Morphological Characterization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with the Rhizosphere According to the Age of Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott Plants in the Field

The objective of this work was to carry out a morphological characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott plants. The plant material used was the white and red cultivars of X. sagittifolium, belonging to age intervals of 3 - 6, 6 - 9, and 9 - 12 months. Three harvest sites were chosen in the Central Region of Cameroon. In each site, soil from the rhizosphere and plant roots was collected in a randomized manner. In the field, the agronomic parameters were evaluated. The physicochemical characteristics of the soils, the mycorrhization index, and the morphological characterization of the mycorrhizal types of each site were carried out. The results obtained show that the agronomic growth parameters varied significantly using the Student Newman and Keuls Test depending on the harvest sites. The soils’ pH in all sites was acidic and ranged between 4.6 and 5.8. The Nkometou site has a loamy texture while the Olembe and Soa sites have loam-clay-sandy and loam-clay textures respectively. The highest mycorrhization frequencies appeared at the Nkometou site, with 75 and 87.33% of the white and red cultivars plant roots at 6 - 9 and 3 - 6 months. The relative abundance of AMF arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores in the rhizosphere of X. sagittifolium plants varied with age and cultivar. There were 673 spores between 9 - 12 months in Nkometou in the red cultivar. Six AMF genera were identified in all the different soils collected: Acaulospora sp., Funneliformis sp., Gigaspora sp., Glomus sp., Scutellospora sp., and Septoglomus sp. The genus Glomus sp. was the most present at all age intervals in both cultivars.

Synergistic mechanisms of AMF and biochar driving rhizosphere fungal community in shallot in barren soil

The addition of biochar(BC)or Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)alone has been reported to promote plant growth,while their synergistic effects on Allium schoenoprasum root morphology and rhizosphere fungal community in barren soil is still unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of BC and AMF(Funneliformis mosseae)on plant growth and root morphology in barren soil and revealed the structure of soil fungal communities Therefore,a greenhouse pot trial consisting of five treatments was enforced.The results showed that the combination of biochar and AMF significantly improved plant biomass,nutrient uptake,mycorrhizal colonization rates and soil properties and significantly impacted rhizosphere fungal community composition and structure.Biochar significantly increased the fungal community stability and enhanced their positive correlation with plants.Our findings indicated that the combination of AMF and biochar play synergic role for plant growth and rhizosphere fungal community in barren soil.

Soybean(Glycine max)rhizosphere organic phosphorus recycling relies on acid phosphatase activity and specific phosphorusmineralizing-related bacteria in phosphate deficient acidic soils

Bacteria play critical roles in regulating soil phosphorus(P) cycling. The effects of interactions between crops and soil P-availability on bacterial communities and the feedback regulation of soil P cycling by the bacterial community modifications are poorly understood. Here, six soybean(Glycine max) genotypes with differences in P efficiency were cultivated in acidic soils with long-term sufficient or deficient P-fertilizer treatments. The acid phosphatase(AcP) activities, organic-P concentrations and associated bacterial community compositions were determined in bulk and rhizosphere soils. The results showed that both soybean plant P content and the soil AcP activity were negatively correlated with soil organic-P concentration in P-deficient acidic soils. Soil P-availability affected the ɑ-diversity of bacteria in both bulk and rhizosphere soils. However, soybean had a stronger effect on the bacterial community composition, as reflected by the similar biomarker bacteria in the rhizosphere soils in both P-treatments. The relative abundance of biomarker bacteria Proteobacteria was strongly correlated with soil organic-P concentration and AcP activity in low-P treatments. Further high-throughput sequencing of the phoC gene revealed an obvious shift in Proteobacteria groups between bulk soils and rhizosphere soils, which was emphasized by the higher relative abundances of Cupriavidus and Klebsiella, and lower relative abundance of Xanthomonas in rhizosphere soils. Among them, Cupriavidus was the dominant phoC bacterial genus, and it was negatively correlated with the soil organic-P concentration. These findings suggest that soybean growth relies on organic-P mineralization in P-deficient acidic soils, which might be partially achieved by recruiting specific phoCharboring bacteria, such as Cupriavidus.

Analysis of Microbial Community Structure and Diversity in Crop Rhizosphere Soil Based on Illumina NovaSeq Sequencing Platform

[Objectives]To make full use of crop rhizosphere microbial resources.[Methods]Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platform was used to analyze the richness and diversity of microbial community structure in rhizosphere soil of rice and maize crops in Baitu Town,Gaoyao District,Zhaoqing City.[Results]A total of 14936 OTUs of bacteria and 1905 OTUs of fungi were obtained from three samples of rice rhizosphere soil,and 13437 OTUs of bacteria and 1413 OTUs of fungi were obtained from three samples of maize rhizosphere soil.The diversity and richness of bacterial communities were higher than those of fungi.There are differences in soil bacterial and fungal communities among different crop samples.The analysis of species with bacteria difference at genus level among crop rhizosphere soil samples showed that 18 genera with significant differences were obtained from 6 samples;species analysis of fungi at the genus level showed that 3 genera with significant differences were obtained from 6 samples.[Conclusions]The research results of this paper have positive significance for the development and utilization of soil resources in Zhaoqing City and the full exploitation of rice and maize rhizosphere microbial resources.

Changes in the activities of key enzymes and the abundance of functional genes involved in nitrogen transformation in rice rhizosphere soil under different aerated conditions

Soil microorganisms play important roles in nitrogen transformation. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the activity of nitrogen transformation enzymes and the abundance of nitrogen function genes in rhizosphere soil aerated using three different methods(continuous flooding(CF), continuous flooding and aeration(CFA), and alternate wetting and drying(AWD)). The abundances of amoA ammonia-oxidizing archaea(AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria(AOB), nirS, nirK, and nifH genes, and the activities of urease, protease, ammonia oxidase, nitrate reductase, and nitrite reductase were measured at the tillering(S1), heading(S2), and ripening(S3) stages. We analyzed the relationships of the aforementioned microbial activity indices, in addition to soil microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and soil microbial biomass nitrogen(MBN), with the concentration of soil nitrate and ammonium nitrogen. The abundance of nitrogen function genes and the activities of nitrogen invertase in rice rhizosphere soil were higher at S2 compared with S1 and S3 in all treatments. AWD and CFA increased the abundance of amoA and nifH genes, and the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase, and decreased the abundance of nirS and nirK genes and the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase, with the effect of AWD being particularly strong. During the entire growth period, the mean abundances of the AOA amoA, AOB amoA, and nifH genes were 2.9, 5.8, and 3.0 higher in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively, and the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase were 1.1, 0.5, and 0.7 higher in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively. The abundances of the nirS and nirK genes, and the activities of nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase were 73.6, 84.8, 10.3 and 36.5% lower in the AWD treatment than in the CF treatment, respectively. The abundances of the AOA amoA, AOB amoA, and nifH genes were significantly and positively correlated with the activities of urease, protease, and ammonia oxidase, and the abundances of the nirS and nirK genes were significantly positively correlated with the activities of nitrate reductase. All the above indicators were positively correlated with soil MBC and MBN. In sum, microbial activity related to nitrogen transformation in rice rhizosphere soil was highest at S2. Aeration can effectively increase the activity of most nitrogen-converting microorganisms and MBN, and thus promote soil nitrogen transformation.

Different genotypes regulate the microbial community structure in the soybean rhizosphere

The soybean rhizosphere has a specific microbial community,but the differences in microbial community structure between different soybean genotypes have not been explained.The present study analyzed the structure of the rhizosphere microbial community in three soybean genotypes.Differences in rhizosphere microbial communities between different soybean genotypes were verified using diversity testing and community composition,and each genotype had a specific rhizosphere microbial community composition.Co-occurrence network analysis found that different genotype plant hosts had different rhizosphere microbial networks.The relationship between rhizobia and rhizosphere microorganisms in the network also exhibited significant differences between different genotype plant hosts.The ecological function prediction found that different genotypes of soybean recruited the specific rhizosphere microbial community.These results demonstrated that soybean genotype regulated rhizosphere microbial community structure differences.The study provides a reference and theoretical support for developing soybean microbial inoculum in the future.

Rhizosphere bacterial communities and soil nutrient conditions reveal sexual dimorphism of Populus deltoides

Sexual dimorphism of plants shapes the diff erent morphology and physiology between males and females.However,it is still unclear whether it infl uences belowground ecological processes.In this study,rhizosphere soil of male and female Populus deltoides and bulk soil were collected from an 18-year plantation(male and female trees mix-planted)and grouped into three soil compartments.Soil carbon(C),nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)levels were determined,and soil bacterial communities were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing.The results showed the less total carbon and total organic carbon,the more nutrients(available phosphorus,nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen)available in the rhizosphere soils of female poplars than soils of males.However,α-diversity indices of the rhizosphere bacterial communities under male plants were signifi-cantly higher.Principal component analysis showed that the bacterial communities were signifi cantly diff erent between the male and female soil compartments.Further,the bacterial co-occurrence network in soil under male trees had more nodes and edges than under females.BugBase analysis showed the more functional bacteria taxa related to biofi lm formation and antioxidation under males.The results indicate that soils under male poplars had more diverse and more complex co-occurrence networks of the rhizosphere bacterial community than soils under female trees,implying that male poplars might have better environmental adaptability.The study provides insight into the diff erent soil-microbe interactions of dioecious plants.More details about the infl uencing mechanism of sexual dimorphism on rhizosphere soil bacterial communities need to be further studied.

Correction to:Effect of slope position on leaf and fi ne root C,N and P stoichiometry and rhizosphere soil properties in Tectona grandis plantations

During production process,the below mentioned errors appeared in the original article and inadvertently published with error.The corrections are as given below.

Nutrient coordination mechanism of tiger nut induced by rhizosphere soil nutrient variation in an arid area, China

Tiger nut is a bioenergy crop planted in arid areas of northern China to supply oil and adjust the planting structure.However,in the western region of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China,less water resources have resulted in a scarcity of available farmland,which has posed a huge obstacle to planting tiger nut.Cultivation of tiger nut on marginal land can effectively solve this problem.To fully unlock the production potential of tiger nut on marginal land,it is crucial for managers to have comprehensive information on the adaptive mechanism and nutrient requirement of tiger nut in different growth periods.This study aims to explore these key information from the perspective of nutrient coordination strategy of tiger nut in different growth periods and their relationship with rhizosphere soil nutrients.Three fertilization treatments including no fertilization(N:P(nitrogen:phosphorous)=0:0),traditional fertilization(N:P=15:15),and additional N fertilizer(N:P=60:15)were implemented on marginal land in the Dengkou County.Plant and soil samples were collected in three growth periods,including stolon tillering period,tuber expanding period,and tuber mature period.Under no fertilization,there was a significant correlation between N and P contents of tiger nut roots and tubers and the same nutrients in the rhizosphere soil(P<0.05).Carbon(C),N,and P contents of roots were significantly higher than those of leaves(P<0.05),and the C:N ratio of all organs was higher than those under other treatments before tuber maturity(P<0.05).Under traditional fertilization,there was a significant impact on the P content of tiger nut tubers(P<0.05).Under additional N fertilizer,the accumulation rate of N and P was faster in stolons than in tubers(P<0.05)with lower N:P ratio in stolons during the tuber expansion period(P<0.05),but higher N:P ratio in tubers(P<0.05).The limited availability of nutrients in the rhizosphere soil prompts tiger nut to increase the C:N ratio,improving N utilization efficiency,and maintaining N:P ratio in tubers.Elevated N levels in the rhizosphere soil decrease the C:N ratio of tiger nut organs and N:P ratio in stolons,promoting rapid stolon growth and shoot production.Supplementary P is necessary during tuber expansion,while a higher proportion of N in fertilizers is crucial for the aboveground biomass production of tiger nut.

Effect of slope position on leaf and fine root C,N and P stoichiometry and rhizosphere soil properties in Tectona grandis plantations

Little is known about C-N-P stoichiometries and content in teak(Tectona grandis)plantations in South China,which are mostly sited on hilly areas with lateritic soil,and the effect of slope position on the accumulation of these elements in trees and rhizosphere soils.Here we analyzed the C,N,P content and stoichiometry in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils of trees on the upper and lower slopes of a 12-year-old teak plantation.The Kraft classification system of tree status was used to sample dominant,subdominant and mean trees at each slope position.The results showed that the C,N and P contents in leaves were higher than in fine roots and rhizosphere soils.The lowest C/N,C/P and N/P ratios were found in rhizosphere soils,and the C/N and C/P ratios in fine roots were higher than in leaves.Nutrient accumulation in leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by slope position and tree class with their interaction mainly showing a greater effect on rhizosphere soils.Leaf C content and C/N ratio,fine root C and P contents,and C/N and C/P ratios all increased distinctly with declining slope position.The contents of organic matter(SOM),ammonium(NH4+-N),nitrate-nitrogen(NO3--N)and available potassium(AK)in rhizosphere soils were mainly enriched on upper slopes,but exchange calcium(ECa),available phosphorus(AP),and pH were relatively lower.Variations in the C,N and P stoichiometries in trees were mainly attributed to the differences in rhizosphere soil properties.N and P contents showed significant positive linear relationships between leaf and rhizosphere soil,and C content negative linear correlation among leaves,fine roots and rhizosphere soils.Chemical properties of rhizosphere soils,particularly C/N and NH4+-N,had significant effects on the leaf nutrients in trees on the upper slope.Correspondingly,rhizosphere soil properties mainly influenced fine root nutrients on the lower slope,and soil AK was the major influencing factor.Overall,these results offer new insights for the sustainability and management of teak plantations in hilly areas.

Rhizosphere Soil Fungal Diversity and Soil Physicochemical Properties of Different Vegetations in Tundra of Changbai Mountain

By studying the diversity and community structure of rhizosphere soil fungi of different plants in the tundra on the northern slope of Changbai Mountain, it provides theoretical support for the restoration of environmental degradation and in-depth study of fungal diversity in the tundra of Changbai Mountain. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to determine the ITS1 region of fungal amplicons, so as to analyze the diversity of fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil of six plants in the tundra of Changbai Mountain, and to analyze the correlation between the environment and the diversity and richness of fungal communities in combination with relevant soil physical and chemical factors. The diversity and richness of fungal community in the rhizosphere soil of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra were different. The Simpson and Shannon indexes of Saxifraga stolonifera Curt were the highest, and the richness of fungal community in Dryas octopetala was the highest. The analysis of fungal community composition showed that the fungal colonies in plant rhizosphere soil samples mainly belonged to Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, which were the main dominant phyla. Mortierella, Fusarium and Sordariomycetes are common fungal genera in the rhizosphere soil of six plants, but their abundances are different among different plants. Water content was negatively correlated with fungal diversity, and TP was positively correlated with fungal community diversity. There were some differences in the composition and diversity of rhizosphere soil fungal communities of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra. Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the main soil fungal phyla in the rhizosphere of six plants in Changbai Mountain tundra. The results could provide theoretical guidance for ecological protection of Changbai Mountain tundra.

Application of organic manure as a potential strategy to alleviate the limitation of microbial resources in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils

The development and vigor of soil microorganisms in terrestrial ecosystems are frequently constrained by the limited availability of essential elements such as carbon(C),nitrogen(N),and phosphorus(P).In this study,we investigated the impact of long-term application of varying levels of organic manure,low(7.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),moderate(15.0 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),and high(22.5 Mg ha^(−1)yr^(−1)),on the stoichiometry of enzymes and the structures of the microbial communities in soybean rhizospheric and bulk soils.The main goal of this research was to examine how soil microbial resource limitations in the rhizosphere respond to different long-term fertilization strategies.The soil enzymatic activities were quantified,and the structure of the microbial community was assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid profiles.When compared to the bulk soil,the rhizospheric soil had significant increases in microbial biomass carbon(MBC),nitrogen(MBN),and phosphorus(MBP),with MBC increasing by 54.19 to 72.86%,MBN by 47.30 to 48.17%,and MBP by 17.37 to 208.47%.Compared with the unfertilized control(CK),the total microbial biomasses of the rhizospheric(increased by 22.80 to 90.82%)and bulk soils(increased by 10.57 to 60.54%)both exhibited increases with the application of organic manure,and the rhizospheric biomass was higher than that of bulk soil.Compared with bulk soil,the activities of C-,N-and P-acquiring enzymes of rhizospheric soil increased by 22.49,14.88,and 29.45%under high levels of organic manure,respectively.Analyses of vector length,vector angle,and scatter plots revealed that both rhizospheric and bulk soils exhibited limitations in terms of both carbon(C)and phosphorus(P)availability.The results of partial least-squares path modelling indicated that the rhizospheric soil exhibited a more pronounced response to the rate of manure application than the bulk soil.The varying reactions of rhizospheric and bulk soils to the extended application of organic manure underscore the crucial function of the rhizosphere in mitigating limitations related to microbial resources,particularly in the context of different organic manure application rates.

Effect of root derived organic acids on the activation of nutrients in the rhizosphere soil

Four types of soils, including brown coniferous forest soil, dark brown soil, black soil, and black calic soil, sampled from three different places in northeast China were used in this test. The functions of two root-derived organic acids and water were simulated and compared in the activation of mineral nutrients from the rhizosphere soil. The results showed that the organic acids could activate the nutrients and the activated degree of the nutrient elements highly depended on the amount and types of the organic acid excreted and on the physiochemical and biochemical properties of the soil tested. The activation effect of the citric acid was obviously higher than that of malic acid in extracting Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn for all the tested soil types. However, the activation efficiencies of P, K, Ca, and Mg extracting by the citric acid were not much higher, sometimes even lower, than those by malic acid. The solution concentration of all elements increased with increase of amount of the citric acid added.

Effects of Concentration of NO_3^--N on Root Vigor and Rhizosphere pH of Winter Wheat Seedlings

[Objective] The aim was to research the effect of concentration of NO-3-N on root vigor and rhizosphere pH of winter wheat seedlings under water culture.[Method]By selecting Hoagland's nutritional solution as cultural medium and winter wheat as material of experiment,on the basis,testing root vigor,nutrient solution NO-3 and change of pH values under the different level of disposal,such as high(containing NO-3-N 15 mmol/L),medium(containing NO-3-N 7.5 mmol/L)and lower(containing NO-3-N 2.5 mmol/L).[Result]The results of this research showed that the effect of different nitrogen level on the wastage of nutrient solution NO-3,the changes of pH values and root vigor is obvious under the hydroponics condition.[Conclusion]Though NO-3 is a safe nitrogen sources when it was supplied to plants too more,it would restrain assimilation on nitrate nitrogen farther,but when it was supplied to plants too little,it would lead to deficiency of NO-3 that plants uptake and decrease of root activity,so it isn't useful to wheat young seedling to absorb nitrogen nutrition.

Nutrient characteristics in rhizosphere of pure and mixed plantations of Manchur ian walnut and Dahurian larch

A comparison study was made for the characteristics of pH value, orga nic matter content, nutrient element N, P and K contents in rhizosphere soils of pure and mixed plantations of Manchurian walnut and Dahurian larch and in bulk soils. The results show that the pH values of rhizosphere soil for all the plant ations except the pure walnut stand, which was slightly higher, were lower than those of bulk soils, while the organic matter contents in the rhizosphere soil f or all the plantations except the mixed plantation, which was slightly lower, we re higher than that in bulk soil. There exists a relative nitrogen accumulation in the rhizosphere and the extent to which the nitrogen accumulates is closely r elated to tree species and mixed pattern. As far as the total P and K contents a re considered, there exists a deficient tendency in rhizosphere in comparison wi th bulk soil. The element N, P and K are all mobilized in the rhizosphere of the pure or mixed plantation, characterized by the higher contents of the available N, P and K in the rhizosphere. The available N content in the rhizosphere of th e larch in mixed plantation was obviously higher than that of its pure plantatio n, whereas the available P and K contents in the rhizosphere of walnut in the mi xed plantation, on the other hand, were significantly higher than those of its p ure plantation.

Studies on the Microbial Community in the Rhizosphere Soil of Dongxiang Wild Rice

[Objective] The aim was to study the characteristics of microbial community in the rhizosphere soil of Dongxiang wild rice（Oryza rufipogon Griff.）.[Method] The microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen was estimated by the chloroform fumigation extraction method;the microbial community composition and Nitrogen cycling microbial functional groups were investigated by the Dilution plate culture method and the most probable number methods respectively.[Result] The microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen,in rhizosphere soil of Dongxiang Wild Rice was 83.02±18.23 mg/kg soil and 16.98±2.54 mg/kg soil,which was lower than that of ordinary cultivated rice;The relationship between the number of culturable microbial groups was bacteriaactinomycetesfungi,and the Nitrogen cycling microbial physiological groups was as the following：ammonifying bacteriaaerobic azotobacteriadenitrobacteriaanaerobic azotobacterianitrobacterianitrosobacteria.[Conclusion] The microbial community in the rhizosphere soil of Dongxiang Wild Rice was different from that of the ordinary cultivated rice.

The variation of nutrient concentration in the rhizosphere of larch and ash in mixed and monoculture stands

Soil samples were taken from rhizosphere zone and off-rhizosphere zone of ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) and larch (Larix olgensis Henry) in mixed and monoculture stands, and the nutrient concentration of N, P, and K was analyzed to study the effect of nutrients variation on yield improvement in the mixed stand. The result showed that: 1) The stand level total soil N concentration and available N in the mixed stand was similar to that in the monoculture stand of ash, but higher than that in monoculture stand of larch. The total N and available N concentration in rhizosphere soil of ash in the mixed stand was similar to that in the monoculture stand of ash, but the available N concentration in rhizosphere of larch in mixed stand was much higher than in its monoculture. 2) The stand level total P, total K concentration in the mixed stand was similar to that in monocul-ture stands of both species, but available P and K was more concentrated in the mixed stand than in the monoculture stands of ash. The rhizosphere available P and K of ash in the mixed stand was 44.1% and 13.5% (for the 9-yr-old stands) and 79.6% and 25.6% (for the 21-yr-old stands) higher than that in its monoculture. The improvement of soil P and K availability in the mixed stand is concluded.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on Distribution of Pb Forms in Rhizosphere of Upland Rice

[Objective] The aim was to study the effects of AMF on distribution of Pb in different chemical forms in rhizosphere soil of upland rice. [Method] A pot experiment was conducted to explore effects of AMF inoculation on distribution of Pb in different forms in rhizosphere of rice (Oryzal sativa L.) with Pb in different concentrations (0, 300 and 600 mg/kg). [Result] With inoculation adopted, mycorrzhial colonization rate of upland rice under Pb pdlution root declined substantially with Pb increasing in soils (P<0.05). Compared with non-inoculation, rhizosphere pH significantly enhanced by inoculation; when Pb was at 300 mg/kg, glomalin content in soils improved significantly by inoculation; when Pb was at 600 mg/kg, glomalin content in soils declined substantially (P<0.05). In addition, inoculation significantly improved contents of Pb in exchangeable and organic forms, but lowered Pb in carbonate bound and Fe-Mn oxides bound forms (P<0.05). [Conclusion] The research indicated that AMF inoculation would change distribution of Pb in different forms in rhizosphere soils of upland rice.

The rhizosphere pH change of Pinus koraiensis seedlings as affected by N sources of different levels and its effect on the availability and uptake of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn

Dark brown forest soil was collected from the upper 20 cm soil layer in Changbai Mountain Research Station of Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The soil was amended with two different forms of nitrogen fertilizers: NO3- as Ca(NO3)2, NH4+ as NH4Cl at the concentrations of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mgkg-1 respectively. The experiment was carried out with 2-yr-old Pinus koraiensis seedlings in pot. The pH change of rhizosphere soil and the contents of available Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in soil and leaves were analyzed. The result indicated that the addition of NH4--N decreased the rhizosphere pH value, while the addition of NO3--N increased the rhizosphere pH value in contrast with the control treatment. The direction and extent of the pH change mainly depended on N source and its concentrations applied. The rhizosphere pH change had a remarkable influence on the availability of the micronutrients in the rhizosphere, and thereafter affected the nutrient uptake by the seedlings. The contents of available mineral nutrients had a negative correlation with the pH value in the rhizosphere soil. The contents of available mineral nutrients in leaves were positively correlated to the levels of the available nutrients in the rhizosphere soils.

The pH change in rhizosphere of Pinus koraiensis seedlings as af-fected by different nitrogen sources and its effect on phosphorus availability

Root mat method described by Kuchenbuch and Jungk was used to study the rhizosphere processes. The experi-ment was carried out on two years old Pinus koraiensis seedlings. Soil samples collected from the upper 20-cm soil layer in Changbai Mountain were treated with three different forms of nitrogen fertilizers: NO3--N, NH4+-N and NH4NO3. The results showed that the soil pH and available P near the roots were all lower than in the bulk soil in control treatment. NH4+-N applica-tion greatly decreased the soil pH near the roots compared to the control treatment and promoted the absorption of phosphorus, which led to a more remarkable depletion region of available P. On the contrary, the rhizosphere soil pH was higher than in the bulk soil in treatments with NO3--N and retarded the P absorption, which led to a nearly equal available P contents to the bulk soil. In treatment with NH4NO3, the rhizosphere soil pH was only a little lower than that in the control treatment and its effects on P absorption is mediate between the treatments with NH4+-N and NO3--N.