Aboveground biomass and nitrogen in four short-rotation woody crop species growing with different water and nutrient availabilities

We quantified the effect of water and nutrient availability on aboveground biomass and nitrogen accumulation and partitioning in four species from the southeastern United States, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), slash pine (Pinus elliottii), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The 6-year-old stands received five levels of resource input (control, irrigation with 3.05 cm water week⁻¹, irrigation + 57 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, irrigation + 85 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹, and irrigation + 114 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹). Irrigation significantly increased foliage, stem, and branch biomass for sweetgum and sycamore, culminating in 103% and 238% increases in total aboveground biomass. Fertilization significantly increased aboveground components for all species resulting in 49, 58, 281, and 132% increases in total aboveground biomass for loblolly pine, slash pine, sweetgum, and sycamore, respectively. Standing total aboveground biomass of the fertilized treatments reached 79, 59, 48, and 54 Mg ha⁻¹ for loblolly pine, slash pine, sweetgum, and sycamore, respectively. Fertilization increased foliar nitrogen concentration for loblolly pine, sweetgum, and sycamore foliage. Irrigation increased total stand nitrogen content by 6, 14, 93, and 161% for loblolly pine, slash pine, sweetgum, and sycamore, respectively. Fertilization increased total nitrogen content by 62, 53, 172, and 69% with maximum nitrogen contents of 267, 212, 237, and 203 kg ha⁻¹ for loblolly pine, slash pine, sweetgum, and sycamore, respectively. Growth efficiency (stem growth per unit of leaf biomass) and nitrogen use efficiency (stem growth per unit of foliar nitrogen content) increased for the sycamore and sweetgum, but not the loblolly or slash pine.     

基于国家森林资源清查数据的不同生物量和碳储量估计方法的对比分析

[目的]通过对不同生物量和碳储量的估计方法进行对比分析,为确定在国家森林资源清查中生物量和碳储量的具体估计方法提供依据。[方法]以广东省2012年森林资源清查的100个杉木林和80个马尾松林的实测样地资料为基础,利用近年来我国建立的主要树种立木生物量模型,对改进IPCC法、生物量模型法和转换因子连续函数法(即方精云法)3种方法按一元和二元模型共6种方案进行了对比;同时,基于改进IPCC法一元和二元模型的生物量估计值,用平均含碳系数法、组分含碳系数法和固定含碳系数(0.5或0.47)法分别对碳储量进行估计。[结果]用二元生物量模型法得到的杉木林和马尾松林样地的总生物量分别为320 Mg和331 Mg,一元生物量模型法的结果分别相差0.9%和6.2%;改进IPCC法的估计结果,采用二元和一元模型时杉木林分别相差-3.6%和-11.9%,马尾松林分别相差-8.5%和-19.6%;而方精云法的估计结果,采用二元和一元模型时杉木林分别相差6.65倍和6.60倍,马尾松林分别相差-14.3%和-18.0%。平均含碳系数法和组分含碳系数法的碳储量估计结果,杉木林仅相差0.2%,马尾松林相差约0.4%;固定含碳系数法的估计结果因树种而异,对杉木林要低估0.6%5.4%,对马尾松林要低估3.3%9.1%。[结论]对生物量的估计,采用生物量模型法准确性最高,而林木水平的生物量模型其预估精度要高于林分水平的模型;IPCC法是基于材积源的通用方法,将其中的缺省参数改进为可变参数模型,可大大提高方法的适应性;方精云法只是基于IPCC法所建立的林分水平模型在大尺度上的一种具体应用方法,其精度要低于林木水平的生物量模型法,不适于中小尺度应用。对碳储量的估计,采用平均含碳系数法与组分含碳系数法差异很小,但采用固定含碳系数法则误差较大。     

Predicting seedling biomass of radiata pine from allometric variables

Allometric equations predict tree seedling biomass from non-destructively measured variables such as stem diameter (D), height (H) and seedling silhouette area (A), measured by digital imaging. This study investigates whether one general allometric equation can predict biomass of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) seedlings grown under three levels of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). It also identifies which commonly used variables (A, D ² H or D ²) were the best for predicting seedling biomass under these conditions. Radiata pine seedlings were grown with constant daytime (12 h d⁻¹) PPFD = 500, 250 or 125 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ for 11 weeks. Seedlings were randomly selected every 10 d for measurement. Analysis of covariance tested whether the relationship between seedling biomass and A, D ² H or D ² varied for each PPFD level. PPFD levels influenced the relationship between biomass and A, D ² H or D ². As a result, “full” allometric models which varied with PPFD levels were more accurate and precise at predicting biomass than “reduced” models which did not vary with PPFD level, although a “reduced” model using D ² also performed well.     

Organic acid exudation from the roots of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Pinus massoniana seedlings under low phosphorus stress

Organic acid exudation from the roots of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) and Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) seedlings under low phosphorus stress was studied using the solution culture method. The results revealed that organic acid exudation from the roots of Chinese fir and Masson pine seedlings under low phosphorus stress increased. Compared with P₃ (KH₂PO₄, 0.5 mmol/L), the average organic acid exudation from the root of Masson pine seedlings under P₀ (KH₂PO₄, 0 mmol/L), P₁ (KH₂PO₄, 0.03 mmol/L) and P₂ (KH₂PO₄, 0.09 mmol/L) increased by 328.6%, 267.9% and 126.4% respectively. Masson pine from Zhejiang Province in China had the highest organic acid exudation. Under low phosphorus stress, the increase in organic acid exudation from the different provinces of Chinese fir and Masson pine varied. Masson pine from Zhejiang Province mainly increased oxalic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and malic acid exudation, that from Guangxi Province mainly increased oxalic acid and tartaric acid exudation, and that from Guizhou Province, China mainly increased oxalic acid, tartaric acid and malic acid exudation. Chinese fir mainly increased oxalic acid and tartaric acid exudation. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University, 2007, 31(2): 9–12 [译自: 南京林业大学学报]     

Effects of forest canopy gap on biomass of Abies faxoniana seedlings and its allocation in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan

Using a strip transect sampling method, the density, height (≤ 100 cm), basal diameter and components of biomass of Abies faxoniana seedlings, living in a forest gap (FG) and under the forest canopy (FC) of subalpine natural coniferous forests in western Sichuan, were investigated and the relationships among different components of biomass analyzed. The results indicated that the density and average height (H) of A. faxoniana seedlings were significantly different in the FG and under the FC, with the values being 12903 and 2017 per hm², and 26.6 and 24.3 cm. No significant differences were found in the average basal diameter (D) and biomass. The biomass allocation in seedling components was significantly affected by forest gap. In the FG, the biomass ratio of branch to stem reached a maximum of 1.54 at age 12 and then declined and fluctuated around 0.69. Under the FC, the biomass ratio of branch to stem increased with seedling growth and exceeded 1.0 at about age 15. The total biomass and the biomass of leaves, stems, shoots and roots grown in the FG and under the FC were significantly correlated with D ² H. There were significant and positive correlations among the biomass of different components. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2007, 18(4): 721–727 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

First-year freeze hardiness of pure species and hybrid taxa of Pinus elliottii (Engelman) and Pinus caribaea (Morelet)

Six pine taxa were compared for freeze hardiness following 2 whole plant freeze tests carried out in early and late winter 1993–94. Pure species included slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Engelman) (PEE), Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea Morelet) var. bahamensis (PCB), and var. hondurensis (PCH). The same six slash pine parents served as the female parents of the pure slash pine taxon and were control pollinated to create the F₁ hybrids of slash pine × Caribbean pine var. bahamensis (F1B), the F₁ of slash pine × Caribbean pine var. hondurensis (F1H), and the backcross of slash pine × (slash pine × var. hondurensis (B1H). Four traits related to adaptation (bud set, foliage/stem damage, survival) were compared. Significant differences existing among the three species at all temperatures for both freeze tests. The 3 hybrid taxa were intermediate to parental taxa for all measured traits and only at extreme temperatures was there an indication of hybrid vigor. However, inspection of foliage damage curves to estimate temperatures at which 50 percent damage occurs indicated that the hybrids deviated from the mid parent value toward the more freeze susceptible parent. Discriminant functions which included foliage damage and survival traits provided the best segregation of taxa groupings and the combining of canonical variable 1 for these discriminant functions placed hybrids intermediate to parental taxa. Parent × taxa interaction was significant, suggesting that within these taxa, family to family variation occurred, but different maternal parents were associated with the freeze hardly families in different taxa.This is Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Journal Series No. R-04852 of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611     

Bio-productivity ofPinus sylvestris L. var.mongolica plantation on west Kerqin sandy land

The biomass and net primary production of Mongolian scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var.mongolica) plantations of west Kerqin sandy land were measured. According to average standard trees, the biomass, net primary production and their distributions of trunk, bark, branch, leaf and root of 16-year-old stand were analyzed. The regressive equation for the estimation of each organ biomass was established through dimensional analysis. Preferable equation with higher precision was selected. The study results showed that the total biomass of the forest community was 62.023 t/hm² and net primary production was 5.045 t/(hm²·a), which indicates that the community of plantation possesses high bio-productivity. (Responsible Editor: Chai Ruihai)     

Carbon dynamics and stability between native Masson pine and exotic slash pine plantations in subtropical China

Afforestation and ecological restoration have often been carried out with fast-growing exotic tree species because of their high apparent growth and yield. Moreover, fast-growing forest plantations have become an important component of mitigation measures to offset greenhouse gas emissions. However, information on the long-term performance of exotic and fast-growing species is often lacking especially with respect to their vulnerability to disturbance compared to native species. We compared carbon (C) storage and C accumulation rates in vegetation (above- and belowground) and soil in 21-year-old exotic slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) and native Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) plantations, as well as their responses to a severe ice storm in 2008. Our results showed that mean C storage was 116.77 ± 7.49 t C ha^?1 in slash pine plantation and 117.89 ± 8.27 t C ha^?1 in Masson pine plantation. The aboveground C increased at a rate of 2.18 t C ha^?1 year^?1 in Masson pine and 2.23 t C ha^?1 year^?1 in slash pine plantation, and there was no significant difference in C storage accumulation between the two plantation types. However, we observed significant differences in ice storm damage with nearly 7.5 % of aboveground biomass loss in slash pine plantation compared with only 0.3 % loss in Masson pine plantation. Our findings indicated that the native pine species was more resistant to ice storm because of their adaptive biological traits (tree shape, crown structure, and leaf surface area). Overall, the native pine species might be a safer choice for both afforestation and ecological restoration in our study region.     

Structure and functions ofPinus sylvestris var.sylvestriformis plantation ecosystem

Changbai pine (Pinus sylvestris var.Sylvestriformis) is an endemic and important tree species in Changbai Mountain. There were only 63 plant species in Changbai pine plantation, where hemicryptophyte was dominant(39.68%). Simpson diversity index was 0.87, Shannon-Wiener diversity index was 2.96, and evenness index was 0.82. Community structure were divided into three layers: tree layer, shrub layer and herb layer. The total biomass and net production were 111.982 t/hm² and 8942.80 kg/(hm² a) respectively. The total biomass for tree, shrub and herb layers were 106.150, 2.230, 2.264 t/hm², accounting for 94.79%, 1.99%, and 2.02%, respectively, and net production for those were 7465, 223, and 1182 kg/(hm² a), accounting for 83.47%, 2.49%, and 13.22% of the total respectively. The nutrient content in various organs is in the order of needle> branch> root> bark> trunk, For the assimilated organ, the nutrient content is in the order of N> K> Ca> P> Mg, and that in absorption organ is in the order of Ca> N> K> P> Mg. For the whole plantation ecosystem, nutrient content is in the order of soil> litter> herb layer> shrub layer> tree layer. Nutrient storage and its accumulation rate in tree layer take up 88.79% and 76.43% of the total, respectively. The project is funded by the Opened Research Station of Changbai Mountain Forest Ecosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences Responsible Editor: Chai Ruihai     

湖南会同县杉木人工林管理碳汇的核算研究

[目的]通过制定森林管理参考水平,计量并核算森林管理活动的合格净碳汇清除量。[方法]采用核证减排标准中农业、林业和其他土地利用项目的自愿碳标准,选取其中改善森林管理的项目方法学标准,并结合不可抗力及湖南会同县的杉木人工林林地资源现状,进行计量和核算湖南会同县杉木人工林的合格碳汇量。该方法学标准包括4个碳库,即地上部分、地下部分、枯死木和木质林产品。[结果]对30年生和23年生杉木人工林进行森林管理活动后,林分碳储量变化量和碳汇量都有明显增加。森林管理参考水平在考虑皆伐的碳排放后的净碳汇量为-82.79 t二氧化碳当量·hm~(-2),30年生和23年生的总碳汇量分别为441.00、715.46 t二氧化碳当量;实际合格总碳汇量分别为606.59、881.06 t二氧化碳当量。[结论]不同的森林管理采伐强度对30年生和23年生林分碳汇量的影响差异显著。本文分别基于湖南会同森林生态实验站第1代杉木人工林建立参考水平和生态站2代杉木人工林制定参考水平核算会同县杉木人工林碳汇量,结果是基于后者参考水平核算的会同县杉木人工林合格的碳汇量比基于前者参考水平核算的多30 t二氧化碳当量·hm~(-2)。     

Calorific values and ash contents of different parts of Masson pine trees in southern China

Calorific value of plants is an important parameter for evalu- ating and indexing material cycles and energy conversion in forest eco- systems. Based on mensuration data of 150 sample sets, we analyzed the calorific value （CV） and ash content （AC） of different parts of Masson pine （Pinus massoniana） trees in southern China using hypothesis testing and regression analysis. CV and AC of different tree parts were almost significantly different （P〈0.05）. In descending order, ash-free calorific value （AFCV） ranked as foliage 〉 branch 〉 stem bark 〉 root 〉 stem wood, and AC ranked as foliage 〉 stem bark 〉 root 〉 branch 〉 stem wood. CV and AC of stem wood from the top, middle and lower sections of trees differed significantly. CV increased from the top to the lower sections of the tnmk while AC decreased. Mean gross calorific value （GCV） and AFCV of aboveground parts were significantly higher than those of belowground parts （roots）. The mean GCV, AFCV and AC of a whole tree of Masson pine were 21.54 kJ/g, 21.74 kJ/g and 0.90%, re- spectively. CV and AC of different tree parts were, to some extent, cor- related with tree diameter, height and origin.     

Allometric equations based on a fractal branching model for estimating aboveground biomass of four native tree species in the Philippines

Fractal branching models can provide a non-destructive and generic tool for estimating tree shoot and root length and biomass, but field validation is rarely described in the literature. We compared estimates of above ground tree biomass for four indigenous tree used on farm in the Philippines based on the WanFBA model tree architecture with data from destructive sampling. Allometric equations for the four species varied in the constant (biomass at virtual stem diameter 1) and power of the scaling rule (b in Y = aD ^b ), deviating from the value of 8/3 that is claimed to be universal. Allometric equations for aboveground biomass were 0.035 D ^2.87 for Shorea contorta, 0.133 D ^2.36 for Vitex parviflora, 0.063 D ^2.54 for Pterocarpus indicus and 0.065 D ^2.28 for Artocarpus heterophyllus, respectively. Allometric equations for branch biomass had a higher b factor than those for total biomass (except in Artocarpus); allometric equations for the leave + twig fraction a lower b. The performance of the WanFBA model was significantly improved by introduction of a tapering factor “τ“ for decrease of branch diameter within a single link. All statistical tests performed on measured biomass versus biomass predicted from the WanFBA results confirm the viability of the WanFBA model as a non-destructive tool for predicting above-ground biomass equations for total biomass, branch biomass and the leaf + twig fraction.     

Carbon sink in Phoebe bournei artificial forest ecosystem

Biomass, carbon content, carbon storage and spatial distribution in the 32-year-old Phoebe bournei artificial forest were measured. The mean biomass of the forest stand was 174.33 t/hm², among which the arbor layer was 166.73 t/hm², which accounted for 95.6%. Carbon contents of stems, barks, branches, leaves, root, shrub layer, herb layer, lichen layer and litter layer were 0.5769 g C/g, 0.4654 g C/g, 0.5232 g C/g, 0.4958 g C/g, 0.4931 g C/g, 0.4989 g C/g, 0.4733 g C/g, 0.4143 g C/g, 0.3882 g C/g, respectively. The mean carbon content of soil was 0.0139 g C/g, which reduced gradually along with soil depth. Total carbon storage of the P. bournei stand ecosystem was 227.59 t/hm², among which the arbor layer accounted for 40.13% (91.33 t/hm²), the shrub layer accounted for 0.17% (0.38 t/hm²), the herb layer accounted for 0.76% (1.71 t/hm²), the lichen layer accounted for 0.28% (0.63 t/hm²), and the litter layer accounted for 0.29% (0.66 t/hm²). Carbon content (0–80 cm) of the forest soil was 58.40% (132.88 t/hm²). Spatial distribution ranking of carbon storage was: soil layer (0–80 cm) > arbor layer > herb layer > litter layer > lichen layer > shrub layer. Net production of the forest stand was 8.5706 t/(hm²·a), in which the arbor layer was 6.6691 t/(hm²·a), and it accounted for 77.82%. Net annual carbon sequestration of the P. bournei stand was 4.2536 t/(hm²·a), and the arbor layer was 3.5736 t/(hm²·a), which accounted for 84.01%. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2008, 44(3): 34–39 [译自: 林业科学]     

CO2 fluxes of a Scots pine forest growing in the warm and dry southern upper Rhine plain, SW Germany

The effects of the warm and dry weather in the southern upper Rhine plain in the southwest of Germany on the carbon balance of the Scots pine forest at the permanent forest meteorological experimental site Hartheim were analysed over a 14-month period. The investigation of the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (F _NEE) of the Scots pine forest started in the extraordinary hot and dry August 2003. Carbon dioxide fluxes were measured continuously using an eddy covariance system and analysed by use of the EDDYSOFT software package. After determining the temperature dependence of the forest ecosystem respiration and the daytime light dependence of the CO₂ exchange, monthly and annual carbon balances of the Scots pine forest were calculated. Mean peak daytime F _NEE rates observed in August and September 2003 (−6.5±3.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) were drastically lower than in August and September 2004 (−11.8±5.2 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), which did not show pronounced deviations from the mean long-term (1978–2002) climatic conditions. In August 2003, the Hartheim Scots pine forest was a distinct CO₂ source (35 g C m⁻²). The estimates of the annual carbon sink strength of the Scots pine forest ranged between −132 g C m⁻² (August 2003–July 2004) and −211 g C m⁻² (October 2003–September 2004). The main uncertainty in the determination of the carbon balance of the Hartheim Scots pine forest was introduced by the frequently low turbulence levels, i.e. the friction velocity corrected night-time F _NEE fluxes.     

思茅松天然林单木生物量地理加权回归模型构建

通过调查云南省思茅区思茅松天然林63株思茅松单木的地上部分干、枝、叶生物量数据,并测定其中30株的根系生物量数据。基于普通最小二乘模型选型,采用地理加权回归的方法构建思茅松单木树干生物量、树枝生物量、树叶生物量和地上部分生物量,以及根系生物量和整株生物量模型。结果表明:(1)地理加权回归模型(GWR)的决定系数(R2)大于普通最小二乘(OLS)模型,且GWR模型拟合的R2值除树叶生物量模型外,其余生物量维量模型均大于0.950;Akaike信息指数(AIC)值小于普通最小二乘(OLS)模型,平均相对误差(EE)和平均相对误差绝对值(RMA)的绝对值除树枝生物量外均小于OLS模型,说明GWR模型拟合效果优于OLS模型;(2)地理加权回归模型拟合在一定程度上克服了OLS在拟合生物量模型中存在的异方差问题。     

南亚热带杉木人工成熟林密度对土壤养分效应研究

[目的]研究5种不同密度林分土壤剖面养分含量的变化规律。[方法]以广西大青山37年生杉木密度试验林为研究对象,测定了A(1 667株·hm-2)、B(3 333株·hm-2)、C(5 000株·hm-2)、D(6 667株·hm-2)、E(10 000株·hm-2)5种密度下0 100 cm土层土壤养分含量。利用单因素方差分析和多重比较判断不同密度和不同土层土壤养分含量的差异。[结果]表明:(1)杉木人工成熟林大多数土层土壤有机质、全氮、碱解氮、全磷、有效性铁含量在A、B等低密度林分中最高,并且在0 30 cm的土壤中,随密度的增加表现出总体下降的变化趋势,而土壤pH值与全钾、速效钾随密度的增加而上升,交换性钙与交换性镁含量受密度影响不明显;(2)土壤有机质、全氮、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾、交换性钙、交换性镁和有效性铁含量均随土层深度的增加而明显下降,0 30 cm表层土壤的降幅较大,密度对不同土壤深度养分含量的变化具有一定影响。[结论]初植密度对杉木人工成熟林土壤养分含量影响明显,低初植密度更有利于杉木人工林土壤肥力的长期维持,南亚热带杉木林密度对土壤养分的影响深度可达60 cm。     

A new methodology for estimating forest NPP based on forest inventory data—A case study of Chinese pine forest

Accurately estimating forest net primary productivity (NPP) plays an important role in study of global carbon budget. A NPP model reflecting the synthetic effects of both biotic (forest stand age, A and stem volume, V) and climatic factors (mean annual actual evapotranspiration, E) was developed for Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis) forest by making full use of Forest Inventory Data (FID) and dynamically assessing forest productivity. The NPP of Chinese pine forest was estimated by using this model and the fourth FID (1989–1993), and the spatial pattern of NPP of Chinese pine forest was given by Geography Information System (GIS) software. The results indicated that mean NPP value, of Chinese pine forest was 7.82 t m⁻²·a⁻¹ and varied at the range of 3.32–11.87 t hm⁻²·a⁻¹. NPP distribution of Chinese pine forests was significantly different in different regions, higher in the south and lower in the north of China. In terms of the main distribution regions of Chinese pine, the NPPs of Chinese pine forest in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces were in middle level, with an average NPP of 7.4 t hm⁻²·a⁻¹, that in the southern and the eastern parts (e.g. Shichuang Hunan, Henan, and Liaoning provinces) was higher (over 7.7 t hm⁻²·a⁻¹), and that in the northern part and western part (e.g. Neimenggu and Ningxia provinces) was lower (below 5 t hm⁻²·a⁻¹). This study provides an efficient way for using FID to understand the dynamics of foest NPP and evaluate its effects on global climate change. Foundation item: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 30028001, 49905005), National Key Basic Research Specific Foundation (G1999043407); the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSC2-1-07). Biography: ZHAO Min (1973-), female, Ph. D. in Laboratory of Quantitative Vegetation Ecology, Institute of Botany, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, P. R. China. Responsible editor: Zhu Hong     

Root biomass and underground C and N storage of the primitive Korean pine and broad-leaved forest and its different succession stages in Changbai Mountain, northeast China

This paper studied root biomass and underground carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage of a more than 200-year-old primitive Korean pine and broad-leaved forest and its two 20-and 80-year-old secondary Populus davidiana and Betula platyphylla forests in Changbai Mountain, northeast China. The results showed that with forest succession, the root biomass of 20-year-old, 80-year-old, and primitive forests was 2.437, 2.742, and 4.114 kg/m², respectively. The root C storage was 1.113, 1.323, and 2.023 kg/m², soil C storage was 11.911, 11.943, and 12.587 kg/m², and underground C storage was 13.024, 13.266, and 14.610 kg/m², respectively, while the root N storage was 0.035, 0.032, and 0.038 kg/m², soil N storage was 1.208, 1.222, and 0.915 kg/m², and underground N storage was 1.243, 1.254, and 0.955 kg/m², respectively, which indicated that along with forest succession, the forest underground became a potential “carbon sink,” whereas underground N storage did not change obviously. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2005, 16(7): 1,195–1,199 [译自: 应用生态学报, 2005, 16(7): 1,195–1,199]     

Relative effects of irrigation and intense shade on productivity of alley-cropped tall fescue herbage

The relative effects of irradiance and soil water on alley-cropped herbage are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine effects of irrigation on herbage productivity when tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] was grown in two sites, a meadow and a loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) alley (620 trees ha⁻¹), near Booneville, Arkansas. Three tall fescue entries were space planted in the meadow and pine alley with or without irrigation. Herbage mass and nutritive value were determined at 8-week intervals for 2 years. Mean daily PAR was 33.9 (2004) and 37.5 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ (2005) in the meadow, while the pine alley received 5.6 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ (17% of the meadow) in 2004 and 4.3 mol m⁻² d⁻¹ (11% of meadow) in 2005. Effect of tall fescue entry tended to be small relative to site and irrigation. Irrigation compensated for evapotranspiration in the meadow, but not in the pine alley when summer rainfall was about normal (2004) or low (2005). Nevertheless, site (PAR) had a greater effect on herbage specific leaf weight, leaf elongation rate, tillers plant⁻¹, mass tiller⁻¹, and total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration than soil water. Irrigation might have had greater impact on herbage productivity if more water had been applied or if canopy cover had been less extreme. Silvicultural practices should be imposed to improve penetration of solar irradiance to the alley crop.     

C and N stocks under three plantation forest ecosystems of Chinese fir, Michelia macclurei and their mixture

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), a type of subtropical fast-growing conifer tree, is widely distributed in South China. Its plantation area covers more than 7 × 10⁶ hm², accounting for 24% of the total area of plantation forests in the country. In recent decades, the system of successive plantation of Chinese fir has been widely used in southern China due to anticipated high economic return. However, recent studies have documented that the practice of this system has led to dramatic decreases in soil fertility and forest environment as well as in productivity. Some forest ecologists and managers recognize the ecological role performed by broadleaf trees growing in mixtures with conifers, and a great deal of studies on mixture effects have been conducted, particularly on mixture species of temperate and boreal forests, but these research results were not completely consistent. Possibilities include dependence of the mixture effects in large part to specific site conditions, the interactions among species in mixtures and biological characteristics of species. Although some researchers also studied the effects of mixtures of Chinese fir and broadleaf tree species on soil fertility, forest environment and tree growth status, little information is available about the effects of Chinese fir and its mixtures with broadleaves on carbon and nitrogen stocks. The experimental site is situated at the Huitong Experimental Station of Forest Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hunan Province (26°40′–27°09′ N, 109°26′–110°08′ E). It is located at the transition zone from the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau to the low mountains and hills of the southern bank of the Yangtze River at an altitude of 300–1,100 m above mean sea level. At the same time, the site is also a member of the Chinese Ecosystem Research Network (CERN), sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This region has a humid mid-subtropical monsoon climate with a mean annual precipitation of 1,200–1,400 mm, most of the rain falling between April and August, and a mean temperature of 16.5°C with a mean minimum of 4.9°C in January and a mean maximum of 26.6°C in July. The experimental field has red-yellow soil. After a clear-cutting of the first generation Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantation forest in 1982, three different plantation forest ecosystems, viz. mixture of Michelia macclurei and Chinese fir (MCM), pure Michelia macclurei stand (PMS) and pure Chinese fir stand (PCS), were established in the spring of 1983. A comparative study on C and N stocks under these three plantation forest ecosystems was conducted in 2004. Results showed that carbon stocks were greater under the mixtures than under the pure Chinese fir forest and the pure broad-leaved forest, and the broadleaves and the mixtures showed higher values in nitrogen stocks compared with the pure Chinese fir forest. The spatial distribution of carbon and nitrogen stocks was basically consistent, the value being greater in soil layer, followed by tree layer, roots, understory and litter layer. The carbon and nitrogen stocks in soil layer were both highly correlated with the biomass in understory and litter layer, indicating that understory and forest litterfall exerted a profound effect on soil carbon and nitrogen stocks under plantation ecosystems. However, correlations among soil carbon, nitrogen stocks and below ground biomass of stand have not been observed in this study. Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2005, 25(12): 3,146–3,154 [译自: 生态学报]