Organic matter in density fractions of water-stable aggregates in silty soils: Effect of land use

The location of soil organic matter (SOM) within the soil matrix is considered a major factor determining its turnover, but quantitative information about the effects of land cover and land use on the distribution of SOM at the soil aggregate level is rare. We analyzed the effect of land cover/land use (spruce forest, grassland, wheat and maize) on the distribution of free particulate organic matter (POM) with a density <1.6 g cm⁻³ (free POM_<1.6), occluded particulate organic matter with densities <1.6 g cm⁻³ (occluded POM_<1.6) and 1.6-2.0 g cm⁻³ (occluded POM_1.6-2.0) and mineral-associated SOM (>2.0 g cm⁻³) in size classes of slaking-resistant aggregates (53-250, 250-1000, 1000-2000, >2000 μm) and in the sieve fraction <53 μm from silty soils by applying a combined aggregate size and density fractionation procedure. We also determined the turnover time of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions at the aggregate level in the soil of the maize site using the ¹³C/¹²C isotope ratio. SOM contents were higher in the grassland soil aggregates than in those of the arable soils mainly because of greater contents of mineral-associated SOM. The contribution of occluded POM to total SOC in the A horizon aggregates was greater in the spruce soil (23-44%) than in the grassland (11%) and arable soils (19%). The mass and carbon content of both the free and occluded POM fractions were greater in the forest soil than in the grassland and arable soils. In all soils, the C/N ratios of soil fractions within each aggregate size class decreased in the following order: free POM_<1.6>occluded POM_<1.6-2.0>mineral-associated SOM. The mean age of SOC associated with the <53 μm mineral fraction of water-stable aggregates in the Ap horizon of the maize site varied between 63 and 69 yr in aggregates >250 μm, 76 yr in the 53-250 μm aggregate class, and 102 yr in the sieve fraction <53 μm. The mean age of SOC in the occluded POM increased with decreasing aggregate size from 20 to 30 yr in aggregates >1000 μm to 66 yr in aggregates <53 μm. Free POM had the most rapid rates of C-turnover, with residence times ranging from 10 yr in the fraction >2000 μm to 42 yr in the fraction 53-250 μm. Results indicated that SOM in slaking-resistant aggregates was not a homogeneous pool, but consisted of size/density fractions exhibiting different composition and stability. The properties of these fractions were influenced by the aggregate size. Land cover/land use were important factors controlling the amount and composition of SOM fractions at the aggregate level.     

不同施肥措施及复垦年限下土壤团聚体的大小分布及其稳定性

土壤团聚体的数量和质量直接影响着土壤性质和有机碳固存。研究长期不同施肥措施及复垦年限对采煤塌陷区土壤团聚体的重量分布比例及其稳定性的影响,为该区域的农业生产和土壤质量提升提供科学依据。采集复垦6年和11年定位试验不同施肥处理耕层土样,选取不施肥(CK)、平衡施氮磷钾肥(NPK)、单施有机肥(M)、有机无机肥配施(MNPK)4个处理,利用干筛法和湿筛法获得4种粒径的团聚体/粉黏粒组分(> 2 mm、0.25-2 mm、0.053-0.25 mm和< 0.053 mm),用> 0.25 mm团聚体含量(R_0.25)、平均重量直径(MWD)、团聚体破坏率(PAD)和土壤不稳定团粒指数(E_LT)表示团聚体的稳定性,并测定了土壤有机碳含量。结果表明：复垦年限对土壤团聚体的含量及稳定性影响产生了显著影响。干筛条件下,复垦6年和11年均显著降低了各处理0.053-0.25 mm团聚体和< 0.053 mm组分的含量,降幅分别为68.39%-87.37%、69.63%-78.32%(6年)和90.01%-93.68%、78.29%-83.93%(11年);湿筛条件下,复垦11年显著提高了各处理> 2 mm团聚体的含量,增幅达473.35%-645.16%,但是显著降低了0.053-0.25 mm团聚体的含量,降幅为43.67%-57.54%。土壤团聚体的稳定性也随着复垦年限的增加而逐渐增强,表现为DR_0.25、WR_0.25和MWD值呈增加趋势,而PAD和E_LT值呈降低趋势。土壤有机碳含量与DR_0.25、WR_0.25、MWD_水稳性呈极显著正相关关系,而它与PAD和E_LT呈极显著负相关关系。本研究表明,该区域连续复垦11年提高了土壤大团聚体的含量而伴随着微团聚体含量的显著减少,导致土壤结构越来越稳定。它对提高采煤塌陷区复垦土壤肥力、改善土壤结构效果最佳。     

Assessing Impacts of Crested Wheatgrass AND Native Species Establishment on Soil Characteristics in Reclaimed LAND Using Bayesian Posterior Predictive Distributions

We examined the interacting effects of drastic disturbance and re‐vegetation communities on the development of soil properties over time. We compared soil characteristics from an undisturbed reference site with reclaimed mine sites that differed by vegetation type and time since reclamation: Three sites were seeded solely with crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) (11, 16, and 29 years old), and two were seeded with native cool‐season grass mixes (14 and 26 years old). We sampled soil at two depths (0–5 and 5–15 cm) for soil macroaggregate and microaggregate weights, aggregate carbon to nitrogen (C : N) ratios, and microbial abundance. We employed a Bayesian bivariate model to account for potential correlations in soil properties across depths and compared soil properties across sites using posterior predictive distributions. We found that all reclaimed soils, regardless of vegetation type, had total aggregate weights that were similar to the undisturbed reference soil but had a larger proportion of macroaggregates than the reference soil. Aggregate C : N ratios were similar between the undisturbed reference and crested wheatgrass soils, while the reclaimed native cool‐season grass soils had lower C : N ratios in the top 5 cm. Total microbial abundance in soils seeded with crested wheatgrass was an order of magnitude lower than that in soils occupied by native species (both reclaimed and undisturbed). The presence of crested wheatgrass on the reclaimed sites alone did not differentiate all soil properties across our reclamation sites, but seeding this single, aggressive species may have contributed to maintaining different belowground characteristics on reclaimed soils. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Soil aggregation and organic carbon in short-term stockpiles

Surface mining is known to drastically reduce soil organic carbon (OC) pools through various mechanisms associated with topsoil salvage, stockpiling and respreading. Stockpiling is an important management practice; however, the effects of this practice on reductions and recovery of soil aggregation and aggregate OC are poorly understood. Objectives of this research were to monitor soil aggregation and aggregate OC in the surface of a short‐term stockpile (<3 yr) followed by a second movement of stockpiled soils to a temporary location. Samples were analysed for aggregate size distribution, aggregate fractions, OC, and organic matter turnover using ¹³C natural abundance. Macroaggregate proportions increased and microaggregate proportions decreased after 3 yr of storage, possibly indicating recovery of soil structure. Following the removal of the stockpile and placement in a temporary pile, macroaggregation decreased and free silt and clay fractions increased relative to initially stockpiled soils. The second disturbance resulted in greater destruction of aggregate structure than the initial disturbance during topsoil salvage. Aggregate organic matter (as indicated by OC) increased significantly between the early sampling of the stockpiled soils (<1 yr in storage) and the placement of the topsoil in a temporary pile in macroaggregates and remained the same for microaggregates. Organic matter not protected within aggregates decreased with storage time as this material was available for utilization by microbes while aggregate protected organic matter (OM) remained unchanged or slightly increased for macro‐ and microaggregates with stockpile storage time. Aggregate δ¹³C values did not indicate inclusion of new OM within soil aggregates after 3 yr of topsoil stockpiling. Short‐term stockpiling was beneficial for aggregation in the surface layers where plant roots and microbial communities were active; however, subsequent movement of the topsoil resulted in a greater loss of soil aggregation relative to the initial topsoil salvage without impacting soil OC.     

Aggregate Recovery in Reclaimed Coal Mine Soils of SW Virginia

Sustainability of mined‐land reclamation is of growing importance, with over 600,000 ha of the Appalachian coal region disturbed since 1977. Long‐term evaluation of soil under various reclamation strategies is also important. Aggregation and organic matter (OM) influence both soil structure and function and can be of use in evaluating reclaimed systems. The objective of this study was to examine these two parameters in a long‐term experiment (27 years) where various types (control‐CON, topsoil‐TS, sawdust‐SD and biosolids‐BS) and rates of soil amendments (biosolids: BS‐22, BS‐56, BS‐112 and BS‐224 Mg ha⁻¹) have been applied. Macroaggregates (>250 µm) comprised >95% of total aggregation across all treatments, indicating the importance of this size class for soil development. Macroaggregate carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools contributed more to stabilization of OM in these soils than microaggregate pools. All BS treatments contained higher concentrations of aggregate C (96·8–127 g C kg⁻¹ aggregate) and N (6·80–8·22 g N kg⁻¹ aggregate) relative to CON; however, mass of C and N did not vary among application rates. Though few differences were expressed in C and N pool sizes among treatments, there was some indication that amendments impact reclaimed sites early in soil development (~ < 10 years), while vegetation may exert more dominance in subsequent years. It is important to select appropriate management strategies to favor not only the establishment of desirable vegetation but also preservation of soil macroaggregate structure to improve long‐term nutrient supply, physical soil properties and potential C‐sequestration in reclaimed soils. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

林地开垦对黄土区坡面土壤养分空间分布的影响

研究黄土高原侵蚀环境下林地开垦后坡面土壤养分空间分布状况,确立林地开垦后侵蚀驱动的坡地土壤养分空间变异特征。以黄土高原丘陵区子午岭林地和开垦28年的侵蚀坡面为研究对象,分析土壤主要性质和养分含量的变化情况,运用经典统计学和地统计法分析坡面土壤基本性质和养分空间分布规律。林地开垦后坡面土壤pH增加了0.24个单位,有机质、全氮、全磷和铵态氮、硝态氮、速效磷和速效钾分别降低了13.77,1.14,0.10 g/kg和6.05,1.63,4.99,58.44 mg/kg。林地的土壤有机质、全氮和全磷的变异系数大于开垦地,而pH和各速效养分的变异系数小于开垦地。开垦后中坡位和下坡位养分含量减少幅度较大,上坡位减少幅度较小。林地和开垦地的土壤各指标都呈中等或强烈的空间自相关。林地开垦增强了有机质、全氮、全磷、铵态氮、速效磷和速效钾的空间异质性,但减小了pH的空间异质性,地形等结构性因子主导了土壤养分空间异质性的形成。林地开垦后,pH、有机质、全氮和全磷变程增大,铵态氮、硝态氮和速效钾变程减小,速效磷在2个坡面上的变化趋势不一致。研究结果表明林地开垦极大地减少了坡面土壤养分含量,但减少幅度与坡位和坡面形态有关。同时,开垦增大了坡面土壤有机质、全氮和全磷的空间依赖性,减小了速效养分的空间依赖性。     

围垦对杭州湾南岸滨海湿地土壤养分分布的影响

在杭州湾南岸典型滨海湿地以空间代时间的方法,采集不同围垦年代的自然湿地土壤和围垦后利用土壤,研究了湿地土壤有机质、N和P的空间分布规律及围垦利用对养分空间分布的影响。结果表明,随围垦时间的增加,土壤表层全P含量表现为增加的趋势,围垦5年、25年和50年土壤全P含量比未围垦光滩分别增加12%、25%和76%;土壤有机质则表现为先降低后增加趋势,围垦5年和围垦25年土壤有机质相比未围垦光滩分别减少14%和50%,围垦50年则比未围垦光滩增加87%;土壤全N的分布趋势和有机质基本一致。对养分剖面分布的分析表明,围垦及其利用等人为干扰活动对养分的影响主要集中于土壤表层。相关性分析显示,土壤中全N含量与有机质含量呈现出显著的正相关,说明在土壤中N主要是以有机N的形态存在,而全P含量与有机质含量的关系不显著。土壤颗粒组成与土壤中有机质、N素等养分含量有较为明显的关系,有机质、全N与物理性黏粒(<0.01mm)的各组分都表现为显著或极显著正相关;土壤中P素与土壤质地的关系则并不是很密切。研究表明,围垦及其利用引起的土壤水分和质地等物理性质的变化以及不同围垦历史是影响湿地土壤养分空间分布的主要因素。     

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.     

不同土地利用方式对岷江流域土壤团聚体稳定性及有机碳的影响

采用湿筛法测量了岷江流域不同土地利用方式下不同土层（0—10,10—20,20—30 cm）土壤大团聚体（> 2 mm）、中间团聚体（0.25~2 mm）、微团聚体（53 μm~0.25 mm）以及粉+黏团聚体（<53 μm）的质量分数及各粒径团聚体中的有机碳含量,并探讨了各粒径土壤团聚体的有机碳储量。结果表明,土地利用方式对土壤团聚体稳定性及其有机碳具有重要影响;土壤养分均呈现出一致性规律,大致表现为撂荒地 > 次生林 > 人工林 > 灌草丛 > 坡耕地,土壤全磷差异并不显著（p>0.05）;林地的开垦行为会导致大团聚体的破碎化,灌草丛及坡耕地>0.25 mm的大团聚体含量较林地低,土壤结构趋于恶化;而坡耕地闲置为撂荒地后,则会促使粉+黏团聚体向粒径大的微团聚体及中间团聚体转化,使土壤结构趋于改善,在0—30 cm土层内,灌草丛及坡耕地土壤颗粒的MWD（平均质量直径）和GMD（几何平均直径）值均显著低于林地和撂荒地（p<0.05）,坡耕地撂荒后,MWD和GMD值均显著升高（p<0.05）,表明林地开垦为坡耕地导致土壤团聚体的稳定性降低,而坡耕地弃耕撂荒会增强团聚体的稳定性,提高土壤抵抗外力破坏的能力。不同土地利用方式下各粒径土壤团聚体有机碳含量均随土层深度的增加而降低。在0—30 cm土层深度内,不同土地利用方式下各粒径土壤团聚体有机碳储量表现为:大团聚体有机碳储量为林地 > 撂荒地 > 灌草丛 > 坡耕地,中间团聚体有机碳储量为撂荒地 > 林地 > 灌草丛 > 坡耕地,微团聚体有机碳储量为撂荒地 > 林地 > 灌草丛 > 坡耕地;粉+黏团聚体有机碳储量为撂荒地 > 林地 > 灌草丛 > 坡耕地。各粒径土壤团聚体内有机碳储量均为林地和撂荒地高于果园和坡耕地,表明将林地开垦为坡耕地后,将导致各团聚体组分内有机碳的损失,而坡耕地撂荒则有助于土壤有机碳的恢复和截存;林地和撂荒地土壤有机碳主要蓄积在中间团聚体内,而坡耕地则主要蓄积在粉+黏团聚体内,表明在土地利用变化过程中,粒径较大的团聚体有机碳不稳定,更容易发生变化。     

不同施肥措施及施肥年限下土壤团聚体的大小分布及其稳定性

土壤团聚体的数量和质量直接影响着土壤性质和有机碳固存。研究不同施肥措施及施肥年限对采煤塌陷区复垦土壤团聚体的重量分布比例及其稳定性的影响,可为该区农业生产和土壤质量提升提供科学依据。采集复垦6,11年定位试验不同施肥处理耕层(0—20 cm)土样,选取不施肥(CK)、平衡施氮磷钾化肥(NPK)、单施有机肥(M)、有机无机肥配施(MNPK)4个处理,利用干筛法和湿筛法获得4种粒径的团聚体/粉黏粒组分(>2,0.25~2,0.053~0.25,<0.053 mm),用>0.25 mm团聚体的含量(R0.25)、平均重量直径(MWD)、团聚体破坏率(PAD)和土壤不稳定团粒指数(ELT)表示团聚体的稳定性,同时测定土壤有机碳含量。结果表明:施肥年限较施肥措施对土壤团聚体的含量及稳定性产生了更显著的影响。干筛条件下,施肥6,11年均显著降低了各处理0.053~0.25 mm团聚体和<0.053 mm组分的含量,降幅分别为68.39%~87.37%,69.63%~78.32%(6年)和90.01%~93.68%,78.29%~83.93%(11年);湿筛条件下,施肥11年显著提高了各处理>2 mm团聚体的含量,增幅达473.35%~645.16%,但是显著降低了0.053~0.25 mm团聚体的含量,降幅为43.67%~57.54%。土壤团聚体的稳定性也随着施肥年限的增加而逐渐增强,表现为DR0.25、WR0.25和MWD值呈增加趋势,而PAD和ELT值呈降低趋势。土壤有机碳含量与DR0.25、WR0.25、MWD水稳性呈极显著正相关关系,而与PAD和ELT呈极显著负相关关系。本研究表明,该区域连续培肥11年提高了土壤大团聚体的含量而伴随着微团聚体含量的显著减少,导致土壤结构越来越稳定。这对于提高采煤塌陷区复垦土壤肥力、改善土壤结构产生了良好的效果。     

Distribution of two C cycle enzymes in soil aggregates of a prairie chronosequence

Knowledge of the cycling and compartmentalization of soil C that influence C storage may lead to the development of strategies to increase soil C storage potentials. The objective of this study was to use soil hydrolases and soil aggregate fractionation to explore the relationship between C cycling activity and soil aggregate structure. The prairie chronosequence soils were native prairie (NP) and agricultural (AG) and tallgrass prairies restored from agriculture in 1979 (RP-79) and 1993 (RP-93). Assays for -glucosidase (E.C. 3.2.1.21) and N-acetyl--glucosaminidase (NAGase, EC 3.2.1.30) activities were conducted on four aggregate size fractions (>2 mm, 1–2 mm, 250 m–1 mm, and 2–250 m) from each soil. There were significantly greater amounts of >2-mm aggregates in the RP-79 and RP-93 soils compared to the NP and AG soils due to rapid C accumulation from native plant establishment. Activities for both enzymes (g PNP g^–1 soil h^–1) were greatest in the microaggregate (2–250 m) compared to the macroaggregate (>2 mm) fraction; however, microaggregates are a small proportion of each soil (<12%) compared to the macroaggregates (75%). The RP soils have a hierarchical aggregate system with most of the enzyme activity in the largest aggregate fractions. The NP and AG soils show no hierarchical structure based on aggregate C accretion and significant C enzyme activity in smaller aggregates. The distribution of enzyme activity may play a role in the storage of C whereby the aggrading restored soils may be more susceptible to C loss during turnover of macroaggregates compared to the AG and NP soils with less macroaggregates.     

Organic matter mineralization in different soil aggregate fractions

The mineralization rate of the organic matter (OM) in the aggregate fractions of a gray forest soil separated by repeated sieving through sieves with different mesh sizes was assessed. The samples of the soil aggregate fractions were incubated for 141 days under constant temperature and moisture, and the C-CO₂ emission rate was measured. The mineralizable OM pool in the aggregates of <0.25, 1–0.25, and 3–1 mm in size from the soil under a forest contained easily (C₁, k ₁ > 0.1 days⁻¹), moderately (C₂, k ₂ > 0.01 days⁻¹), and difficultly (C₃, k ₃ > 0.001 days⁻¹) mineralized compounds; the C₁ and C₂ components were present in the coarser aggregates. In the arable soil, the C₁, C₂, and C₃ OM components were separated in the aggregates of <0.25 and 1–0.25 mm; the C₁ and C₃ were separated in the aggregates of 3–1 and 5–3 mm; and the C₁ and C₂ were separated in the coarsest (10–5 mm) aggregates. The highest content of potentially mineralized OM (C₀) occurred in the aggregates of 1–0.25 and 3–1 mm, but the size of the mineralizable OM pool was more dependent on the portion of the aggregate fraction in the soil than on the absolute C₀ content in the fraction. It was shown that the decrease in the share of coarse structural aggregates is accompanied by a depletion of potentially mineralized OM in the arable soil, and the formation of coarse aggregates is an important condition of the soil carbon sequestration.     

Post-reclamation Age Effects on Soil Physical Properties and Microbial Activity Under Forest and Pasture Ecosystems

During surface mining and subsequent reclamation efforts, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils are disturbed. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of age chronosequence on soil physical property and microbial activity in chronosequence reclaimed sites covering successional ages in the ranges 1, 4, 8, 11, and 13 years under forest and pasture ecosystems. The adjacent normal and unmined pasture and forest were used as a control for comparison purposes. The study site was located at the Red Hill Mine in east central Mississippi (approximately 33.3 N latitude and 89 W longitude), which is used by the North America Mining Company, LLC. Soil samples were collected from the reclaimed and unmined sites at 0–15- and 15–30-cm depth and analyzed for selected soil quality indicators. Results indicated that water stable aggregate and infiltration were increased, but soil bulk density and compaction decreased with increasing reclamation age. Soil penetration resistance was greater in the pasture than forest ecosystem. All reclaimed soils had less microbial enzyme activity than an unmined forest ecosystem; however, bacteria population level after 11 years since reclamation was similar to that of unmined forest soils. Soil organic carbon increased with increasing reclamation age strongly correlated with soil physical indicators and appears to be the main driving force during the development of soil physical and biological properties in the humid southeast.     

改良剂施用对矿区复垦土壤水稳性团聚体及有机碳组分的影响

  目的  探究施用不同种类和数量改良剂对矿区复垦土壤水稳性团聚体和有机碳的影响。  方法  在山西省古交市屯兰煤矿复垦6年的地块上设置随机区组试验,在0 ~ 20 cm土层按土壤重量的1%、3%、5%分别施用腐殖酸和泥炭两种改良剂,于施用后1年和2年时两次取样测定0 ~ 20 cm土壤团聚体组成、有机碳含量及其组分,对不同种类和数量改良剂的改良效果进行评价。  结果  施用腐殖酸、泥炭后1年时各处理土壤 > 2 mm水稳性团聚体质量分数均高于对照,增幅为1.53% ~ 62.27%,且土壤水稳性团聚体均以大团聚体（> 0.25 mm）为主;施用改良剂后2年时各处理土壤水稳性大团聚体含量降低,降幅为1.73% ~ 11.35%,土壤团聚体以 < 0.053 mm粒级的团聚体为主。施用改良剂后腐殖酸处理的土壤有机碳储量、固碳量和固碳速率呈先增加后减少的趋势,泥炭处理随泥炭施用量的增加而增加。施用改良剂后土壤 > 2 mm粒级团聚体质量分数与土壤有机碳储量呈显著正相关。施用改良剂能增加复垦土壤矿物结合态有机碳含量,且施用腐殖酸处理的含量高于泥炭处理。施用改良剂后2年时与1年相比,复垦土壤颗粒态有机碳含量呈增长的趋势,土壤铁铝键结合态有机碳含量则呈降低趋势。施用腐殖酸、泥炭可增加复垦土壤羧酸、醇类等官能团含量,显著增加土壤中多糖物质的含量。  结论  在矿区复垦土壤上施用腐殖酸、泥炭可显著增加土壤大团聚体数量,提高土壤有机碳、矿物结合态有机碳和颗粒态有机碳含量及土壤固碳量;随腐殖酸、泥炭施用量增加,土壤固碳速率增加、固碳效率减小;复垦区土壤改良需逐年施用腐殖酸、泥炭等改良剂,才能获得稳定的改良效果。     

Glucose additions to aggregates subjected to drying/wetting cycles promote carbon sequestration and aggregate stability

Biogeochemical mechanisms at microscale regions within soil macroaggregates strengthen aggregates during repeated DW cycles. Knowledge of additional biogeochemical processes that promote the movement of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) into and throughout soil aggregates and soil aggregate stabilization are essential before we can more accurately predict maximum carbon (C) sequestration by soils subjected to best management practices. We investigated the spatial distribution of ¹³C-glucose supplied to individual soil macroaggregate surfaces and subjected to multiple drying and wetting (DW) cycles. Subsequent distribution of added glucose-C, CO₂ respiration, increased microbial community activity and concomitant changes in soil aggregate stabilization were monitored. Moist macroaggregates were treated with no DW cycles and zero glucose C (Control), 5 DW cycles and zero glucose (DW0G), and 5 DW cycles with additions of 250 μg glucose-¹³C/g soil during each cycle (DW+G). Repeated additions of glucose-C to aggregate surfaces reduced the mineralization of pre-existing soil C by an average of 45% and established concentric gradients of glucose-derived C. It is concluded these increasing gradients promoted the diffusion of soluble C into interior regions and became less available to microbial respiration. Spatial gradients of glucose-derived C within aggregates influenced a shift in the abundance of unique ribotypes spatially distributed within aggregates. Rapid decreases in the mineralization rates of glucose-C during repeated DW cycles suggested greater C sequestration by either physical restriction of microbes or chemical sorption of new C that diffused into aggregates. Aggregate stability decreased significantly following 2-3 DW cycles, when glucose-C was not added. Additions of glucose-C with each DW cycle maintained soil aggregate stability equal to the moist but not cycled control throughout the 5 DW cycles of this study. These data simulate the strengthening of soil aggregates in no tillage agroecosystems which provides continuous additions of DOC compounds generated by decomposing plant residues on the soil surface, and root exudates and decomposition, as well as the mineralization of POM materials within nondisturbed soil profiles.     

生物炭对豫西丘陵区农田土壤团聚体稳定性及碳、氮分布的影响

为研究生物炭对豫西丘陵地区农田土壤团聚体分布、稳定性及其碳、氮在团聚体中分布的影响,进一步探明生物炭对丘陵区农田土壤结构和养分的长期作用效果。采用田间长期定位试验,生物炭用量为0(C0),20(C20),40(C40)t/hm~2 3个处理,研究生物炭施用5年后对土壤团聚体组成及稳定性的影响,探究土壤团聚体中有机碳和全氮分布特性。结果表明:施加20,40 t/hm~2生物炭可提高0—20,20—40 cm土层的机械性0.5 mm以上粒级和水稳性0.053 mm以上粒级团聚体含量。在0—20 cm土层中,C20和C40处理下0.25 mm的机械性团聚体(DR_(0.25))分别较对照增加3.78%和6.83%,0.25 mm水稳性团聚体(WR_(0.25))分别较对照增加31.0%和49.45%,土壤不稳定团粒指数(E_(LT))分别较对照降低4.30%和6.85%,土壤团聚体破坏率(PAD)分别较对照降低9.71%和14.77%,土壤团聚体平均质量直径(MWD)分别较对照增加28.44%和45.34%,几何平均直径(GMD)分别较对照增加32.04%和54.92%。各粒级的有机碳和全氮含量随生物炭施用量的增加而增加,有机碳和全氮含量都以0.25～0.053 mm粒级最高,且0—20 cm土层的有机碳和全氮含量高于20—40 cm土层的有机碳和全氮含量;随着生物炭施用量的增加,2,2～0.25,0.25～0.053 mm粒级团聚体有机碳和全氮贡献率随之增加,而0.053 mm粒级微团聚体有机碳和全氮贡献率随之降低。总体来说,生物炭能够改善豫西丘陵地区农田土壤的团聚体结构,增加土壤大团聚体的含量,增强团聚体的稳定性,提高土壤团聚体中碳、氮含量,有利于豫西地区农田土壤肥力的保持和持续健康发展。     

Long-term tillage effects on the distribution patterns of microbial biomass and activities within soil aggregates

The effects of tillage on the interaction between soil structure and microbial biomass vary spatially and temporally for different soil types and cropping systems. We assessed the relationship between soil structure induced by tillage and soil microbial activity at the level of soil aggregates. To this aim, organic C (OC), microbial biomass C (MBC) and soil respiration were measured in water-stable aggregates (WSA) of different sizes from a subtropical rice soil under two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) and a combination of ridge with no-tillage (RNT). Soil (0–20 cm) was fractionated into six different aggregate sizes (> 4.76, 4.76–2.0, 2.0–1.0, 1.0–0.25, 0.25–0.053, and < 0.053 mm in diameter). Soil OC, MBC, respiration rate, and metabolic quotient were heterogeneously distributed among soil aggregates while the patterns of aggregate-size distribution were similar among properties, regardless of tillage system. The content of OC within WSA followed the sequence: medium-aggregates (1.0–0.25 mm and 1.0–2.0 mm) > macro-aggregates (4.76–2.0 mm) > micro-aggregates (0.25–0.053 mm) > large aggregates (> 4.76 mm) > silt + clay fractions (< 0.053 mm). The highest levels of MBC were associated with the 1.0–2.0 mm aggregate size class. Significant differences in respiration rates were also observed among different sizes of WSA, and the highest respiration rate was associated with 1.0–2.0 mm aggregates. The C_mic/C_org was greatest for the large-macroaggregates regardless of tillage regimes. This ratio decreased with aggregate size to 1.0–0.25 mm. Soil metabolic quotient (qCO₂) ranged from 3.6 to 17.7 mg CO₂ g^− 1 MBC h^− 1. The distribution pattern of soil microbial biomass and activity was governed by aggregate size, whereas the tillage effect was not significant at the aggregate scale. Tillage regimes that contribute to greater aggregation, such as RNT, also improved soil microbial activity. Soil OC, MBC and respiration rate were at their highest levels for 1.0–2.0 mm aggregates, suggesting a higher biological activity at this aggregate size for the present ecosystem.     

Humus accumulation, humification, and humic acid composition in soils of two post-mining chronosequences after coal mining

Purpose

To assess how the rates of humus formation and humification are affected by land use and age of ecosystems, this study investigated soil development in two post-mining chronosequences (spoil heaps formed from open-cast coal mining near Sokolov, Czech Republic). The following characteristics were measured: content, composition, and properties of humic acids; organic carbon (C) and total nitrogen (N) contents; pH; and amorphous iron content.

Materials and methods

Two chronosequences were studied. One consisted of unreclaimed spontaneously revegetated spoils (3, 12, 20, and 40 years old). The other consisted of heaps that were reclaimed by planting alder in graded heaps (7, 15, 20, 30, and 40 years old). Humus and iron contents as well as pH were determined, and humic acids were extracted for detailed chemical analyses (C, H, N, ¹³C-NMR, and pyrolysis mass-spectrometry).

Results and discussion

C and N accumulated faster in the reclaimed sites than in the unreclaimed sites; organic matter accumulation results in the decrease of pH in all soils and in spontaneous sites also increase of amorphous iron content. Humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) increased with the site age in both chronosequences. The CHA/CFA was higher in the reclaimed soils than in the unreclaimed soils, and the CHA/CFA ratio increased with age in the unreclaimed soils. Humic acid aromaticity was higher in the reclaimed site than in the unreclaimed sites but increased with the age of unreclaimed sites. H and O content decreased with age of reclaimed soils. Humification led to an increase in HA caloricity in the reclaimed sites but not in unreclaimed sites because of the influence of residual wax-type substances in the unreclaimed sites. Degree of HA oxidation (ω) for the reclaimed plots was similar to that in typical zonal soils but was highly variable in unreclaimed soils.

Conclusions

Relative to spontaneous revegetation in the unreclaimed sites, reclamation increased the rates of humus accumulation, humification, and humus acid transformations. The differences between reclaimed and unreclaimed sites, however, decreased with site age and were very small in 40-year-old sites. These differences correspond to the rapid colonization of the reclaimed sites and the slow colonization of the unreclaimed sites by soil biota.     

Soil carbon pools of reclaimed minesoils under grass and forest landuses

Minesoils are characterized by low soil organic matter and poor soil physicochemical environment. Mine soil reclamation process has potential to restore soil fertility and sequester carbon (C) over time. Soil organic C (SOC) pool and associated soil properties were determined for reclaimed minesoils under grass and forest landuses of varied establishment year. Three grassland sites of 30, 9, and 1 years after reclamation (G30, G9, and G1) and two forest sites, 11 years after reclamation (RF) and undisturbed stand of 40 years (UF), were selected within four counties (Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Coshocton) of southeastern Ohio. Soil bulk density (BD) of reclaimed forest (RF) soil was significantly higher than undisturbed forest (UF) soils within 10–40 cm soil depth profile. Reclamation process increased soil pH from slightly acidic to alkaline and decreased the soil EC in both landuses. Among grassland soils, significant changes in SOC and total soil N contents were observed within 0–10 cm soil depth. SOC contents of G30 (29.7 Mg ha⁻¹) and G9 (29.5 Mg ha⁻¹) were significantly higher than G1 soils (9.11 Mg ha⁻¹). Soil N content was increased from G1 (0.95 Mg ha⁻¹) to G9 (2.00 Mg ha⁻¹) site and then the highest value was found under G30 (3.25 Mg ha⁻¹) site within 0–10 cm soil depth. UF soils had significantly higher SOC and total N content than RF soils at 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depths. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

C and N turnover in structurally intact soils of different texture

The turnover of native and applied C and N in undisturbed soil samples of different texture but similar mineralogical composition, origin and cropping history was evaluated at −10 kPa water potential. Cores of structurally intact soil with 108, 224 and 337 g clay kg⁻¹ were horizontially sliced and ¹⁵N-labelled sheep faeces was placed between the two halves of the intact core. The cores together with unamended treatments were incubated in the dark at 20 °C and the evolution of CO₂-C determined continuously for 177 d. Inorganic and microbial biomass N and ¹⁵N were determined periodically. Net nitrification was less in soil amended with faeces compared with unamended soil. When adjusted for the NO₃-N present in soil before faeces was applied, net nitrification became negative indicating that NO₃-N had been immobilized or denitrified. The soil most rich in clay nitrified least N and ¹⁵N. The amounts of N retained in the microbial biomass in unamended soils increased with clay content. A maximum of 13% of the faeces ¹⁵N was recovered in the microbial biomass in the amended soils. CO₂-C evolution increased with clay content in amended and unamended soils. CO₂-C evolution from the most sandy soil was reduced due to a low content of potentially mineralizable native soil C whereas the rate constant of C mineralization rate peaked in this soil. When the pool of potentially mineralizable native soil C was assumed proportional to volumetric water content, the three soils contained similar proportions of potentially mineralizable native soil C but the rate constant of C mineralization remained highest in the soil with least clay. Thus although a similar availability of water in the three soils was ensured by their identical matric potential, the actual volume of water seemed to determine the proportion of total C that was potentially mineralizable. The proportion of mineralizable C in the faeces was similar in the three soils (70% of total C), again with a higher rate constant of C mineralization in the soil with least clay. It is hypothesized that the pool of potentially mineralizable C and C rate constants fluctuate with the soil water content.