems on poor sandy soils in southeastern Horqin sandy land. The ecosystems studied are natural elm savanna, degraded grassland, Mongolian pine （Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica） plantation, Chinese pine （Pinus tabulaeformis） plantation, and mixed plantation of Mongolian pine and poplar （Populus simonii）. The results showed that organic P dominated soil P （47%-65%） was the principal source of available P. The degradation of elm savanna to grassland significantly reduced soil pH and resulted in an overall reduction in soil fertility, although slightly increased labile inorganic P. Grassland afforestation had no significant influence on soil pH, organic carbon, and total N but significantly reduced total P. Impacts of grassland afforestation on soil P fractions depended on tree species. Natural elm savanna had higher soil P conserving ability than artificial plantations. Therefore, with the aim of developing a sustainable ecosystem, we suggested that vegetations with low nutrient demand （particularly P） and efficient nutrient cycling would be more suitable for ecosystem restoration in the semiarid region.展开更多
To assess the effects of savanna afforestation on soil phosphorus （P） transformations in eastern Horqin Sandy Land, China, P fractions and phosphomonoesterase activities were examined in two soil horizons （0-5 cm a...To assess the effects of savanna afforestation on soil phosphorus （P） transformations in eastern Horqin Sandy Land, China, P fractions and phosphomonoesterase activities were examined in two soil horizons （0-5 cm and 5-20 cm） under a savanna and an adjacent 30-year-old Mongolian pine （Pinus sylvestris L. vat. mongolica Litv.） plantation on a P-deficient semi arid sandy soil. The results showed that all soil P fractions and phosphomonoestcrase activities decreased with soil depth at both sites except that labile organic P under the plantation was constant with soil depth, In contrast to savanna, soils trader Mongolian pine plantation had lower phosphomonoesterase activities and concentrations of all P fractions （with an exception of Al-P）, lower proportions of organic P and Ca-P in total P, and higher proportions of labile P, Al-P and Fe-P in total P. These results suggested that P transformations mainly occurred in surface soils, and P recycled through litterfall was the most important source of plant available P. Mongolian pine afforestation enhanced the bioavailability of both organic P and Ca-P. simultaneously reduced soil P pools. indicating that protection of forest floor and P fertilization are necessary to maintain the sustainable functioning of Mongolian pine plantations.展开更多
基金Project supported by the National Key Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No.2002CB111506)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX3-SW-418)the National Programs for Science and Technology Development of China (No. 2005BA517A03)
文摘A field experiment was conducted at Kezuohouqi County, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, which was located on the southeastern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land, to study the spatial variability of soil nutrients for a smallscale, nutrient-poor, sandy site in a semi-arid region of northern China; to investigate whether or not there were 'islands of fertility' at the experimental site; and to determine the key nutrient elements that sustained ecosystem stability. Results obtained from geostatistical analysis indicated that the spatial distribution pattern of soil total nitrogen (STN) was far different from those of soil organic matter (SOM), total phosphorus (STP), and total potassium (STK). Compared to SOM, STP, and STK, STN had a lower structural heterogeneity ratio and a longer range, while other elements were all similar. In addition, STN had an isotropic spatial structure, whereas the others had an anisotropic spatial structure. The spatial structure patterns of herbage species, cover,and height also differed, indicating that spatial variability was subjected to different ecological factors. Differences in the spatial variability patterns among soil nutrients and vegetation properties showed that soil nutrients for a small-scale were not the primary limiting factors that influenced herbage spatial distribution patterns. Incorporating spatial distribution patterns of tree species, namely, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. and shrub Lespedeza bicolor Turcz. in a research plot and using fractal dimension,SOM, STP, and STK were shown to contribute to the 'islands of fertility' phenomenon, however STN was not, possibly meaning that nitrogen was a key limiting element. Therefore, during restoration of similar ecosystems more attention should be given to soil nitrogen.
基金the National Key Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No. 2007CB106803)the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX1-YW-08-02)the Key Laboratory of Terrestrial Ecological Process and Regional Ecological Safety in Liaoning Province, China (No. 06ZDS212SS).
文摘The dynamics of soil inorganic nitrogen （NH4^＋ -N and NO3^- -N） and microbial biomass carbon （Cmic） and nitrogen （Nmic） under 30-year-old fenced Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litvin （SF）, unfenced P. sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litvin （SUF）, and unfenced Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc. （DUF） plantations in the Zhanggutai sandy soil of China were studied during Apr. to Oct. 2004 by the in situ closed-top core incubation method. All mentioned C and N indices in each stand type fluctuated over time. The ranges of inorganic N, Cmic, and Nmic contents in the three stand types were 0.7-2.6, 40.0-128.9, and 5.4-15.2 μg g^-1, respectively. The average contents of soil NH4^＋ -N and Cmic under the three 30-year-old pine plantations were not different. However, soil NO3^ -N and total inorganic N contents decreased in the order of SUF ≥ SF ≥ DUF, the Nmic content was in the order of SF = SUF 〉 DUF, and the Cmic：Nmic ratio was in the order of SUF = DUF 〉 SF. Seasonal variations were observed in soil inorganic N, microbial biomass, and plant growth. These seasonal variations had certain correlations with microbe and plant N use in the soil, and their competition for NH4^＋ -N was mostly regulated by soil N availability. The influence of tree species on inorganic N and Nmic were mainly because of differences in litter quality. Lack of gazing decreased the Cmic：Nmic ratio owing to decreased carbon output and increased the ability of soil to supply N. The soil N supply under the P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation was lower than under the P. densiflora plantation.
基金This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30471377 & 30600473)the National Programs for Science and Technology Development of China (No. 2005BA517A03).
文摘The effects of soil animals on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and its availability were studied by investigating soil animal groups and their amounts of macro-faunas sorted by hand, and middle and microfaunas distinguished with Tullgren and Baermann methods under three Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Litv. plantations in Zhanggutai sandy land, China. In addition, soil N mineralization rate was also measured with PVC closed-top tube in situ incubation method. The soil animals collected during growing season belonged to 13 orders, 5 groups, 4 phyla, whose average density was 86 249.17 individuals·m^(-2). There were significant differences in soil animal species, densities, diversities and evenness among three plantations. Permanent grazing resulted in decrease of soil animal species and diversity. The average ammonification, nitrification and mineralization rates were 0.48 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1), 3.68 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1) and 4.16 g·m^(-2)·a^(-1), respectively. The ammonification rate in near-mature forest was higher than that in middle-age forests, while the order of nitrification and net mineralization rates was: middle-age forest without grazing < middle-age forest with grazing < near-mature forest with grazing (P<0.05). Soil N mineralization rate increased with soil animal amounts, but no significant relationship with diversity. The contribution of soil animals to N mineralization was different for different ecosystems due to influences of complex factors including grazing, soil characteristics, the quality and amount of litter on N mineralization.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30471377)the Science and Engi-neering Foundation of Korea, and the National Key Technologies R&D Programs of China (Nos.2005BA517A03 and2006BAC01A12)
文摘In the past 50 years, large areas of the Horqin sandy land were afforested to prevent desertification. Although the afforestation policy appears successful, many people now doubt whether it is suitable to plant trees with high density on the poor soils in semiarid regions. Little is known about the impacts of afforestation on the sandy soil properties, although the evaluation of these impacts is fundamental to judge the rationality of afforestation policy. Soil phosphorus （P） fractions, acid phosphomonoesterase activities, and other soil chemical properties were compared among five adjoining typical ecosystems on poor sandy soils in southeastern Horqin sandy land. The ecosystems studied are natural elm savanna, degraded grassland, Mongolian pine （Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica） plantation, Chinese pine （Pinus tabulaeformis） plantation, and mixed plantation of Mongolian pine and poplar （Populus simonii）. The results showed that organic P dominated soil P （47%-65%） was the principal source of available P. The degradation of elm savanna to grassland significantly reduced soil pH and resulted in an overall reduction in soil fertility, although slightly increased labile inorganic P. Grassland afforestation had no significant influence on soil pH, organic carbon, and total N but significantly reduced total P. Impacts of grassland afforestation on soil P fractions depended on tree species. Natural elm savanna had higher soil P conserving ability than artificial plantations. Therefore, with the aim of developing a sustainable ecosystem, we suggested that vegetations with low nutrient demand （particularly P） and efficient nutrient cycling would be more suitable for ecosystem restoration in the semiarid region.
基金This work was supported by Innovation Research Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences （KZCX3-SW-418）, National Natural Science Foundation of China （30471377） and sustentation project of the Institute of Applied Ecology of Chinese Academy of Sciences （SLYQY0409）.
文摘To assess the effects of savanna afforestation on soil phosphorus （P） transformations in eastern Horqin Sandy Land, China, P fractions and phosphomonoesterase activities were examined in two soil horizons （0-5 cm and 5-20 cm） under a savanna and an adjacent 30-year-old Mongolian pine （Pinus sylvestris L. vat. mongolica Litv.） plantation on a P-deficient semi arid sandy soil. The results showed that all soil P fractions and phosphomonoestcrase activities decreased with soil depth at both sites except that labile organic P under the plantation was constant with soil depth, In contrast to savanna, soils trader Mongolian pine plantation had lower phosphomonoesterase activities and concentrations of all P fractions （with an exception of Al-P）, lower proportions of organic P and Ca-P in total P, and higher proportions of labile P, Al-P and Fe-P in total P. These results suggested that P transformations mainly occurred in surface soils, and P recycled through litterfall was the most important source of plant available P. Mongolian pine afforestation enhanced the bioavailability of both organic P and Ca-P. simultaneously reduced soil P pools. indicating that protection of forest floor and P fertilization are necessary to maintain the sustainable functioning of Mongolian pine plantations.
