Intraspecific variations in fine root N and P and factors affecting their concentrations in Masson pine plantations across subtropical China

Fine roots(<2 mm)play vital roles in water and nutrient uptake.However,intraspecific variations in their chemical traits and their controlling mechanisms remain poorly understood at a regional scale.This study examined these intraspecific variations in fine roots in Masson pine(Pinus massoniana Lamb.)plantations across subtropical China and their responses to environmental factors.Root nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)concentrations and their mass ratios(N:P)ranged from 3.5 to 11.7 g kg^(-1),0.2 to0.9 g kg^(-1),and 7.8 to 51.6 g kg^(-1),respectively.These three chemical traits were significantly different between sites and in longitudinal patterns across subtropical China.Mean annual temperature was positively related to root N concentration but negatively related to root P concentration.There were significant,negative relationships between clay content and root P concentration and between pH and root N concentration.Available N had no significant relationship with root N concentration,while available P was a significantly positive relationship with root P concentration.The combined effects of altitude,climate(temperature and precipitation)and soil properties(pH,clay content,available N and P)explained 26%and 36%of the root N and P concentrations variations,respectively.These environmental variables had direct and indirect effects and exhibited disproportionate levels of total effects on root N and P concentrations.Root N and P concentrations explained 35%and 65%variations in their mass ratios,respectively.The results highlight different spatial patterns of chemical traits and various environmental controls on root N and P concentrations in these ecosystems.More cause-effect relationships of root chemical traits with abiotic and biotic factors are needed to understand nutrient uptake strategies and the mechanisms controlling intraspecific variations in plant traits.

Hydraulic role in differential stomatal behaviors at two contrasting elevations in three dominant tree species of a mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest in low subtropical China

Quantifying the variation in stomatal behavior and functional traits of trees with elevation can provide a better understanding of the adaptative strategies to a changing climate. In this study, six water-and carbon-related functional traits were examined for three dominant tree species, Schima superba, Pinus massoniana and Castanopsis chinensis, in a mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest at two elevations(70 and 360 m above sea level,respectively) in low subtropical China. We hypothesized that trees at higher elevations would develop more efficient strategies of stomatal regulations and greater water transport capacity to cope with more variable hydrothermal conditions than those at lower elevations. Results show that the hydraulic conductivity did not differ between trees at the two elevations, contrary to our expectation. The C. chinensis trees had greater values of leaf mass per unit area(LMA), and the S. superba and C. chinensis trees had greater values of wood density(WD),relative stem water content(RWC), and ratio of sapwood area to leaf area(Hv) at the 360-m elevation than at 70-m elevation. The mean canopy stomatal conductance was greater and more sensitive to vapor deficit pressure at360 m than at 70 m for both S. superba and C. chinensis, while stomatal sensitivity did not differ between the two contrasting elevations for P. massoniana. The midday leaf water potential(ψL) in P. massoniana was significantly more negative at 360 m than at 70 m, but did not vary with increasing elevation in both S. superba and C. chinensis.Variations in Hvcan be related to the differential stomatal behaviors between the two elevations. The variations of stomatal behavior and ψLwith elevation suggested the isohydric strategy for the two broad-leaved species and the anisohydric strategy for the conifer species. The species-specific differences in LMA, WD, RWC, and Hvbetween the two elevations may reflect conservative resource use strategies at the higher elevation. Our findings revealed a close relationship between hydraulic and stomatal behavior and may help better understand the functional responses of forests to changing environmental conditions.

Response of soil fauna to simulated nitrogen deposition: A nursery experiment in subtropical China

We studied the responses of soil fauna to a simulated nitrogen deposition in nursery experimental plots in Subtropical China. Dissolved NH4NO3 was applied to the soil by spraying twice per month for 16 months, starting January 2003 with treatments of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 gN/（m^2·a）. Soil fauna was sampled after 6, 9, 13 and 16 months of treatment in three soil depths （0-5 cm, 5-10 cm, 10-15 cm）. Soil available N increased in correspondence with the increasing N treatment, whereas soil pH decreased. Bacterial and fungal densities were elevated by the N treatment. Soil fauna increased in the lower nitrogen treatments but decreased in the higher N treatments, which might indicate that there was a threshold around 10 gN/（m^2·a） for the stimulating effects of N addition. The N effects were dependent on the soil depth and sampling time. The data also suggested that the effects of the different N treatments were related to the level of N saturation, especially the concentration of NO3^- in the soil.

Effects of Glucose Addition on N Transformations in Paddy Soils with a Gradient of Organic C Content in Subtropical China

To better understand the interaction of N transformation and exogenous C source and manage N fertilization, the effects of glucose addition on N transformation were determined in paddy soils with a gradient of soil organic C content. Changes in N mineralization, nitrification and denitrification, as well as their response to glucose addition were measured by incubation experiments in paddy soils derived from Quaternary red clay in subtropical China. Mineralization and denitrification were changed in order of increasing soil fertilities： high 〉 middle 〉 low. During the first week of incubation, net N mineralization and denitrification rates in paddy soil with high fertility were 1.9 and 1.1 times of those in soil with middle fertility and 5.3 and 2.9 times of those in soil with low fertility, respectively. Addition of glucose decreased net N mineralization by approximately 78.8, 109.2 and 177.4% in soils with high, middle and low fertility, respectively. However, denitrification rates in soils with middle and low fertility were increased by 14.4 and 166.2% respectively. The highest nitrate content among the paddy soils tested was 0.62 mg kg-1 and the highest nitrification ratio was 0.33%. Addition of glucose had no obvious effects on nitrate content and nitrification ratio. It was suggested that the intensity of mineralization and denitrification was quite different in soils with different fertility, and increased with increasing soil organic C content. Addition of glucose decreased mineralization, but increased denitrification, and the shifts were greater in soil with low than in soil with high organic C content. Neither addition of glucose nor inherent soil organic C had obvious effects on nitrification in paddy soils tested.

East Asian summer monsoon changes in subtropical China since late Pleistocene:Evidence from the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna

Previous studies on the amplitude of East Asian summer monsoon(EASM)changes mainly focused on northern China(represented by the Loess Plateau).However,a rare investigation centered on the subtropical zone of southern China,where the important route for EASM moved northward or southward,especially addressing a lack of the research on mammals.The Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna is a representative mammal fauna in southern China since the late Pleistocene.It indicates the southern mid-subtropicaltropical forest environment with tropical climate characteristics,and its southward or northward movements in the subtropical zone imply the changes of EASM intensity.Based on previous research,combined with the species characteristics and distribution range of the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna with tropical animals during the marine isotope stage 5(MIS5),MIS3,MIS2,and MIS1 Megathermal periods,this paper mainly investigates its evolution and the fluctuations of EASM.The conclusions include:(1)The distribution geometric centers in the MIS5,MIS3,MIS2,and MIS1 Megathermal periods are(26°14′N,111°22′E),(24°35′N,107°30′E),(22°48′N,112°01′E),and(26°19′N,112°25′E),respectively.(2)Compared with the MIS5 period,the EASM of the MIS3 and MIS2 moved 180 km and 380 km southwards,and that of the MIS1 Megathermal period moved about 10 km northwards.The EASM movement indicated by the fauna migration happened synchronous with the climate records of stalagmites in subtropical China,the sporopollen from eastern China,and oxygen isotopes from Sulu Sea.They also correspond to the peaks and valleys of the total solar radiation at 35°N in the winter half-year.This suggests that the migrations of the Ailuropoda-Stegodon fauna are consistent with the changes of the global climate,and the driving force is mainly from the changes of total solar radiation at 35°N in the winter half-year.

Differential Responses of Soil Organic Carbon Fractions and Carbon Turnover Related Enzyme Activities to Wheat Straw Incorporation in Subtropical China

Soil organic carbon(SOC)fractions and C turnover related enzyme activities are essential for nutrient cycling.This is because they are regarded as important indicators of soil fertility and quality.We measured the effects of wheat straw incorporation on SOC fractions and C turnover related enzyme activities in a paddy field in subtropical China.Soil samples were collected from 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depths after rice harvesting.The total SOC concentrations were higher in the high rate of wheat straw incorporation treatment(NPKS2)than in the not fertilized control(CK)(P<0.05).The concentrations of labile C fractions[i.e.,water soluble organic C(WSOC),hot-water soluble organic C(HWSOC),microbial biomass C(MBC),and easily oxidizable C(EOC)],were higher in the moderate NPKS1 and NPKS2 treatments than in CK and the fertilized treatment without straw(NPK)(P<0.05).The geometric means of labile C(GMC)and C pool management index(CPMI)values were highest in NPKS2(P<0.05).The SOC concentrations correlated positively with the labile C fractions(P<0.05).Soil cellulase activity and the geometric mean of enzyme activities(GMea)were higher in NPKS2 than in CK in all soil layers(P<0.05),and the invertase activity was higher in NPKS2 than in CK in the 0-10 cm layer(P<0.05).Stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that the formation of the SOC,WSOC,HWSOC,MBC,and EOC was mostly enhanced by the cellulase and invertase activities(P<0.05).Therefore,the high rate of wheat straw incorporation may be recommended to increase soil C pool levels and soil fertility in subtropical paddy soils.

Dynamics of soil inorganic nitrogen and their responses to nitrogen additions in three subtropical forests, south China

Three forests with different historical land-use, forest age, and species assemblages in subtropical China were selected to evaluate current soil N status and investigate the responses of soil inorganic N dynamics to monthly ammonium nitrate additions. Results showed that the mature monsoon evergreen broadleaved forest that has been protected for more than 400 years exhibited an advanced soil N status than the pine （Pinus massoniana） and pine-broadleaf mixed forests, both originated from the 1930＇s clear-cut and pine plantation. Mature forests had greater extractable inorganic N pool, lower N retention capacity, higher inorganic N leaching, and higher soil C/N ratios. Mineral soil extractable NH4^＋-N and NO3-N concentrations were significantly increased by experimental N additions on several sampling dates, but repeated ANOVA showed that the effect was not significant over the whole year except NH4^＋-N in the mature forest. In contrast, inorganic N （both NH4^＋-N and NO3^--N） in soil 20-cm below the surface was significantly elevated by the N additions. From 42% to 74% of N added was retained by the upper 20 cm soils in the pine and mixed forests, while 0%-70% was retained in the mature forest. Our results suggest that land-use history, forest age and species composition were likely to be some of the important factors that determine differing forest N retention responses to elevated N deposition in the study region.

Nitrogen sink in a small forested watershed of subtropical China

Global nitrogen （N） emission and deposition have been increased rapidly due to massive mobilization of N which may have long- reaching impacts on ecosystems. Many agricultural and forest ecosystems have been identified as secondary N sources. In the present study, the input-output budget of inorganic N in a small forested watershed of subtropical China was investigated. Inorganic N wet deposition and discharge by stream water were monitored from March, 2007 to February, 2009. The concentrations and fluxes of inorganic N in wet precipitation and stream water and net retention of N were calculated. Global N input by dry deposition and biological fixation and N output by denitrification for forested watersheds elsewhere were reported as references to evaluate whether the studied forested watershed is a source or a sink for N. The results show that the inorganic N output by the stream water is mainly caused by NO3-N even though the input is dominated by NH4＋-N. The mean flux of inorganic N input by wet precipitation and output by stream water is 1.672 and 0.537 g N/（m2.yr）, respectively, which indicates that most of inorganic N input is retained in the forested watershed. Net retention of inorganic N reaches 1.135 g N/（m2.yr） considering wet precipitation as the main input and stream water as the main output, ff N input by dry deposition and biological fixation and output by denitlification are taken into account, this subtropical forested watershed currently acts as a considerable sink for N, with a net sink ranging from 1.309 to 1.913 g N/（m2-yr） which may enhance carbon sequestration of the terrestrial ecosystem.

Carbon storage in evergreen broad-leaf forests in mid-subtropical region of China at four succession stages

To better understand the effect of forest succession on carbon sequestration, we investigated carbon stock and allocation of evergreen broadleaf forest, a major zonal forest in subtropical China. We sought to quantify the carbon sequestration potential. We sampled four forest types, shrub （SR）, pine （Pinus massoniana） forest （PF）, pin~ and broadleaf mixed forest （Mr） and evergreen broadleaf forest （BF）. A regression equation was constructed using tree height and diameter at breast height （DBH） and elements of total tree biomass. The equation was subse- quently utilized to estimate tree carbon storage. The carbon storage of understory, litter, and soil was also estimated.

Role of the Subtropical Westerly Jet Waveguide in a Southern China Heavy Rainstorm in December 2013

An extreme rainstorm hit southern China during 13–17 December 2013, with a record-breaking daily rainfall rate, large spatial extent, and unusually long persistence. We examined what induced this heavy rainfall process, based on observed rainfall data and NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data through composite and diagnostic methods. The results showed that a Rossby waveguide within the subtropical westerly jet caused the event. The Rossby wave originated from strong cold air intrusion into the subtropical westerly jet over the eastern Mediterranean. With the enhancement and northward shift of the Middle East westerly jet, the Rossby wave propagated slowly eastward and deepened the India–Burma trough, which transported a large amount of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and South China Sea to southern China. Strong divergence in the upper troposphere, caused by the enhancement of the East Asian westerly jet, also favored the heavy rainfall process over Southeast China. In addition, the Rossby wave was associated with a negative-to-positive phase shift and enhancement of the North Atlantic Oscillation, but convergence in the eastern Mediterranean played the key role in the eastward propagation of the Rossby wave within the subtropical westerly jet.

Long-term changes of water acidity in an intact forested watershed in south China

Acid rain is a global environmental issue and causes serious adverse impacts on natural ecosystems and human health.The acid rain and its subsequent impacts have been extensively studied in temperate regions and in big cities globally,but the monitoring of acid rain in non-urban areas in subtropical region is still limited.Here,we analyze 18 years of water acidity observations from a non-urban site in western Pearl River Delta region,south China.From 2000 to 2018,annual mean precipitation pH values in the study site showed a marked increase(P<0.0001)from 4.96 in 2000 to 6.88 in 2018.This 18-year dataset of precipitation acidity shows a clear recovery from acid deposition over the annual period,dry seasons and wet seasons.Within a year,precipitation pH was relatively lower in dry seasons(5.46±0.95)than in wet seasons(5.80±0.89)during the whole study period,and the seasonal pattern of precipitation pH was amplified during drier years as a strong dilution effect was detected between precipitation amount and its acidity.The pH of surface runoff water(4.74±0.70)was significantly lower than that of precipitation as a result of the regulating effects of the highly acidified soil and the rich humus on the forest floor.The groundwater pH(6.32±0.63)was significantly higher than the precipitation pH especially during dry seasons.The results of the present study indicated that the groundwater has a strong acid buffer and neutralizing effects and thus plays an important role in supplies of clean water.

Regional and Synoptic-scale Features Associated with Inactive Periods of the Summer Monsoon over South China

This paper presents an observational study of the physical processes responsible for the inactive period (break) of the summer monsoon over South China (SC). The break of the monsoon is defined by using the rainfall data over Hong Kong Meteorological parameters provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) for the period 1985-1990 are examined. Daily values of each parameter for the six years are then composited each day for the period of 5 days before to 1 day after the break. It is found that several days before the break, changes opposite to those occurred during the onset and active periods begin to take place. This suggests that a feedback mechanism is present which tends to restore the atmosphere to a more stable state. This mechanism may be initiated by the formation of convective clouds during the onset and active periods. These clouds then reduce the solar radiation to the ground, leading to a gradual drop in the temperature. This drop, together with the cooling of the atmosphere due to the large amounts of rainfall, causes the pressure over the SC region to become higher, which in turn induces a westward extension of the subtropical ridge. The decrease in temperature over SC may also shift the location of the heat source to the west, which leads to a concomitant westward shift of the convergence of the southerlies and results in less moisture-laden air reaching the SC region. The atmosphere then becomes unfavourable for heavy convection and therefore a break starts.

Revisiting the Second EOF Mode of Interannual Variation in Summer Rainfall over East China

The second EOF（EOF2） mode of interannual variation in summer rainfall over East China is characterized by inverse rainfall changes between South China（SC） and the Yellow River-Huaihe River valleys（YH）.However,understanding of the EOF2 mode is still limited.In this study,the authors identify that the EOF2 mode physically depicts the latitudinal variation of the climatological summer-mean rainy belt along the Yangtze River valley（YRRB）,based on a 160-station rainfall dataset in China for the period 1951-2011.The latitudinal variation of the YRRB is mostly attributed to two different rainfall patterns：one reflects the seesaw（SS） rainfall changes between the YH and SC（SS pattern）,and the other features rainfall anomalies concentrated in SC only（SC pattern）.Corresponding to a southward shift of the YRRB,the SS pattern,with above-normal rainfall in SC and below-normal rainfall in the YH,is related to a cyclonic anomaly centered over the SC-East China Sea region,with a northerly anomaly blowing from the YH to SC;while the SC pattern,with above-normal rainfall in SC,is related to an anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific（WNP）,corresponding to an enhanced southwest monsoon over SC.The cyclonic anomaly,related to the SS pattern,is induced by a near-barotropic eastward propagating wave train along the Asian upper-tropospheric westerly jet,originating from the mid-high latitudes of the North Atlantic.The anticyclonic anomaly,for the SC pattern,is related to suppressed rainfall in the WNP.

Water-use efficiency of four native trees under CO_(2) enrichment and N addition in subtropical model forest ecosystems

Aims We aimed to evaluate the changes in water-use efficiency(WuE)in native tree species in forests of subtropical China,and determine how coexisting species would be responding to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide(CO_(2))concentrations and nitrogen(N)deposition.Methods We used model forest ecosystems in open-top chambers to study the effects of elevated CO_(2)(ca.700μmol mol−1)alone and together with N addition(NH4No3 applied at 100 kg N ha−1year−1)on WuE of four native tree species(Schima superba,Ormosia pin-nata,Castanopsis hystrix and Acmena acuminatissima)from 2006 to 2010.Important findingsour result indicated that all species increased their WuE when they were exposed to elevated CO_(2).although higher WuE was shown in faster-growing species(S.superba and O.pinnata)than that of slower-growing species(C.hystrix and Acmena acuminatissima),the increased extent of WuE induced by elevated CO_(2) was higher in the slower-growing species than that of the faster-growing species(P<0.01).the N treatment decreased WuE of S.superba,while the effects on other species were not significant.the interactions between elevated CO_(2) and N addition increased intrinsic WuE of S.superba significantly(P<0.001),however,it did not affect WuE of the other tree species significantly.We conclude that the responses of native tree species to elevated CO_(2) and N addition are different in subtropical China.the species-specific effects of elevated CO_(2) and N addition on WuE would have important implications on species composition in China’s subtropics in response to global change.

Changes of citrus climate risk in subtropics of China

Based on the citrus temperature, precipitation, sunlight and climate risk degree, the article divides subtropics of China into three types： the low risk region, the moderate risk region and the high risk region. The citrus temperature risk increases with increasing latitude （except for the western mountainous area of subtropics of China）. The citrus precipitation risk in the central part of subtropics of China is higher than that in the northern and western parts. The distributions of citrus sunlight risk are not consistent to those of the citrus precipitation risk. The citrus climate risk is mainly influenced by temperature. There is latitudinal zonal law for the distribution of the climate risk, that is, the climate risk increases with increasing latitude At the same time the climate risk in mountainous area is high and that in eastern plain area is low. There are differences in the temporal and spatial changes of the citrus climate. In recent 46 years, the citrus climate risk presents a gradual increasing trend in subtropics of China, especially it has been increasing fast since the 1980s. Because of the global warming, the low risk region in the eastern and southern parts has a gradual decreasing trend, however, the high risk region in the northern and western parts has an increasing trend and the high risk region has been extending eastward and southward. The article analyses the distribution of the citrus climate risk degree of reduction rates of 〉10%, 〉20% and 〉30% in subtropics of China, and studies their changes in different time periods. Results show that the risk is increasing from southeast to northwest.

Species-specific effects of genetic diversity and species diversity of experimental communities on early tree performance

Aims Changing biodiversity can affect ecosystem functioning.However,the role of genetic diversity within species,relative to the one of species diversity,has hardly been addressed.Methods To address the effects of both genetic diversity and species diversity during the important stage of early tree life,we used eight seed families(SF)taken from each of 12 evergreen and deciduous tree species of subtropical forest to perform a factorial experiment.We established 264 communities of 16 trees each.Each community had a species diversity of either one or four species and a genetic diversity of either one,two or four SF per species.We measured plant survival,growth rate,final biomass and herbivory 20 months after sowing.Important Findings Species differed from each other in biomass,growth rate,herbivory and survival(P<0.001).Deciduous species tended to have much higher biomass(P<0.1)and experienced higher herbivory(P<0.05)than evergreen species.Species diversity affected the performance of different species differently(species diversity by species interaction,P<0.001 for all variables but survival).Biomass differed between SF and increasing genetic diversity from one to two,and from two to four,SF per species increased biomass for some species and decreased it for others(P<0.001).Our study showed pronounced species-specific responses of early tree performance to species diversity and less pronounced responses to genetic diversity.These species-specific responses suggest feedbacks of species diversity and genetic diversity on future species composition.

Changes in leaf nutrient traits and photosynthesis of four tree species: effects of elevated [CO_(2)], N fertilization and canopy positions

Aims Leaf traits of trees exposed to elevated[CO_(2)]in association with other environmental factors are poorly understood in tropical and subtropical regions.Our goal was to investigate the impacts of elevated[CO_(2)]and N fertilization on leaf traits in southern China.Methods Four tree species,Schima superba Gardn.et Champ.(S.superba),Ormosia pinnata(Lour.)Merr(O.pinnata),Castanopsis hystrix AC.DC.(C.hystrix)and Acmena acuminatissima(Blume)Merr.et Perry(A.acuminatissima)were studied in a factorial combination of atmospheric[CO_(2)](ambient at~390μmol mol^( -1)and elevated[CO_(2)]at~700μmol mol ^(-1))and N fertilization(ambient and ambient+100 kg N ha ^(-1)year^( -1))in open-top chambers in southern China for 5 years.Leaf mass per unit leaf area(LMA),leaf nutrient concentration and photosynthesis(A_(sat))were measured.Important Findings Results indicated that leaf traits and photosynthesis were affected differently by elevated[CO_(2)]and N fertilization among species.Elevated[CO_(2)]decreased LMA in all species,while N fertilization did not affect LMA.Leaf mass-based N concentration(N_(M))was significantly greater in O.pinnata and C.hystrix grown in elevated[CO_(2)]but was lower in S.superba.Leaf mass-based P concentration(P_(M))was significantly greater in C.hystrix and A.acuminatissima exposed to elevated[CO_(2)]but was lower in S.superba.N fertilization significantly increased P_(M) in O.pinnata but decreased P_(M) in S.superba.Photosynthetic stimulation in O.pinnata,C.hystrix and A.acuminatissima was sustained after 5 years of CO_(2)fumigation.N fertilization did not modify the effects of elevated[CO_(2)]on photosynthesis.Leaf traits(N_(M),N_(A),P_(M),P_(A))and light-saturated photosynthesis were decreased from the upper to lower canopy.Canopy position did not alter the responses of leaf traits and photosynthesis to elevated[CO_(2)].Results suggest that photosynthetic stimulation by elevated[CO_(2)]in native species in subtropical regions may be sustained in the long term.