Clay minerals,oxyhydroxide formation,element leaching and humus development in volcanic soils

A weathering sequence with soils developing on volcanic, trachy-basaltic parent materials with ages ranging from 100–115,000 years in the Etna region served as the basis to analyse and calculate the accumulation and stabilisation mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM), the transformation of pedogenic Fe and Al, the formation and transformation of clay minerals, the weathering indices and, by means of mass-balance calculations, net losses of the main elements. Although the soils were influenced by ash depositions during their development and the soil on the oldest lava flow developed to a great extent under a different climate, leaching of elements and mineral formation and transformation could still be measured. Leaching of major base cations coupled with a corresponding passive enrichment of Al or Fe was a main weathering mechanism and was especially pronounced in the early stages of soil formation due to mineral or glass weathering. With time, the weathering indexes (such as the (K + Ca)/Ti ratio) tend to an asymptotic value: chemical and mineralogical changes between 15,000 and 115,000 years in the A and B horizons were small. In contrast to this, the accumulation of newly formed ITM (imogolite type materials) and ferrihydrite showed a rather linear behaviour with time. Weathering consisted of the dissolution of primary minerals such as plagioclase, pyroxenes or olivine, the breakdown of volcanic glass and the formation of secondary minerals such as ITM and ferrihydrite. The main mineral transformations were volcanic glass ? imogolite ? kaolinite (clay fraction). In the most weathered horizons a very small amount of 2:1 clay minerals could be found that were probably liberated from the inner part of volcanic glass debris. The rate of formation and transformation of 2:1 clay minerals in the investigated soils was very low; no major changes could be observed even after 115,000 years of soil evolution. This can be explained by the addition of ash and the too low precipitation rates. In general, soil erosion played a subordinate role, except possibly for the oldest soils (115,000 years). The youngest soils with an age < 2000 years had the highest accumulation rate of organic C (about 3.0 g C/m²/year). After about 15,000 years, the accumulation rate of organic C in the soils tended to zero. Soil organic carbon reached an asymptotic value with abundances close to 20 kg/m² after about 20,000 years. In general, the preservation and stabilisation of SOM were due to poorly crystalline Al- and Fe-phases (pyrophosphate-extractable), kaolinite and the clay content. These parameters correlated well with the organic C. Imogolite-type material did not contribute significantly to the stabilisation of soil organic matter.     

Characterization of soil profiles in a landscape affected by long-term tillage

Soil movement by tillage redistributes soil within the profile and throughout the landscape, resulting in soil removal from convex slope positions and soil accumulation in concave slope positions. Previous investigations of the spatial variability in surface soil properties and crop yield in a glacial till landscape in west central Minnesota indicated that wheat (Triticum aestivum) yields were decreased in upper hillslope positions affected by high soil erosion loss. In the present study, soil cores were collected and characterized to indicate the effects of long-term intensive tillage on soil properties as a function of depth and tillage erosion. This study provides quantitative measures of the chemical and physical properties of soil profiles in a landscape subject to prolonged tillage erosion, and compares the properties of soil profiles in areas of differing rates of tillage erosion and an uncultivated hillslope. These comparisons emphasize the influence of soil translocation within the landscape by tillage on soil profile characteristics. Soil profiles in areas subject to soil loss by tillage erosion >20 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ were characterized by truncated profiles, a shallow depth to the C horizon (mean upper boundary 75 cm from the soil surface), a calcic subsoil and a tilled layer containing 19 g kg⁻¹ of inorganic carbon. In contrast, profiles in areas of soil accumulation by tillage >10 Mg ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ exhibited thick sola with low inorganic carbon content (mean 3 g kg⁻¹) and a large depth to the C horizon (usually >1.5 m below the soil surface). When compared to areas of soil accumulation, organic carbon, total nitrogen and Olsen-extractable phosphorus contents measured lower, whereas inorganic carbon content, pH and soil strength measured higher throughout the profile in eroded landscape positions because of the reduced soil organic matter content and the influence of calcic subsoil material. The mean surface soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents in cultivated areas (regardless of erosion status) were less than half that measured in an uncultivated area, indicating that intensive tillage and cropping has significantly depleted the surface soil organic matter in this landscape. Prolonged intensive tillage and cropping at this site has effectively removed at least 20 cm of soil from the upper hillslope positions.     

Impact of inorganic nitrogen additions on microbes in biological soil crusts

Many studies have shown that changes in nitrogen (N) availability affect the diversity and composition of soil microbial community in a variety of terrestrial systems, but less is known about the responses of microbes specific to biological soil crusts (BSCs) to increasing N additions. After seven years of field experiment, the bacterial diversity in lichen-dominated crusts decreased linearly with increasing inorganic N additions (ambient N deposition; low N addition, 3.5 g N m⁻² y⁻¹; medium N addition, 7.0 g N m⁻² y⁻¹; high N addition, 14.0 g N m⁻² y⁻¹), whereas the fungal diversity exhibited a distinctive pattern, with the low N-added crust containing a higher diversity than the other crusts. Pyrosequencing data revealed that the bacterial community shifted to more Cyanobacteria with modest N additions (low N and medium N) and to more Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria and much less Cyanobacteria with excess N addition (high N). Our results suggest that soil pH, together with soil organic carbon (C), structures the bacterial communities with N additions. Among the fungal communities, the relative abundance of Ascomycota increased with modest N but decreased with excess N. However, increasing N additions favored Basidiomycota, which may be ascribed to increases in substrate availability with low lignin and high cellulose contents under elevated N conditions. Bacteria/fungi ratios were higher in the N-added samples than in the control, suggesting that the bacterial biomass tends to dominate over that of fungi in lichen-dominated crusts after N additions, which is especially evident in the excess N condition. Because bacteria and fungi are important components and important decomposers in BSCs, the alterations of the bacterial and fungal communities may have implications in the formation and persistence of BSCs and the cycling and storage of C in desert ecosystems.     

Soil Organic Carbon Accumulation in Abandoned Croplands on the Loess Plateau

The Grain to Green Program in China which began in 1999 led to the conversion of 0.64 million ha of cropland to grassland on steep sloping landscapes. However, the pattern of natural vegetation succession following cropland has not been well represented in previous regional syntheses of land use change effects on soil organic carbon (SOC). A chronosequence study focusing on the vegetation succession and soil carbon stocks was conducted in the center of the Loess Plateau. The chronosequence included fields of 0, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 25 years of self‐restoration after cropland abandonment, as well as a natural grassland reference. Plant coverage, species richness and plant biomass increased significantly with time of cropland abandonment. Over time, the species composition more nearly resembled a natural grasslands community. Cropland abandonment replenished SOC stocks by 3.6 kg C m⁻² during the 25‐year self‐restoration, but the SOC accumulation was restricted to the upper soil profiles (0–60 cm). SOC accumulation rate was 88 g C m⁻² y⁻¹ in 0–30 cm and 55 g C m⁻² y⁻¹ in 30–60 cm soil depth, respectively. These carbon stocks were still significantly lower than those found in the natural grassland soil. Our results suggest that the recovery of plant communities and SOC stocks appears to be slow in this semiarid environment without revegetation effort along with appropriate field management, although the post‐agricultural soils have a high potential for carbon sequestration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Microbial activity,organic C accumulation and <Superscript>13</Superscript>C abundance in soils under alley cropping systems after 9 years of recultivation of quaternary deposits

The impact of alley cropping on post-lignite mine soils developing from quaternary deposits after 9 years of recultivation was evaluated on the basis of microbial indicators, organic C and total N contents, and the isotope characteristics of soil C. Soils were sampled at the 0 to 3, 3 to 10, and 10 to 30 cm depths under black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), poplar (Populus spp.), the transition zone and in the middle of alley under rye (Secale cereale). There was no significant effect of vegetation on microbial properties presumably, due to the high variability, whereas organic C and total N contents at the 0- to 3-cm layer were significantly higher under black locust and poplar than in the transition zone and rye field. Organic C total N contents, and basal respiration, microbial biomass, and microbial quotient decreased with soil depth. Soil organic C and total N contents were more than doubled after 9 years of recultivation, with annual C and N accretion rate of 162 g C _org m⁻² year⁻¹ and 6 g N _t m⁻² year⁻¹. Microbial properties indicated that the soils are in early stages of development; the C isotope characteristics confirmed that the sequestered C was predominantly from C3 plants of the alley cropping.     

Storage and dynamics of carbon and nitrogen in soil physical fractions following woody plant invasion of grassland

Woody plant invasion of grasslands is prevalent worldwide. In the Rio Grande Plains of Texas, subtropical thorn woodlands dominated by C₃ trees/shrubs have been replacing C₄ grasslands over the past 150 yr, resulting in increased soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and concomitant increases in soil total nitrogen (STN). To elucidate mechanisms of change in SOC and STN, we separated soil organic matter into specific size/density fractions and determined the concentration of C and N in these fractions. Soils were collected from remnant grasslands (Time 0) and woody plant stands (ages 10-130 yr). Rates of whole-soil C and N accrual in the upper 15 cm of the soil profile averaged 10-30 g C m⁻² yr⁻¹ and 1-3 g N m⁻² yr⁻¹, respectively, over the past 130 yr of woodland development. These rates of accumulation have increased soil C and N stocks in older wooded areas by 100-500% relative to remnant grasslands. Probable causes of these increased pool sizes include higher rates of organic matter production in wooded areas, greater inherent biochemical resistance of woody litter to decomposition, and protection of organic matter by stabilization within soil macro- and microaggregates. The mass proportions of the free light fraction (<1.0 g cm⁻³) and macroaggregate fraction (>250 μm) increased linearly with time following woody plant invasion of grassland. Conversely, the mass proportions of free microaggregate (53-250 μm) and free silt+clay (<53 μm) fractions decreased linearly with time after woody invasion, likely reflecting stabilization of these fractions within macroaggregate structures. Carbon and N concentrations increased in all soil fractions with time following woody invasion. Approximately half of the C and N accumulated in free particulate organic matter (POM) fractions, while the remainder accrued in stable macro- and microaggregate structures. Soil C/N ratios indicated that the organic C associated with POM and macroaggregates was of more recent origin (less decomposed) than C associated with the microaggregate and silt+clay fractions. Because grassland-to-woodland conversion has been geographically extensive in grassland ecosystems worldwide during the past century, changes in soil C and N storage and dynamics documented here could have significance for global cycles of those elements.     

Chronic N deposition does not apparently alter the biochemical composition of forest floor and soil organic matter

Future rates of atmospheric N deposition have the potential to slow litter decay and increase the accumulation of soil organic matter by repressing the activity of lignolytic soil microorganisms. We investigated the relationship between soil biochemical characteristics and enzymatic responses in a series of sugar maple (Acer saccharum)-dominated forests that have been subjected to 16 yrs of chronic N deposition (ambient + 3 g NO₃⁻–N m⁻² yr⁻¹), in which litter decay has slowed and soil organic matter has accumulated in sandy spodosols. Cupric-oxide-extractable lignin-derived phenols were quantified to determine the presence, source, and relative oxidation state of lignin-like compounds under ambient and experimental N deposition. Pools of respired C and mineralized N, along with rate constants for these processes, were used to quantify biochemically labile substrate pools during a 16-week laboratory incubation. Extracellular enzymes mediating cellulose and lignin metabolism also were measured under ambient and experimental N deposition, and these values were compared with proxies for the relative oxidation of lignin in forest floor and surface mineral soil. Chronic N deposition had no influence on the pools or rate constants for respired C and mineralized N. Moreover, neither the total amount of extractable lignin (forest floor, P = 0.260; mineral soil, P = 0.479), nor the relative degree of lignin oxidation in the forest floor or mineral soil (forest floor P = 0.680; mineral soil P = 0.934) was influenced by experimental N deposition. Given their biochemical attributes, lignin-derived molecules in forest floor and mineral soil appear to originate from fine roots, rather than leaf litter. Under none of the studied circumstances was the presence or relative oxidation of lignin correlated with the activity of cellulolytic and lignolytic extracellular enzymes. Although chronic atmospheric N deposition has slowed litter decay and increased organic matter in our experiment, it had little effect on biochemical composition of lignin-derived molecules in forest floor and surface mineral soil suggesting organic matter has accumulated by other means. Moreover, the specific dynamics of lignin phenol decay is decoupled from short-term organic matter accumulation under chronic N deposition in this ecosystem.     

Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen in an area of Andisol following afforestation with Japanese cedar and Hinoki cypress

Abstract

To determine the rates of increase in C and N stocks in the soil and organic layers following afforestation in Andisols, we measured C and N densities in the organic and soil layers at depths of 0–5, 5–15 and 15–30?cm, together with a chronosequence analysis of 4-year-old, 14-year-old and 23-year-old Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and 4-year-old, 12-year-old and 25-year-old Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantations. The short-term changes in C and N were confirmed by repeated sampling 5?years after the first sampling. Tree growth, biomass accumulation and organic layers were much greater in Japanese cedar than in Hinoki cypress plantations. Soil C density (kg?m^?3) increased and bulk density decreased with stand age in the surface layer (0–5?cm). The average soil C accumulation rate was 22.9?g?C?m^?2?year^?1 for Japanese cedar and 21.1?g?C?m^?2?year^?1 for Hinoki cypress. Repeated sampling showed that the rate of increase in C in the surface soil was relatively slow in young stands and that soil C density (kg?m^?3) in the subsurface soil did not change over a 5-year period. Although N accumulated in the tree biomass and organic layers, the soil N density (kg?m^?3) did not change after afforestation. Although the andic properties of the soil and differences in the planted species did not influence the rate of increase in soil C, soil C density was expected to increase to a concentration greater than 80?g?kg^?1, possibly because of the large C accumulation capacity of Andisols.     

Short-term effects of olive mill waste water (OMW) on chemical and biochemical properties of a semiarid Mediterranean soil

Olive mill waste water (OMW), a by-product of the olive mill industry, is produced in large amounts in Mediterranean countries. Olive mill waste water contains a high organic load, substantial amounts of plant nutrients but also several compounds with recognized toxicity towards living organisms. Moreover, OMW may represent a low cost source of water. Thus, the use of OMW for soil fertigation is a valuable option for its disposal, provided that its impact on soil chemical and biochemical properties is established. Investigations were performed on the short-term influence of OMW on several chemical and biochemical properties of a soil from a continental semi-arid Mediterranean region (Morocco). The soil was amended with 0, 18 and 36 ml 100 g⁻¹ soil of OMW (corresponding to a field rate of 0, 40 and 80 m³ ha⁻¹, respectively) and changes in various functionally related properties such as microbial biomass, basal respiration, extractable C and N, and soil hydrolases and oxido-reductases activities were measured over time. The variations of the main physical and chemical properties as well as the residual phytotoxicity of OMW amended and non-amended soils as assessed by tomato seed germination tests were also monitored. Temporary and permanent changes in several chemical and biochemical soil properties occurred following OMW application, thus being these properties varied in sensitivity to the applied disturbance. A sudden increase of total organic C, extractable N and C, available P and extractable Mn and Fe contents were measured. Simultaneously, a rapid increase of soil respiration, dehydrogenase and urease activities and microbial biomass (at 14 day incubation) of OMW amended soils occurred. In contrast, the activities of phosphatase, β-glucosidase, nitrate reductase and diphenol oxidase decreased markedly. The soil became highly phytotoxic after OMW addition (large decline of soil germination capability), mainly at 80 m³ ha⁻¹ OMW. After 42 days' incubation, however, a complete recovery of the soil germination capability and a residual phytotoxicity of about 30% were observed with 40 and 80 m³ ha⁻¹ OMW, respectively. These findings indicate that the impact of OMW on soil properties was the result of opposite effects, depending on the relative amounts of beneficial and toxic organic and inorganic compounds present. The toxic compounds contained in OMW most likely counteracted the beneficial effect of organic substrates provided, which promoted the growth and activity of indigenous microorganisms.     

Chemical,physical and micromorphological properties of termite mounds and adjacent soils along a toposequence in Zona da Mata,Minas Gerais State,Brazil

Little is known about the effects of neotropical mound-building termites in soil chemical and physical properties. The influence of soil termite activity on soil characteristics was studied by assessing chemical, physical and micromorphological properties of a toposequence of Latosols (Oxisols). Soil samples were collected from the walls and inner parts of termite mounds and also from adjacent soil. A high diversity of termite genera was found in the mounds along the toposequence, together with the inquiline termites and other soil-dwelling arthropods. Chemical analyses showed that pH and the contents of organic C and N, P, Ca and Mg were significantly higher in termite mounds compared with adjacent areas, with an inverse trend for Al content. Significant differences in pH and exchangeable Al were observed between soil and mound across the slopes. The mound density across the landscape was higher at the upper slope segment, followed by the hill top, middle slope and lower slope segments. Considering a lifespan of 30 years and dimensions of termite mounds found in the toposequence we conclude that the textural and chemical uniformity of Latosols may be increased, following the pedobiological turnover during mound building, with local rates varying from 2.1 to 7.5 m³ ha^− 1.     

Microbial activity in response to water-filled pore space of variably eroded southern Piedmont soils

Potential C and N mineralization and soil microbial biomass C (SMBC) are soil biological properties important in understanding nutrient and organic matter dynamics. Knowledge of soil water content at a matric potential near field capacity is needed to determine these biological properties. The objective of this study was to examine whether adjustment of soil water content to a common level of water-filled pore space (WFPS) may be an acceptable alternative that would require little prior analysis in comparison with adjustment based on matric potential. Potential C and N mineralization and SMBC were determined from 15 variably eroded soils of the Madison–Cecil–Pacolet association (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) in response to WFPS. The levels of WFPS to achieve maximum activity and biomass under naturally settled conditions were unaffected by clay content and occurred at 0.42±0.03 m³ m⁻³ for net N mineralization during 24 days of incubation, 0.51±0.22 m³ m⁻³ for specific respiratory activity of SMBC, 0.60±0.07 m³ m⁻³ for cumulative C mineralization during 24 d of incubation, and 0.76±0.27 m³ m⁻³ for SMBC. Selecting a common WFPS level of 0.5 m³ m⁻³ resulted in 96±2%, 97±5%, 97±4%, and 88±10% of the maximum for these four properties, respectively, and was a reasonable compromise when attempting to estimate these properties during simultaneous incubations. Adjusting soil water content based on WFPS was simpler and nearly as reliable as based on matric potential, in which soil water content at −33 kPa varied from 0.16 to 0.30 g g⁻¹.     

Mechanisms of short-term soil carbon storage in experimental grasslands

We investigated the fate of root and litter derived carbon in soil organic matter and dissolved organic matter in soil profiles, in order to explain mechanisms of short-term soil carbon storage. A time series of soil and soil solution samples was investigated at the field site of The Jena Experiment between 2002 and 2004. In addition to the main experiment with C3 plants, a C4 species (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) naturally labeled with ¹³C was grown on an extra plot. Changes in organic carbon concentration in soil and soil solution were combined with stable isotope measurements to follow the fate of plant carbon into the soil and soil solution. A split plot design with plant litter removal versus double litter input simulated differences in biomass input. After 2 years, the no litter and double litter treatment, respectively, showed an increase of 381 g C m^?2 and 263 g C m^?2 to 20 cm depth, while 71 g C m^?2 and 393 g C m^?2 were lost between 20 and 30 cm depth. The isotopic label in the top 5 cm indicated that 115 g C m^?2 and 156 g C m^?2 of soil organic carbon were derived from C4 plant material on the no litter and the double litter treatment, respectively. Without litter, this equals the total amount of 97 g C m^?2 that was newly stored in the same soil depth, whereas with double litter this clearly exceeded the stored amount of 75 g C m^?2. Our results indicate that litter input resulted in lower carbon storage and larger carbon losses and consequently accelerated turnover of soil organic carbon. Isotopic evidence showed that inherited soil organic carbon was replaced by fresh plant carbon near the soil surface. Our results suggest that primarily carbon released from soil organic matter, not newly introduced plant organic matter, was transported in the soil solution. However, the total flow of dissolved organic carbon was not sufficient to explain the observed carbon storage in deeper soil layers, and the existence of additional carbon uptake mechanisms is discussed.     

Carbon and nitrogen store and storage potential as affected by land-use in a Leymus chinensis grassland of northern China

Understanding the store and storage potential of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) helps us understand how ecosystems would respond to natural and anthropogenic disturbances under different management strategies. We investigated organic C and N storage in aboveground biomass, litter, roots, and soil organic matter (SOM) in eight sites that were floristically and topographically similar, but which had been subjected to different intensities of disturbance by grazing animals. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of grazing exclusion (GE) on the store and storage potential of C and N in the Leymus chinensis Tzvel. grasslands of northern China. The results revealed that the total C storage (including that stored in aboveground biomass, litter, roots, and SOM, i.e. top 100-cm soil layer) was significantly different among the eight grasslands and varied from 7.0 kg C m⁻² to 15.8 kg C m⁻², meanwhile, the total N storage varied from 0.6 kg N m⁻² to 1.5 kg N m⁻². The soil C storage decreased substantially with grassland degradation due to long-term heavy grazing. 90% C and 95% N stored in grasslands were observed in the SOM, and they were minor in other pools. The limit range of C and N storage observed in these grassland soils suggests that GE may be a valuable mechanism of sequestering C in the top meter of the soil profile.     

Organic carbon sequestration in earthworm burrows

Earthworms strongly affect soil organic carbon cycling. The aim of this study was to determine whether deep burrowing anecic earthworms enhance carbon storage in soils and decrease C turnover. Earthworm burrow linings were separated into thin cylindrical sections with different distances from the burrow wall to determine gradients from the burrow wall to the surrounding soil. Organic C, total N, radiocarbon (¹⁴C) concentration, stable isotope values (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) and extracellular enzyme activities were measured in these samples. Anecic earthworms increased C stocks by 270 and 310 g m^?2 accumulated in the vertical burrows. C-enrichment of the burrow linings was spatially highly variable within a distance of millimetres around the burrow walls. It was shown that C accumulation in burrows can be fast with C sequestration rates of about 22 g C m^?2 yr^?1 in the burrow linings, but accumulated C in the burrows may be mineralised fast with turnover times of only 3–5 years. Carbon stocks in earthworm burrows strongly depended on the earthworm activity which maintains continuous C input into the burrows. The enhanced extracellular enzyme activity of fresh casts was not persistent, but was 47% lower in inhabited burrows and 62% lower in abandoned burrows. Enzyme activities followed the C concentrations in the burrows and were not further suppressed due to earthworms. Radiocarbon concentrations and stable isotopes in the burrow linings showed an exponential gradient with the youngest and less degraded organic matter in the innermost part of the burrow wall. Carbon accumulation by anecic earthworm is restricted to distinct burrows with less influence to the surrounding soil. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, that organic C is stabilised due to earthworms, relaxation time experiments with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) did not reveal any enhanced adsorption of C on iron oxides with C stabilising effect. Our results suggest that earthworm activity does not substantially increase subsoil C stocks but burrows serve as fast ways for fresh C transport into deep soil horizons.     

Nitrogen fertilization and cropping system impacts on soil properties and their relationship to crop yield in the central Corn Belt, USA

Evaluating the effects of management practices on soil physical and chemical properties would be valuable to explain field-level variability in crop production. A 23-year-old experiment on a Muscatune soil (fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic, Aquic Argiudolls) in Illinois with five N rates [0 (N₀), 70 (N₁), 140 (N₂), 210 (N₃) and 280 (N₄) kg N ha⁻¹] and two cropping systems [continuous corn (Zea mays L.) (CC), and corn–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) rotation (CS)] was evaluated. Specific objectives were to: (i) evaluate the effects of long-term N fertilization and cropping systems on field level changes in soil physical and chemical properties and crop yield, (ii) identify the most responsive soil physical and chemical properties to N fertilizer and crop management, and (iii) investigate the relationship between the selected soil properties and crop yield. Soil was collected in May 2004 to 30 cm depth and 20 soil physical and chemical properties were measured. The univariate analysis indicated that 14 soil properties were significantly influenced by at least one treatment effect (crops, N or crops × N). Due to multicollinearity among soil properties, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to group correlated properties, resulting in five soil properties such as soil organic carbon stock (OC stock), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil C:N ratio, exchangeable potassium (K⁺) and gravimetric moisture content (ω). Finally, the multiple regression analysis performed between PCA derived soil properties and corn and soybean yields retained all the representative soil properties from PCA except ω as yield predictors for corn (P < 0.001, R² = 0.39) from CC system, whereas none of the soil properties were significantly related to corn and soybean yields from CS system. The soil properties most influenced by long-term N fertilization of continuous corn were successfully identified with PCA and multiple regression. The insignificant relationship between corn and soybean yields from CS system and PCA derived soil properties might be due to the lack of response of soybean to N fertilization. This study shows the integrated use of multivariate and regression analyses in identifying yield determining soil properties by eliminating the multicollinearity among soil properties.     

Humus forms,organic matter stocks and carbon fractions in forest soils of northwestern Italy

Humus forms may be the first tool to assess qualitatively organic matter turnover in soils; as such they should be related to the stocks of organic C a soil can store, to the characteristics of organic matter that affect its stability and, more generally, to the factors of soil formation. In this work, we tested these hypotheses in 27 forest soils of northwestern Italy. Site variables representing the pedogenic factors allowed classifying the plots into three clusters, which were significantly different for soil and humus types. The average stocks of organic C in the humic episolum (organic and top mineral horizons) ranged from 2.7 kg m⁻² in Eumulls to 9.5 kg m⁻² in Amphimulls. A clear trend in C stocks was visible and related both to the increasing presence of organic layers where the environmental conditions do not favour a rapid turnover of organic matter and to the good mixing of organics and minerals in “bio-macrostructured” A horizons. The characteristics of organic matter were also linked to humus forms: The proportion of humified complex substances was the highest in the most active forms, and conversely, non-humified extracted substances formed a considerable part of organic matter only where the environmental conditions limit organic matter degradation. Humus forms seem therefore to reflect several mechanisms of organic matter stabilisation and are clearly related to the capacity of the soil to store C.     

Long-term straw management and N fertilizer rate effects on quantity and quality of organic C and N and some chemical properties in two contrasting soils in Western Canada

Crop residue and fertilizer management practices alter some soil properties, but the magnitude of change depends on soil type and climatic conditions. Field experiments with mainly barley (and canola, wheat, triticale, or pea in a few years) under conventional tillage were conducted from 1983 to 2009 at Breton (Gray Luvisol (Typic Haplocryalf) loam) and Ellerslie (Black Chernozem (Albic Argicryoll) clay loam), Alberta, Canada, to determine the effects of straw management (straw removed (S _Rem) and straw retained (S _Ret)) and N fertilizer rate (0, 25, 50, and 75 kg N ha⁻¹) on total organic C (TOC) and N (TON), light fraction organic C (LFOC), and N (LFON) in the 0–7.5 and 7.5–15 cm, pH in the 0–7.5, 7.5–15, and 15–20 cm and extractable P, ammonium-N, and nitrate-N in the 0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm soil layers. The S _Ret and N fertilizer treatments usually had higher mass of TOC, TON, LFOC, and LFON in soil at Breton, but only of LFOC and LFON in soil at Ellerslie compared with the corresponding S _Rem and zero-N control treatments. The responses of soil organic C and N to management practices were more pronounced for N fertilization than straw management. There were significant correlations among most soil organic C or N fractions, especially at Breton. Linear regressions between crop residue C or N input, or rate of fertilizer N applied and soil organic C or N were significant in most cases at Breton, but only for LFOC and LFON at Ellerslie. At Breton, compared with zero-N rate, the C sequestration efficiency of additional crop residue C input was 5.8%, 20.1%, and 20.4% in S _Ret and 17.2%, 28.0%, and 30.1% in S _Rem treatments at the 25, 50, and 75 kg N ha⁻¹ rates, respectively. The effects of crop residue management and N fertilization on chemical properties were generally similar for both contrasting soil types. There was no effect of crop residue management on soil pH, extractable P and residual nitrate-N. Extractable P and pH in the top 0–15 cm soil decreased significantly with N application in both soil types. Residual nitrate-N (though quite low in Breton soil) increased with application of N and also indicated some downward movement in the soil profile up to 90 cm depth in Ellerslie soil. There was generally no effect of any treatment on ammonium-N in soil. In conclusion, straw retention and N application improved organic C and N in soil, and generally differences were more pronounced for light fraction than total organic C and N, and between the most extreme treatments (S _Rem0 vs. S _Ret75). Application of N fertilizer reduced extractable P and pH in the surface soil, and showed accumulation and downward leaching of nitrate-N in the soil profile.     

Chemical composition of cover crops and soil organic matter pools in no-tillage systems in the Cerrado

In no-tillage systems (NTS), cover crops are recommended to increase the productivity of agricultural systems. Furthermore, a greater diversity of cover crops in NTS favours an increase in soil carbon (C) stocks. However, there are scarce published data on the relationship between the chemical composition of cover crops and the accumulation of labile and stable fractions of SOM. We evaluated the relationship between the chemical composition of cover crops and SOM fractions, C stocks and maize yield. Hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin contents were determined for Urochloa ruziziensis, Canavalia brasiliensis, Cajanus cajan and Sorghum bicolor, cultivated in the off-season of maize. Canavalia brasiliensis had high N (20.96 g kg⁻¹) and hemicellulose (185.67 g kg⁻¹) contents, lower lignin content (39.50 g kg⁻¹) and high dry matter yield (3,251 kg ha⁻¹). All these characteristics resulted in a better SOM quality. Urochloa ruziziensis, with higher hemicellulose and lower lignin contents, and low lignin/N ratio, was associated with accumulation of TOC (19.95 and 18.33 g kg⁻¹ in 0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm layers, respectively) and mineral-associated organic C (on average, 16.68 g kg⁻¹) in the soil. Cover plants with N:lignin ratio lower than 2.0 are fundamental for soil C sequestration. In conclusion, it is recommended the adoption of Urochloa ruziziensis and Canavalia brasiliensis as cover plants improve maize production, soil organic matter quality and C sequestration in the Cerrado region.     

Evaluating effects of sewage sludge and household compost on soil physical,chemical and microbiological properties

Recycling of organic wastes within agriculture may help maintain soil fertility via effects on physical, chemical and biological properties. Efficient use, however, requires an individual assessment of waste products, and effects should be compared with natural variations due to climate and soil type. An 11-month incubation experiment was conducted between April 1998 and March 1999, in which a sandy loam without or with anerobically digested sewage sludge (4.2 t dry matter (DM) ha⁻¹) or household compost (17 t DM ha⁻¹) was incubated under constant laboratory conditions at 10 °C, as well as in the field. The following properties were monitored: wet-stability of soil aggregates, clay dispersibility, hot-water extractable carbohydrates, resin-extractable P_i, inorganic N, biomass C and N, PLFA profiles, FDA hydrolysis activity, β-glucosidase activity and CO₂ evolution. In general, effects of waste amendment were positive, but moderate compared to the dynamics observed in unamended soil, and mainly occurred in the first several weeks after amendment. The temporal dynamics of inorganic N, FDA hydrolysis activity, biomass C and PLFA composition appeared to be faster under the fluctuating climatic conditions in the field. To evaluate accumulated effects of repeated waste applications, soil was also sampled from a field trial, in which the sewage sludge and household compost had been applied at the same rates as in the incubation study for three consecutive years. Sampling took place after the final harvest, i.e. 5 months after the final waste application. Compost amendment had increased potentially mineralizable N by a factor of 1.8, and sludge amendment had increased the amount of resin-extractable P_i by a factor of 1.6. However, there were no accumulated effects of waste amendment on the fraction of soil in wet-stable aggregates, or on the microbiological properties tested, which supported the observation from the incubation study that effects of organic wastes were transient.     

Soil organic matter formation along a chronosequence in the Morteratsch proglacial area (Upper Engadine,Switzerland)

Global warming leads to the melting of ice caps and glaciers and, consequently, the exposure of new areas of land to the atmosphere and weathering. These areas usually have a high reactivity to both biotic and abiotic changes. Proglacial areas in the Alps usually have a deglaciation time span of around 150 years (time since the end of the “Little Ice Age” in the 1850's). We investigated a chronosequence of very young soils in the proglacial area Morteratsch (Swiss Alps) to derive time-trends of soil organic matter accumulation and evolution. Total organic C and N contents, C and N contents of the various organic matter (OM) density fractions and of the labile (oxidised by H₂O₂) and stable (H₂O₂-resistant) fractions were measured. Further characterisation of OM and the various fractions was performed using Diffuse Reflection Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT). Soil organic matter has been accumulated over 150 years at very high rates, values lay between 7 and 36 g C/m²/year. This led to a soil organic matter abundance of about 1–5.5 kg C/m² after 140 years. Even at the start of soil formation, a very stable fraction of soil organic matter was detectable. Stable organic matter (resistant to the H₂O₂ treatment) comprised about 6% of the total soil organic carbon and 10% of the total nitrogen. At the start of soil formation, a very high proportion of soil organic matter was present in the density fractions < 1.6 g/cm³. After about 140 years, 15% of soil organic carbon and 35–40% of the nitrogen was already present in the highest density fraction (> 2 g/cm³). With time, the quality of soil organic matter changed: a decrease of hydrophobicity, an increase in aromatic compounds in the bulk soil and a decrease in phenolic functional groups in the heaviest density fraction were detectable with increasing age. In general, stable organic matter as well as the density fraction > 2 g/cm³ had a low C/N ratio and were enriched in proteinaceous materials. The adsorption of proteinaceous materials points to a strong organo-mineral association. This process has existed since the very beginning of soil formation.