Non-additive Effects of Leaf Litter Mixtures from Robinia pseudoacacia and Ten Tree Species on Soil Properties |
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Authors: | Qian Li Guangyue Zhao Guangmin Cao Xiaoxi Zhang |
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Institution: | 1. Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Regions, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Xining, China;2. College of Resources and Environment, Northwest A&3. F University , Yangling, China https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2616-3118;4. Technology Center, Xining Customs District of China , Xining, China https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4752-0690;5. Qinghai Provincial Key Laboratory of Restoration Ecology for Cold Regions, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Xining, China https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6115-9347;6. College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University , Yan’an, China https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5304-8153 |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT Litter decomposition plays a critical role in both nutrient cycling and the interspecific relationships between tree species. In this study, leaf litter from Robinia pseudoacacia was mixed with litter from 10 other species, this mixture was then ground and incubated in soil. The soil indexes (i.e., quantity of microbes, activities of enzymes, and chemical properties) were analyzed to study the effects of litter decomposition on soil properties and the interaction between the litters. If mixed separately with Larix principis-rupprechtii or Betula platyphylla, R. pseudoacacia litter exerted synergistic effects on the activities of most enzymes. The mixed litters of R. pseudoacacia and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica or Ulmus pumila exerted synergistic effects on the soil available P. With regard to the soil properties as a whole, the mixed litters of R. pseudoacacia and B. platyphylla, Pinus tabulaeformis, P. sylvestris var. mongolica, or L. principis-rupprechtii exerted synergistic effects on soil during their decomposition. However, the mixed litters of R. pseudoacacia and Populus simonii, Quercus liaotungensis, U. pumila, or Caragana microphylla did not. This indicated that R. pseudoacacia mixed with the litter of other needle-leaf tree species benefits the development and regeneration of soil and thus can be used for sustainable forest management. |
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Keywords: | litter decomposition non-additive effect Robinia pseudoacacia soil enzyme soil nutrient |
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