Autotrophic nitrification in a fertilized acid heath soil

The nature of nitrification in fertilized, acid heath soils was studied. Autotrophic ammoniumand nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were enumerated in non-fertilized and fertilized heath soils. Ammoniumoxidizing bacteria were not detected in the non-fertilized soils, whereas nitrite-oxidizing bacteria were only found in the organic layer. Enrichment of acid heath soils with NPK fertilizer increased the number of autotrophic ammonium- and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in the organic (F + H) layer as well as in the upper part of the mineral (Ah) layer, although the pH of the soil hardly changed with fertilization. In soil suspensions of the upper mineral layer of fertilized heath soils, nitrification was shown to be autotrophic as nitrification was completely inhibited by the addition of nitrapyrin under both neutral and acid conditions. Stimulation of nitrification by addition of peptone appeared to be due to the increase in pH caused by ammonification of peptone. Under acid conditions, nitrification seemed to be coupled with net nitrogen mineralization. The possible influence of vegetation on nitrification is discussed.     

The influence of two agricultural biostimulants on nitrogen transformations, microbial activity, and plant growth in soil microcosms

The influence of two experimental soil treatments, Z93 and W91, on nitrogen transformations, microbial activity and plant growth was investigated in soil microcosms. These compounds are commercially marketed fermentation products (Agspectrum) that are sold to be added to field soils in small amounts to promote nitrogen and other nutrient uptake by crops in USA. In laboratory microcosm experiments, soils were amended with finely ground alfalfa-leaves or wheat straw, or left unamended, in an attempt to alter patterns of soil nitrogen mineralization and immobilization. Soils were treated in the microcosms with Z93 and W91 at rates equivalent to the recommended field application rates, that range from 0.2 to 1.1 l ha⁻¹, (0.005-0.03 μl g⁻¹ soil). We measured their effects on soil microbial activity (substrate-induced respiration (SIR), dehydrogenase activity (DHA) and acid phosphatase activity (PHOS)), soil nitrogen pools (microbial biomass N, mineral N, dissolved organic N), and transformations (net N mineralization and nitrification, ¹⁵N dilution of the mineral N pool, and accumulation of mineral N on ion-exchange resins), and on wheat plant germination and growth (shoot and root biomass, shoot length, N uptake and ¹⁵N enrichment of shoot tissues), for up to 56 days after treatment. To follow the movement of nitrogen from inorganic fertilizer into plant biomass we used a ¹⁵N isotopic tracer. Most of the soil and plant responses to treatment with Z93 or W91 differed according to the type of organic amendment that was used. Soil treatment with either Z93 or W91 influenced phosphatase activity strongly but did not have much effect on SIR or DHA. Both chemicals altered the rates of decomposition and mineralization of organic materials in the soil, which was evidenced by significant increases in the rates of the decomposition of buried wheat straw, and by the acceleration of net, rates of N mineralization, relative to those of the controls. Soil nitrate availability increased at the end of the experiment in response to both chemical treatments. In alfalfa-amended soils, the final plant biomass was decreased significantly by treatment with W91. Increased plant growth and N-use efficiency in straw-amended soil, resulting from treatments with Z93 or W91, was linked to increased rates of N mineralization from indigenous soil organic materials. This supports the marketing of these compounds as promoters of N uptake at these low dosage inputs.     

Biological nitrification inhibition by Brachiaria humidicola roots varies with soil type and inhibits nitrifying bacteria, but not other major soil microorganisms

The tropical pasture grass Brachiaria humidiola (Rendle) Schweick releases nitrification inhibitory compounds from its roots, a phenomenon termed 'biological nitrification inhibition' (BNI). We investigated the influence of root exudates of B. humidicola on nitrification, major soil microorganisms and plant growth promoting microorganisms using two contrasting soil types, Andosol and Cambisol. The addition of root exudates (containing BNI activity that is expressed in Allylthiourea unit (ATU) was standardized in a bioassay against a synthetic inhibitor of nitrification, allylthiourea, and their function in soil was compared to inhibition caused by the synthetic nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide. At 30 and 40 ATU g⁻¹soil, root exudates inhibited nitrification by 95% in fresh Cambisol after 60 days. Nitrification was also similarly inhibited in rhizosphere soils of Cambisol where B. humidicola was grown for 6 months. Root exudates did not inhibit other soil microorganisms, including gram-negative bacteria, total cultivable bacteria and fluorescent pseudomonads. Root exudates, when added to pure cultures of Nitrosomonas europaea , inhibited their growth, but did not inhibit the growth of several plant growth promoting microorganisms, Azospirillum lipoferum , Rhizobium leguminosarum and Azotobacter chroococcum. Our results indicate that the nitrification inhibitors released by B. humidicola roots inhibited nitrifying bacteria, but did not negatively affect other major soil microorganisms and the effectiveness of the inhibitory effect varied with soil type.     

Effect of tebuthiuron on soil N mineralization and nitrification

Abstract

Herbicides have potential for economical and efficient site preparation following timber harvest. The effects of tebuthiu‐ron, one of the herbicides approved for this use, on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and nitrification were determined in laboratory incubations. Tebuthiuron was added at rates from 0 to 1000 μg g^‐1 to three soils. There was no effect of tebuthiuron additions of less than 1 μg g^‐1 on soil N mineralization and nitrification. Tebuthiuron reduced nitrification in all soils at 1000 μg g^‐1 and in two of the soils at 100 μg g^‐1 . All soils had increased net mineralization with tebuthiuron added at 100 and 1000 μg g^‐1. The addition of 50 μg NH⁺ ₄‐N and 1000 μg tebuthiuron g^‐1 resulted in increased net mineralization in the three soils. Nitrification was affected differently in each of the three soils by the addition of both NH⁺ ₄‐N and tebuthiuron. The added NH⁺ ₄‐N either removed the inhibition of nitrification by the herbicide or had no effect on the inhibition in two of the soils. In the third soil, nitrification was reduced by the addition of NH⁺ ₄‐N.

The presence of NO^‐ ₃‐N in these acid soils and the effects of added NH⁺ ₄‐N on NO^‐ ₃‐N production suggest that heterotrophic nitrification occurs in at least two of the soils. The findings of this study indicate that any effects of tebuthiuron on N mineralization and nitrification at the currently recommended application rates are likely to be transient and localized.     

硝化抑制剂和秸秆对潮棕壤碳氮转化和微生物群落特征的短期影响

氮是植物和微生物生长繁殖的必需营养元素,而氮矿化表征了土壤供氮能力。通过盆栽实验,采用同位素稀释法和磷脂脂肪酸(PLFA)法,研究了添加硝化抑制剂和秸秆条件下,潮棕壤碳氮矿化和微生物群落组成变化特征。结果表明,与施氮量N 0.1 g·kg~(-1)的单施氮肥处理(NF)相比,氮肥配施1%硝化抑制剂(NFI)的土壤铵态氮提高32%,而硝态氮降低53%。氮肥与施用量为5 g·kg~(-1)的秸秆配施(NS),土壤氮素总矿化速率增加36%,微生物生物量碳提高51%,β-葡萄糖苷酶活性提高36%,同时显著增加了土壤总PLFA以及细菌、真菌、真菌/细菌和革兰式阴性菌(P0.05),土壤呼吸熵降低50%。与氮肥配施秸秆处理(NS)相比,氮肥、秸秆和硝化抑制剂配施处理(NSI),土壤铵态氮提高33%,硝态氮下降47%。综上所述,氮肥和秸秆配施可以提高土壤微生物生物量,改变土壤微生物群落组成,配施1%(N)硝化抑制剂后降低土壤硝化速率,增加土壤供氮能力。     

Effects of soil moisture on gross N transformations and N2O emission in acid subtropical forest soils

Soil moisture changes, arising from seasonal variation or from global climate changes, could influence soil nitrogen (N) transformation rates and N availability in unfertilized subtropical forests. A ¹⁵?N dilution study was carried out to investigate the effects of soil moisture change (30–90 % water-holding capacity (WHC)) on potential gross N transformation rates and N₂O and NO emissions in two contrasting (broad-leaved vs. coniferous) subtropical forest soils. Gross N mineralization rates were more sensitive to soil moisture change than gross NH₄ ⁺ immobilization rates for both forest soils. Gross nitrification rates gradually increased with increasing soil moisture in both forest soils. Thus, enhanced N availability at higher soil moisture values was attributed to increasing gross N mineralization and nitrification rates over the immobilization rate. The natural N enrichment in humid subtropical forest soils may partially be due to fast N mineralization and nitrification under relatively higher soil moisture. In broad-leaved forest soil, the high N₂O and NO emissions occurred at 30 % WHC, while the reverse was true in coniferous forest soil. Therefore, we propose that there are different mechanisms regulating N₂O and NO emissions between broad-leaved and coniferous forest soils. In coniferous forest soil, nitrification may be the primary process responsible for N₂O and NO emissions, while in broad-leaved forest soil, N₂O and NO emissions may originate from the denitrification process.     

安太堡煤矿区不同复垦年限和复垦模式土壤氮矿化及硝化特征

为揭示煤矿复垦区土壤氮素内循环中的矿化及硝化特征,探索不同复垦模式与不同复垦年限下复垦土壤的氮素转化效率,采集山西安太堡露天煤矿中复垦3年、9年、21年苜蓿地及3年荞麦地表层（0~20 cm）土壤,并以3年自然恢复和未复垦新排土为对照,采用间歇淋洗好气培养法与恒温培养法研究各采样地土壤矿化与硝化过程,利用一级反应动力学模型与Logistic方程对有机氮素的矿化与硝化数据进行拟合。结果表明,3年苜蓿地的矿化速率最高,21年苜蓿地的矿化速率最低,且土壤氮素快速矿化主要在培养前7 d,之后逐渐平缓,并在28 d趋于稳定。经一级动力学方程拟合可知,氮矿化势（N_o）的变化范围为89.28~124.51 mg·kg^-1,21年苜蓿地 > 3年自然恢复地 > 3年苜蓿地 > 3年荞麦地 > 未复垦新排土 > 9年苜蓿地;矿化速率常数（k）的变化范围为0.022 6~0.051 9,3年苜蓿地 > 9年苜蓿地 > 未复垦新排土 > 3年自然恢复地 > 3年荞麦地 > 21年苜蓿地。氮矿化势与土壤有机质含量显著正相关（r=0.91）。复垦区各土壤随培养时间的延长硝态氮含量大致为"S"型曲线且可分为3个阶段：前期阶段（0~5 d）-上升阶段（5~14 d）-稳定阶段（14~28 d）;Logistic方程拟合结果显示：复垦年限显著影响硝化高峰出现的时间（不同复垦年限苜蓿地最大相差6.85 d）,21年苜蓿地硝化过程剧烈而短促,3年自然恢复地的硝化过程缓慢而漫长;耕地较草地有更大的硝化速率与更长的硝化时间。长期的种植苜蓿复垦显著提高了土壤的氮库容量,矿化过程更为平稳。     

Nitrogen and phosphorus transformations in the rhizospheres of three tree species in a nutrient-poor sandy soil

We examined acid phosphatase activity (APA), N mineralization and nitrification rates, available N and P, and microbial biomass C, N and P in rhizosphere and bulk soils of 18-year-old Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila), Simon poplar (Populus simonii) and Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) plantations on a nutrient-poor sandy soil in Northeast China. The main objective was to compare the rhizosphere effects of different tree species on N and P cycling under nutrient-deficient conditions. All tree species had the similar pattern but considerably different magnitude of rhizosphere effects. The APA, potential net N mineralization and nitrification rates increased significantly (by 27–60%, 110–188% and 106–142% respectively across the three species) in rhizosphere soil compared to bulk soil. This led to significantly higher Olsen-P and NH₄⁺-N concentrations in rhizosphere soil, whereas NO₃⁻-N concentration was significantly lower in rhizosphere soil owing to increased microbial immobilization and root uptake. Microbial biomass C and N generally increased while microbial biomass P remained constant in rhizosphere soil relative to bulk soil, indicating the N-limited rather than P-limited microbial growth. Rhizosphere effects on P transformation were most pronounced for Siberian elm, while rhizosphere effects on N transformation were most pronounced for Mongolian pine, implying the different capacities of these species to acquire nutrients.     

施氮量和土壤含水量对黑麦草还田红壤氮素矿化的影响

目标 氮素矿化是决定土壤供氮能力的重要生态过程,养分添加和水分在调节土壤的氮转化方面起着重要的作用。探讨施氮和土壤水分对黑麦草还田过程中土壤氮素矿化的影响有利于进一步优化红壤旱地作物生产的水肥管理。 【方法】 通过室内培养试验,研究了施氮量 (0、60、120 mg/kg) 和土壤含水量 (15%、30%、45%) 对红壤旱地黑麦草还田过程中土壤净硝化量、氨化量和氮矿化量的影响。 【结果】 土壤含水量15%时,施氮有利于提高黑麦草还田初期土壤净硝化量,施氮量120 mg/kg抑制了黑麦草还田后期土壤硝化作用。在30%土壤含水量时,施氮量120 mg/kg明显抑制了黑麦草还田后期土壤硝化作用。土壤含水量45%抑制了黑麦草还田初期不同施氮水平下土壤净硝化量,但增加了黑麦草还田91 d时土壤净硝化量,且施氮量60 mg/kg下的净硝化量显著高于120 mg/kg水平下的。土壤净氨化量在整个黑麦草还田过程中均为正值,且呈现多次升高-降低的往复动态变化。土壤净氨化量在三种土壤含水量下均表现为施氮条件下的显著高于不施氮处理。土壤含水量的增加有利于提高施氮量120 mg/kg下黑麦草还田初期土壤的氨化作用,但降低了黑麦草还田后期土壤净氨化量。相比不施氮,三个含水量条件下的施氮处理在黑麦草还田过程中的大部分阶段都显著增加了土壤净氮矿化量,土壤含水量30%条件下土壤净氮矿化量的变化最大。相比土壤含水量15%,30%含水量促进了黑麦草还田中期 (13～57 d) 土壤净氮矿化量的增加,45%含水量抑制了黑麦草还田后期 (73～91 d) 土壤净氮矿化量。 【结论】 红壤区旱地黑麦草还田时应合理施入化学氮肥 (60 mg/kg),在黑麦草还田初期保持较高的土壤含水量 (45%) 能够抑制土壤的氮矿化作用,还田中后期适当降低土壤含水量 (30%)有利于增加土壤氮素的矿化。      

Influence of diterpenes (colophony and abietic acid) and a triterpene (beta-sitosterol) on net N mineralization,net nitrification,soil respiration,and microbial biomass in birch soil

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of common diterpenes (colophony, abietic acid) and triterpene (beta-sitosterol) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformations in soil under birch (Betula pendula L.). Samples were taken from the organic layer at two study sites, Kivalo (N-poor soil) and Kerimäki (N-rich soil), and incubated with the above-mentioned terpenes in laboratory conditions. Carbon dioxide evolution (C mineralization), net N mineralization, nitrification, and N and C in microbial biomass were measured. All these terpenes increased C mineralization, but decreased net N mineralization. The potential to decrease net N mineralization depended on amount of terpenes, with a stronger effect at a higher amount. Net nitrification in Kerimäki soil (N-rich soil) decreased but was not completely inhibited by terpenes. Effect of terpenes on soil microbial biomass C and N was not so clear, but they tended to increase both. Our study suggests that higher terpenes can act as a carbon source for soil microbial communities.     

苏打盐碱化稻田土壤氮素矿化和硝化特征及其影响因子

  【目的】  为探明土壤盐碱化对氮素转化的影响,研究了不同盐碱化条件下氮素的矿化和硝化特征以及这些特征与土壤盐分、养分含量的关系,为盐碱化土壤养分的科学管理提供理论依据和数据支撑。  【方法】  随机采集了30个不同盐碱化程度的稻田土壤 (0—20 cm)样品,根据盐碱化程度将采集的土壤样品划分为轻度(含盐量0.1%～0.3%,碱化度5%～15%)、中度(含盐量0.3%～0.5%,碱化度15%～30%)和重度(含盐量0.5%～0.7%,碱化度30%～45%)盐碱土3类,每个类别中依据最小归类样品数选取盐碱化程度接近的3个土样作为3次重复,进行氮素矿化和硝化室内培养试验(25℃,24 h光照)。于培养的第0、3、6、9、15、21天取样测定土壤铵态氮、硝态氮含量及脲酶和碱性蛋白酶活性。通过相关性分析研究土壤各指标与氮素矿化、硝化过程间的相关关系,采用逐步回归分析筛选影响氮素矿化和硝化过程的主要因子。  【结果】  随着土壤盐碱化程度的加剧,氮素矿化和硝化作用显著下降(P<0.05)。与轻度盐碱土相比,中度和重度盐碱土的氮素最大净矿化速率分别低12.7%和29.8%,累积矿化氮量分别低15.7%和25.2%,最大净硝化速率分别低15.4%和23.1%,累积硝化氮量分别低15.4%和23.1%,最大脲酶活性分别低16.0%和34.8%,最大碱性蛋白酶活性分别低6.0%和15.6%。逐步回归分析表明,土壤电导率(EC)、pH、CO₃2–、Na+、全氮和有机质是影响土壤氮素矿化作用的主要因子,EC、pH、CO₃2–、Na+和有机质是影响土壤氮素硝化作用的主要因子。  【结论】  随着土壤盐碱化程度的增加,土壤氮素净矿化速率、净硝化速率、累积矿化氮量、累积硝化氮量、脲酶和碱性蛋白酶活性不断下降,土壤盐碱化显著抑制了氮素的矿化和硝化作用。     

Nitrogen mineralization and nitrate reduction in forests

The mineralization of soil nitrogen was studied in four forests growing on krasnozem soils. Soils from Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata Link.) and Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.) forests showed considerable nitrification in laboratory incubations. Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua L'Herit) and Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) forest soils were predominantly ammonifiers. Forests having significant soil nitrification were found to have considerable nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in root or leaf tissue or both. NRA may therefore be useful as an indication of soil nitrification in natural ecosystems. The occurrence of nitrification in Australian forests appears to be predominantly related to the amount of N present and its rate of turnover rather than to inhibitory effects.     

DCD 在不同质地土壤上的硝化抑制效果和剂量效应研究

通过硝化抑制剂抑制土壤硝化作用是实现作物铵硝混合营养和提高氮肥利用率的重要途径之一。本试验采用室内模拟的方法, 在人工气候室(25 ℃)黑暗培养条件下, 应用新疆石灰性土壤研究了不同剂量的双氰胺(dicyandiamide, DCD)在砂土、壤土、黏土3 种不同质地土壤中对土壤硝态氮、铵态氮转化的影响及DCD 的剂量效应和硝化抑制效果。处理30 d 内, 各剂量DCD 处理对砂土的硝化抑制率为96.5%~99.4%(平均值为98.3%), 在黏土上为66.9%~85.6%(平均值为77.6%), 在壤土上为49.3%~79.4%(平均值为67.7%), 总体硝化抑制率表现为砂土>黏土>壤土。在砂土上DCD 的剂量效应不明显, DCD 用量从纯氮的1.0%增加到7.0%时, 土壤中硝态氮含量仅增加1.9~10.7 mg·kg^-1(培养30 d 时); 而在壤土和黏土中, 土壤硝态氮含量随DCD 浓度的增加而显著下降, 存在明显剂量效应。这说明施用DCD 可显著抑制新疆石灰性土壤的硝化作用过程, 在砂土、壤土、黏土中DCD 的最佳浓度分别为纯氮用量的6.0%、7.0%和7.0%, 并在培养30 d 内发挥显著作用。     

Impact of land-use types on soil nitrogen net mineralization in the sandstorm and water source area of Beijing,China

Changes of land-use type (LUT) can affect soil nutrient pools and cycling processes that relate long-term sustainability of ecosystem, and can also affect atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and global warming through soil respiration. We conducted a comparative study to determine NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻ concentrations in soil profiles (0–200 cm) and examined the net nitrogen (N) mineralization and net nitrification in soil surface (0–20 cm) of adjacent naturally regenerated secondary forests (NSF), man-made forests (MMF), grasslands and cropland soils from the windy arid and semi-arid Hebei plateau, the sandstorm and water source area of Beijing, China. Cropland and grassland soils showed significantly higher inorganic N concentrations than forest soils. NO₃⁻-N accounted for 50–90% of inorganic N in cropland and grassland soils, while NH₄⁺-N was the main form of inorganic N in NSF and MMF soils. Average net N-mineralization rates (mg kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) were much higher in native ecosystems (1.51 for NSF soils and 1.24 for grassland soils) than in human disturbed LUT (0.15 for cropland soils and 0.85 for MMF soils). Net ammonification was low in all the LUT while net nitrification was the major process of net N mineralization. For more insight in urea transformation, the increase in NH₄⁺ and, NO₃⁻ concentrations as well as C mineralization after urea addition was analyzed on whole soils. Urea application stimulated the net soil C mineralization and urea transformation pattern was consistent with net soil N mineralization, except that the rate was slightly slower. Land-use conversion from NSF to MMF, or from grassland to cropland decreased soil net N mineralization, but increased net nitrification after 40 years or 70 years, respectively. The observed higher rates of net nitrification suggested that land-use conversions in the Hebei plateau might lead to N losses in the form of nitrate.     

Increased snow depth affects microbial activity and nitrogen mineralization in two Arctic tundra communities

Microbial activity in Arctic tundra ecosystems continues through the winter and is an important component of the annual C budget. This activity is sensitive to climatic variation, particularly snow depth because that regulates soil temperature. The influence of winter conditions on soil N cycling is poorly understood. In this study, we used intact core incubations sampled periodically through the winter and following growing season to measure net N mineralization and nitrification in dry heath and in moist tussock tundra under ambient and experimentally increased snow depths (by use of a snowfence). In dry heath, we sampled soils under Dryas octopetela or Arctostaphylos alpine, while in tussock tundra, we sampled Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks and Sphagnum dominated areas between tussocks. Our objectives were to: (1) examine how different winter snow regimes influenced year-round N dynamics in the two tundra types, and (2) evaluate how these responses are affected by dominant species present in each system. In tussock tundra, soils with increased winter snow cover had high net N mineralization rates during the fall and winter, followed by immobilization during thaw. In contrast, N mineralization only occurred during the autumn in soils with ambient snow cover. During the growing season when N immobilization dominated in areas with ambient snow cover, soils with increased winter snow cover had positive net mineralization and nitrification rates. In dry heath tundra, soils with increased snow depth had high late winter net N mineralization rates, but these rates were: (a) comparable to early winter rates in soils under Arctostaphylos plants with ambient snow cover; (b) greater in soils under Arctostaphylos plants than in soils under Dryas plants; and (c) less than the rates found in tussock tundra. Our findings suggest under ambient snow conditions, low soil temperatures limit soil N mineralization, but that deeper snow conditions with the associated warmer winter soil temperatures dramatically increase over-winter N mineralization and thereby alter the amount and timing of plant-available N in tundra ecosystems.     

Alpine meadow restorations by non-dominant species increased soil nitrogen transformation rates but decreased their sensitivity to warming

Purpose

Alpine meadow soils are large carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools correlated significantly with global C and N cycling. Soil N transformations, including nitrification and N mineralization, are key processes controlling N availability. Alpine meadow degradations are common worldwide, and vegetation restorations have been widely implemented. However, grass species used for restorations may alter soil N transformations or their response to warming and N deposition due to divergent plant traits and their different effects on soil characteristic. To understand the effects of meadow restorations by non-historically dominant species on N transformations, we measured N transformation rates in restored soils and control soils under the context of warming and N deposition.

Materials and methods

We collected soils from plots restored by dominant (Miscanthus floridulus) and non-dominant species (including Carex chinensis and Fimbristylis dichotoma) and non-restored plots in alpine meadows of Wugong Mountain, China. We measured nitrification and N mineralization rates when soils were incubated at different temperature (15 or 25 °C) and N additions (control vs. 4 g m^?2) to examine their responses to restoration species, warming, and N.

Results and discussion

Vegetation restored soils differed substantially from non-restored bare soils. Total N, total organic C, pH, and dissolved organic C contributed the most to the separation. Restoration altered soil N transformations substantially, even though the effects varied among restoration species. Specifically, non-historically dominant species accelerated N transformations, while the originally dominant species decreased N transformations. In addition, sensitivity of nitrification to warming in restored soils was decreased by restorations. Soils restored by originally dominant species were higher in sensitivity of N transformations to warming than those restored by the other two species. Warming increased nitrification rates by 45.5 and 17.4 % in bare soils and restored soils, respectively. Meanwhile, N mineralization rates were increased by 52.8 and 21.9 %, respectively.

Conclusions

Vegetation restoration of the degraded meadows impacted N transformations and their sensitivity to warming. The effects varied with identity of the restoration species, suggesting that grass species should be considered in future restorations of degraded meadows in terms of their divergent effects on N transformations and sensitivity to warming.

     

Conversion of grassland to coniferous woodland has limited effects on soil nitrogen cycle processes

In the last century, conversion of native North American grasslands to Juniperus virginiana forests or woodlands has dramatically altered ecosystem structure and significantly increased ecosystem carbon (C) stocks. We compared soils under recently established J. virginiana forests and adjacent native C₄-dominated grassland to assess changes in potential soil nitrogen (N) transformations and plant available N. Over a 2-year period, concentrations of extractable inorganic N were measured in soils from forest and grassland sites. Potential gross N ammonification, nitrification, and consumption rates were determined using ¹⁵N isotope-dilution under laboratory conditions, controlling for soil temperature and moisture content. Potential nitrification rates (V_max) and microbial biomass, as well as soil physical and chemical properties were also assessed. Extractable NH₄⁺ concentrations were significantly greater in grassland soils across the study period (P ≤ 0.01), but analysis by date indicated that differences in extractable inorganic N occurred more frequently in fall and winter, when grasses were senescent but J. virginiana was still active. Laboratory-based rates of gross N mineralization (ammonification) and nitrification were greater in grassland soils (P ≤ 0.05), but only on one of four dates. Potential nitrification rates (V_max) were an order of magnitude greater than gross nitrification rates in both ecosystems, suggesting that nitrification is highly constrained by NH₄⁺ availability. Differences in plant uptake of N, C inputs, and soil microclimate as forests replace grasslands may influence plant available N in the field, as evidenced by seasonal differences in soil extractable NH₄⁺, and total soil C and N accumulation. However, we found few differences in potential soil N transformations under laboratory conditions, suggesting that this grassland-to-forest conversion caused little change in mineralizable organic N pools or potential microbial activity.     

Soil microbial biomass and nitrogen transformations among five tree species of the Catskill Mountains, New York, USA

We measured soil microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial uptake of ¹⁵N, potential net mineralization and net nitrification in the laboratory to determine the influence of tree species on nitrogen (N) transformations in soils of the Catskills Mountains, New York, USA. Organic horizon soils were taken from single species plots of beech (Fagus grandifolia), hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), red oak (Quercus rubra), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis). ¹⁵NH₄Cl was added to the soils and N pools were sampled at 1, 3, 10 and 28 days to examine microbial uptake of ¹⁵N over time. Soil MBN was about 60% lower in red oak and sugar maple soils than in the other three species. Soil pools of NO₃⁻ and rates of net nitrification were significantly greater in soils associated with sugar maple than hemlock, red oak and yellow birch. With the exception of sugar maple soils, microbial recovery of ¹⁵N was significantly greater after 10 and 28 days compared to 60 min and 1 day following ¹⁵N tracer addition. Microbial ¹⁵N recovery declined significantly within sugar maple stands within the first 3 days of incubation. Soil carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) was lowest in sugar maple soils and highest in red oak soils. However, correlations between soil C:N and MBN or rates of net mineralization and nitrification were not significant. Soil moisture could account for 22% of the variation in MBN and 36% of the variation in net mineralization. Soil microbial transformations of N vary among tree species stands and may have consequences for forest N retention and loss.     

Short‐term effects of polyacrylamide and dicyandiamide on C and N mineralization in a sandy loam soil

The soil conditioners anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) and dicyandiamide (DCD) are frequently applied to soils to reduce soil erosion and nitrogen loss, respectively. A 27‐day incubation study was set up to gauge their interactive effects on the microbial biomass, carbon (C) mineralization and nitrification activity of a sandy loam soil in the presence or absence of maize straw. PAM‐amended soils received 308 or 615 mg PAM/kg. Nitrogen (N)‐fertilized soils were amended with 1800 mg/kg ammonium sulphate [(NH₄)₂SO₄], with or without 70 mg DCD/kg. Maize straw was added to soil at the rate of 4500 mg/kg. Maize straw application increased soil microbial biomass and respiration. PAM stimulated nitrification and C mineralization, as evidenced by significant increases in extractable nitrate and evolved carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations. This is likely to have been effected by the PAM improving microbial conditions and partially being utilized as a substrate, with the latter being indicated by a PAM‐induced significant increase in the metabolic quotient. PAM did not reduce the microbial biomass except in one treatment at the highest application rate. Ammonium sulphate stimulated nitrification and reduced microbial biomass; the resultant acidification of the former is likely to have caused these effects. N fertilizer application may also have induced short‐term C‐limitation in the soil with impacts on microbial growth and respiration. The nitrification inhibitor DCD reduced the negative impacts on microbial biomass of (NH₄)₂SO₄ and proved to be an effective soil amendment to reduce nitrification under conditions where mineralization was increased by addition of PAM.     

Growth of comammox Nitrospira is inhibited by nitrification inhibitors in agricultural soils

Purpose

The discovery of comammox Nitrospira being capable of complete oxidising ammonia to nitrate radically challenged the conventional concept of two-step nitrification. However, the response of comammox Nitrospira to nitrification inhibitors (NIs) and their role in soil nitrification remain largely unknown, which has hindered our ability to predict the efficiency of NIs in agroecosystems.

Materials and methods

We evaluated the effect of four NIs, 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine (nitrapyrin), 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), allylthiourea (ATU) and dicyandiamide (DCD) on the growth of comammox Nitrospira, ammonia-oxidising archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) in two pasture and arable soils.

Results and discussion

The amendment of nitrogen fertiliser significantly increased soil nitrate concentrations over time, indicating a sustaining nitrification activity in both soils. The addition of all the four NIs effectively reduced the production of nitrate in both soils, but to varying degrees during incubation. The abundances of comammox Nitrospira clade A were significantly increased by addition of nitrogen fertilisers and significantly impeded by the four NIs in the pasture soil, but their abundances were only remarkably hindered by nitrapyrin in the arable soil. All the four NIs obviously inhibited the AOB abundances in both soils. Except for DMPP, the other three NIs effectively suppressed the AOA abundances in both soils.

Conclusions

We provided new evidence that growth of comammox Nitrospira clade A can be stimulated by nitrogen fertilisers and inhibited by various nitrification inhibitors, suggesting their potential role in nitrification of agricultural soils.