Estimating diesel degradation rates from N2, O2 and CO2 concentration versus depth data in a loamy sand

The degradation rate of the pollutant is often an important parameter for designing and maintaining an active treatment system or for determining the rate of natural attenuation. A quasi‐steady‐state gas transport model based on Fick’s law with a correction term for advective flux, for estimating diesel degradation rates from N₂, O₂ and CO₂ concentration versus depth data, was evaluated in a laboratory column study. A loamy sand was spiked with diesel fuel at 0, 1000, 5000 and 10 000 mg kg⁻¹ soil (dry weight basis) and incubated for 15 weeks. Soil gas was sampled weekly at 6 selected depths in the columns and analysed for O₂, CO₂ and N₂ concentrations. The agreement between the measured and the modelled concentrations was good for the untreated soil (R²= 0.60) and very good for the soil spiked with 1000 mg kg⁻¹ (R²= 0.96) and 5000 mg kg⁻¹ (R²= 0.97). Oxygen consumption ranged from −0.15 to −2.25 mol O₂ m⁻³ soil day⁻¹ and CO₂ production ranged from 0.20 to 2.07 mol CO₂ m⁻³ soil day⁻¹. A significantly greater mean O₂ consumption (P < 0.001) and CO₂ production (P < 0.005) over time was observed for the soils spiked with diesel compared with the untreated soil, which suggests biodegradation of the diesel substrate. Diesel degradation rates calculated from respiration data were 1.5–2.1 times less than the change in total petroleum hydrocarbon content. The inability of this study to correlate respiration data to actual changes in diesel concentration could be explained by volatilization, long‐term sorption of diesel hydrocarbons to organic matter and incorporation of diesel hydrocarbons into microbial biomass, aspects of which require further investigation.     

Soil chemistry versus environmental controls on production of CH4 and CO2 in northern peatlands

Rates of organic carbon mineralization (to CO₂ and CH₄) vary widely in peat soil. We transplanted four peat soils with different chemical composition into six sites with different environmental conditions to help resolve the debate about control of organic carbon mineralization by resource availability (e.g. carbon and nutrient chemistry) versus environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, moisture, pH). The four peat soils were derived from Sphagnum (bog moss). Two transplant sites were in mid‐boreal Alberta, Canada, two were in low‐boreal Ontario, Canada, and two were in the temperate United States. After 3 years in the field, CH₄ production varied significantly as a function of peat type, transplant site, and the type–site interaction. All four peat soils had very small rates of CH₄ production (< 20 nmol g^?1 day^?1) after transplant into two sites, presumably caused by acid site conditions (pH < 4.0). One peat soil had small CH₄ production rates regardless of transplant site. A canonical discriminant analysis revealed that large rates of CH₄ production (4000 nmol g^?1 day^?1) correlated with large holocellulose content, a large concentration of p‐hydroxyl phenolic compounds in the Klason lignin, and small concentrations of N, Ca and Mn in peat. Significant variation in rates of CO₂ production correlated positively with holocellulose content and negatively with N concentrations, regardless of transplant site. The temperature response for CO₂ production varied as a function of climate, being greater for peat formed in a cold climate, but did not apply to transplanted peat. Although we succeeded in elucidating some aspects of peat chemistry controlling production of CH₄ and CO₂ in Sphagnum‐derived peat soils, we also revealed idiosyncratic combinations of peat chemistry and site conditions that will complicate forecasting rates of peat carbon mineralization into the future.     

Nine years of enriched CO2 changes the function and structural diversity of soil microorganisms in a grassland

To gain insight into microbial function following increased atmospheric CO₂ concentration, we investigated the influence of 9 years of enriched CO₂ (600 μl litre⁻¹) on the function and structural diversity of soil microorganisms in a grassland ecosystem under free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE), as affected by plant species (Trifolium repens L. and Lolium perenne L. in monocultures and mixed culture) and nitrogen (N) supply. We measured biomass and activities of enzymes covering cycles of the most important elements (C, N and P). The microbial community was profiled by molecular techniques of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. The enrichment in CO₂ increased soil microbial biomass (+48.1%) as well as activities of invertase (+36.2%), xylanase (+22.9%), urease (+23.8%), protease (+40.2%) and alkaline phosphomonoesterase (+54.1%) in spring 2002. In autumn, the stimulation of microbial biomass was 25% less and that of enzymes 3–12% less than in spring. Strong correlations between activities of invertase, protease, urease and alkaline phosphomonoesterase and microbial biomass were found. The stimulation of microbial activity in the enriched atmosphere was probably caused by changes in the quantity and kind of root litter and rhizodeposition. The response of soil microorganisms to enriched CO₂ was most pronounced under Trifolium monoculture and under greater N supply. The PLFA analysis revealed that total PLFA contents were greater by 24.7% on average, whereby the proportion of bioindicators representative of Gram‐negative bacteria increased significantly in the enriched CO₂ under less N‐fertilized Lolium culture. Discriminant analysis showed marked differences between the PLFA profiles of the three plant communities. Shannon diversity indices calculated from DGGE patterns were greater (+12.5%) in the enriched CO₂, indicating increased soil bacterial diversity. We conclude that greater microbial biomass and enzyme activity buffer the potential increase in C sequestration occurring from greater C addition in enriched CO₂ due to greater mineralization of soil organic matter.     

SOIL CO2 FLUX IN GRASSLAND,AFFORESTED LAND AND RECLAIMED COALMINE OVERBURDEN DUMPS: A CASE STUDY

The aim of this study was to measure the in situ soil CO₂ flux from grassland, afforested land and reclaimed coalmine overburden dumps by using the automated soil CO₂ flux system (LICOR‐8100® infrared gas analyzer, LICOR Inc., Lincoln, NE). The highest soil CO₂ flux was observed in natural grassland (11·16 µmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹), whereas the flux was reduced by 38 and 59 per cent in mowed site and at 15‐cm depth, respectively. The flux from afforested area was found 5·70 µmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹, which is 50 per cent lower than natural grassland. In the reclaimed coalmine overburden dumps, the average flux under tree plantation was found to be lowest in winter and summer (0·89–1·12 µmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹) and highest during late monsoon (3–3·5 µmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹). During late monsoon, the moisture content was found to be higher (6–7·5 per cent), which leads to higher microbial activity and decomposition. In the same area under grass cover, soil CO₂ flux was found to be higher (8·94 µmol CO₂ m⁻²s⁻¹) compared with tree plantation areas because of higher root respiration and microbial activity. The rate of CO₂ flux was found to be determined predominantly by soil moisture and soil temperature. Our study indicates that the forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in combating global warming than grassland; however, to reduce CO₂ flux from grassland, mowing is necessary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strong pH influence on N2O and CH4 fluxes from forested organic soils

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from farmed organic soils can have a major impact on national emission budgets. This investigation was conducted to evaluate whether afforestation of such soils could mitigate this problem. Over the period 1994–1997, emissions of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) were recorded from an organic soil site in Sweden, forested with silver birch (Betula pendula Roth), using static field chambers. The site was used for grazing prior to forestation. Soil pH and soil carbon content varied greatly across the site. The soil pH ranged from 3.6 to 5.9 and soil carbon from 34 to 42%. The mean annual N₂O emission was 19.4 (± 6.7) kg N₂O‐N ha^?1 and was strongly correlated with soil pH (r = ?0.93, P < 0.01) and soil carbon content (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). The N₂O emissions showed large spatial and temporal variability with greatest emissions during the summer periods. The site was a sink for CH₄ (i.e. ?0.8 (± 0.5) kg CH₄ ha^?1 year^?1) and the flux correlated well with the C/N ratio (r = 0.93, P < 0.01), N₂O emission (r = 0.92, P < 0.01), soil pH (r = ?0.95, P < 0.01) and soil carbon (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). CH₄ flux followed a seasonal pattern, with uptake dominating during the summer, and emission during winter. This study indicates that, because of the large N₂O emissions, afforestation may not mitigate the GHG emissions from fertile peat soils with acidic pH, although it can reduce the net GHG because of greater CO₂ assimilation by the trees compared with agricultural crops.     

Manganese efficiency and maganese‐uptake kinetics of raya (Brassica juncea), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and oat (Avena sativa) grown in nutrient solution and soil

Manganese (Mn) deficiency is reported worldwide and often decreases crop yield. However, plant species differ in their susceptibility to Mn deficiency. Poaceae are often inefficient, whereas Brassicaceae seem to be efficient in Mn uptake. The objective of this paper was to determine the relevance of Mn‐uptake kinetics, root‐system size, and Mn mobilization for differences in Mn efficiency of wheat, oat, and raya. To determine Mn‐uptake kinetics, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. PBW 343), raya (Brassica juncea L. cv. RLM 619), and oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Aragon) were grown in a growth chamber together in complete nutrient solution having an average Mn concentration of 90, 180, 360, 910, and 2270 nmol L^–1. For determining Mn efficiency of the three species in soil, the plants were grown for 22 d in pots filled with 3 kg of a loamy soil low in Mn availability (pH (CaCl₂) 7.4; DTPA‐extractable Mn: 3.5 mg (kg soil)^–1). The soil was fertilized with 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mmol Mn (kg soil)^–1 resulting in Mn soil‐solution concentrations ranging from 40 to 90 nmol L^–1, hence lower than in the solution experiment. In order to determine Mn soil‐solution concentration close to the root surface, the root length density was increased by growing two plants of raya and four plants of wheat in only 250 mL soil columns for 25 d. In solution culture at high concentrations, raya showed a higher Mn uptake compared to wheat and oat. However, at low Mn supply, all three species were comparably Mn‐efficient, i.e., plant growth was similar, and also the uptake was similar. In soil, the highest yield was achieved for raya in the unfertilized treatment whereas the Poaceae needed at least a fertilization of 1 mmol Mn (kg soil)^–1. The Poaceae showed a yield reduction of about 40% in the unfertilized treatment. Manganese concentration in the shoot dry weight was always higher in raya than in wheat or oat. This was due to a higher Mn uptake whereas relative shoot‐growth rate and root‐to‐shoot ratio were similar among the species. The higher Mn uptake of raya in soil was in contradiction to the comparable Mn‐uptake kinetics of the three crops at low Mn concentration in solution. This points to plant differences in their ability to affect Mn availability in the rhizosphere. In the bulk soil, all the crops decreased Mn solution concentration, but this effect was somewhat less for raya. But in the rhizosphere, raya increased Mn soil‐solution concentration significantly to 58 nmol L^–1, as compared to 37 nmol L^–1 of the unplanted control soil. In contrast, wheat showed a Mn solution concentration of 25 nmol L^–1 which was not significantly different from the control. The results indicate that differences in Mn efficiency among the crops studied are related to their ability to affect the solubility of Mn in the rhizosphere.     

Controlled‐release urea decreased ammonia volatilization and increased nitrogen use efficiency of cotton

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input leads to higher N loss via ammonia (NH₃) volatilization. Controlled‐release urea (CRU) was expected to reduce emission losses of N. An incubation and a plant growth experiment with Gossypium hirsutum L. were conducted with urea and CRU (a fertilizer mixture of polymer‐coating sulfur‐coated urea and polymer‐coated urea with N ratios of 5 : 5) under six levels of N fertilization rates, which were 0% (0 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 50% (110 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 75% (165 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 100% (220 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 125% (275 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), and 150% (330 mg N kg⁻¹ soil) of the recommended N fertilizer rate. For each type of N fertilizer, the NH₃ volatilization, cotton yield, and N uptake increased with the rate of N application, while N use efficiency reached a threshold and decreased when N application rates of urea and CRU exceeded 238.7 and 209.3 mg N kg⁻¹ soil, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was reduced by 65–105% with CRU in comparison to urea treatments. The N release characteristic of CRU corresponded well to the N requirements of cotton growth. Soil inorganic N contents, leaf SPAD values, and net photosynthetic rates were increased by CRU application, particularly from the full bloom stage to the initial boll‐opening stage. As a result, CRU treatments achieved significantly higher lint yield by 7–30%, and the N use efficiency of CRU treatments was increased by 25–124% relative to that of urea treatments. These results suggest that the application of CRU could be widely used for cotton production with higher N use efficiency and lower NH₃ volatilization.     

Elevation of atmospheric CO2 and N-nutritional status modify nodulation, nodule-carbon supply, and root exudation of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Increased root exudation and a related stimulation of rhizosphere-microbial growth have been hypothesised as possible explanations for a lower nitrogen- (N-) nutritional status of plants grown under elevated atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, due to enhanced plant-microbial N competition in the rhizosphere. Leguminous plants may be able to counterbalance the enhanced N requirement by increased symbiotic N₂ fixation. Only limited information is available about the factors determining the stimulation of symbiotic N₂ fixation in response to elevated CO₂.In this study, short-term effects of elevated CO₂ on quality and quantity of root exudation, and on carbon supply to the nodules were assessed in Phaseolus vulgaris, grown in soil culture with limited (30 mg N kg⁻¹ soil) and sufficient N supply (200 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), at ambient (400 μmol mol⁻¹) and elevated (800 μmol mol⁻¹) atmospheric CO₂ concentrations.Elevated CO₂ reduced N tissue concentrations in both N treatments, accelerated the expression of N deficiency symptoms in the N-limited variant, but did not affect plant biomass production. ¹⁴CO₂ pulse-chase labelling revealed no indication for a general increase in root exudation with subsequent stimulation of rhizosphere microbial growth, resulting in increased N-competition in the rhizosphere at elevated CO₂. However, a CO₂-induced stimulation in root exudation of sugars and malate as a chemo-attractant for rhizobia was detected in 0.5-1.5 cm apical root zones as potential infection sites. Particularly in nodules, elevated CO₂ increased the accumulation of malate as a major carbon source for the microsymbiont and of malonate with essential functions for nodule development. Nodule number, biomass and the proportion of leghaemoglobin-producing nodules were also enhanced. The release of nod-gene-inducing flavonoids (genistein, daidzein and coumestrol) was stimulated under elevated CO₂, independent of the N supply, and was already detectable at early stages of seedling development at 6 days after sowing.     

Sodium removal from a calcareous saline–sodic soil through leaching and plant uptake during phytoremediation

Saline–sodic and sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect several soil properties and growth of most crops. As a potential substitute of cost‐intensive chemical amelioration, phytoremediation of such soils has emerged as an efficient and low‐cost strategy. This plant‐assisted amelioration involves cultivation of certain plant species that can withstand ambient soil salinity and sodicity levels. It relies on enhanced dissolution of native calcite within the root zone to provide adequate Ca²⁺ for the Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. There is a lack of information for the Na⁺ balance in terms of removal from saline–sodic soils through plant uptake and leaching during the phytoremediation process. We carried out a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous saline–sodic soil [pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s) = 7.2, electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 4.9 dS m⁻¹, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15.9, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg⁻¹]. There were three treatments: (1) control (without application of a chemical amendment or crop cultivation), (2) soil application of gypsum according to the gypsum requirement of the soil and (3) planting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a phytoremediation crop. The efficiency of treatments for soluble salt and Na⁺ removal from the soil was in the order: gypsum ≈ alfalfa > control. In the phytoremediation treatment, the amount of Na⁺ removed from the soil through leaching was found to be the principal cause of reduction in salinity and sodicity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Contribution of SO3 to the acid neutralizing capacity of Andosols exposed to strong volcanogenic acid and SO2 deposition

Soil response to acid and sulphur inputs is influenced largely by the soil's physico‐chemical properties. We studied the effects of such depositions in two types of Andosols exposed to volcanogenic emission (Masaya, Nicaragua), namely Eutric Andosols rich in allophanic constituents, and Vitric Andosols rich in volcanic glass. Small mineral reserves and large contents of secondary short‐range ordered minerals indicate a more advanced weathering of the Eutric than the Vitric Andosols. Strong correlations between soil specific surface and oxalate‐extractable Al, Si and Fe contents highlight the predominant contribution of short‐range ordered minerals to surface area. Both types of Andosols showed a decrease in pH upon acid input. Sulphur deposition increased the soil's S content to 5470 mg S kg^?1. However, the acid neutralizing capacity of the soil solid phase (ANC_s) was not significantly affected by the acid and S inputs. Non‐exchangeable (mineral reserve) and exchangeable cations and total contents of sulphur and phosphorus dictate most of the ANC_s variation. In the Vitric Andosols, mineral reserves contributed up to 97% to these four additive pools, whereas the exchangeable cations accounted for 1–4%. In the Eutric Andosols, the contribution of mineral reserves was less (71–92%), but the exchangeable cation content was greater (1–20%), whereas the contribution of sulphur and phosphorus was significant at 1–15% and 2–7%, respectively. The main process involved in H⁺ consumption is mineral weathering in Vitric Andosols and ion exchange in Eutric Andosols.     

Effects of glucose and rhizodeposits (with or without cysteine-S) on immobilized-35S, microbial biomass-35S and arylsulphatase activity in a calcareous and an acid brown soil

Our aim was to study the effects of C (as glucose and artificial rhizodeposits) on S immobilization, in relation to microbial biomass‐S and soil arylsulphatase (ARS) activity, in contrasting soils (a calcareous and an acid brown soil). The glucose‐C and artificial rhizodeposit‐C with or without cysteine were added at six rates (0, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 mg kg^?1 soil) to the two soils and then incubated with Na₂³⁵SO₄ for 1 week prior to analysis. The percentages of ³⁵S immobilized increased when C as glucose and rhizodeposit (without cysteine) were added to both soils. With cysteine‐containing rhizodeposit, the percentages of ³⁵S immobilized remained relatively stable (23.5% to 29.9%) in the calcareous soil, but decreased in the acid brown soil (52.7% to 31.5%). For both soils, cysteine‐containing rhizodeposit additions showed no significant correlation between immobilized‐³⁵S and microbial biomass‐³⁵S, suggesting that microorganisms immobilized cysteine‐S preferentially instead of ³⁵S from the tracer (Na₂³⁵SO₄). In the calcareous soil, a positive and significant correlation was found between ARS activity and microbial biomass‐³⁵S (r = 0.85, P < 0.05) when glucose was added. We also saw this correlation in the acid brown soil when rhizodeposit‐C without cysteine was added (r = 0.90, P < 0.05). Accordingly, the results showed the presence of extracellular arylsulphatase activity of 48.7 mg p‐nitrophenol kg^?1 soil hour^?1 in the calcareous soil and of 27.0 mg p‐nitrophenol kg^?1 soil hour^?1 in the acid brown soil.     

Elevated atmospheric CO2 reduces CH4 and N2O emissions under two contrasting rice cultivars from a subtropical paddy field in China

Elevated CO₂(eCO₂) and rice cultivars can strongly alter CH₄ and N₂ O emissions from paddy fields.However,detailed information on how their interaction affects greenhouse gas fluxes in the field is still lacking.In this study,we investigated CH4 and N₂ O emissions and rice growth under two contrasting rice cultivars(the strongly and weakly responsive cultivars) in response to eCO₂,200 μmol mol^-1 higher than the ambient ...     

Concentration of sugars, phenolic acids, and amino acids in forest soils exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3

Concentrations of soluble soil sugars, soluble phenolic acids, and free amino acids were measured in three forest communities at the FACTS-II Aspen FACE Site near Rhinelander, WI, in order to better understand how elevated atmospheric CO₂ and O₃ are influencing soil nutrient availability and cycling. Sugars, phenolic acids, and amino acids are mostly derived from plant and microbial processes, and have the potential to be influenced by changes in carbon inputs. We hypothesized that concentrations in the soil would parallel increases seen in biological activity, due to greater net primary productivity under elevated CO₂ and seasonal patterns of root growth. Chemical analysis of soils revealed marginally significant increases of total soluble sugars and total soluble phenolic acids in the elevated CO₂ treatment (+27 mg kg⁻¹, +0.02 μmol g⁻¹), but there were no significant differences in concentrations due to elevated O₃ or CO₂+O₃. Total free amino acid concentrations were not affected by any of the treatments, but significant shifts in individual amino acids were observed. Elevated CO₂ and the interaction treatment (elevated CO₂+O₃) increased aspartic acid concentrations, while elevated O₃ treatment decreased the concentration of valine. Concentrations of sugars increased throughout the growing season, while phenolic acids were constant and amino acids decreased. The birch-aspen community had the highest concentration of phenolic acids and sugars overall, while maple-aspen had the lowest. These findings suggest that concentrations of soluble sugars, soluble phenolic acids, and free amino acids in the soil are strongly influenced by soil properties, plant and microbial activity, plant community composition, and to a lesser degree, changes in atmospheric CO₂ and O₃.     

Simulating the dynamics of glucose and NH4+ in alkaline saline soils of the former Lake Texcoco with the Detran model

The turnover of organic matter determines the availability of plant nutrients in unfertilized soils, and this applies particularly to the alkaline saline soil of the former Lake Texcoco in Mexico. We investigated the effects of alkalinity and salinity on dynamics of organic material and inorganic N added to the soil. Glucose labelled with ¹⁴C was added to soil of the former Lake Texcoco drained for different lengths of time, and dynamics of ¹⁴C, C and N were investigated with the Detran model. Soil was sampled from an undrained plot and from three drained for 1, 5 and 8 years, amended with 1000 mg ¹⁴C‐labelled glucose kg^?1 and 200 mg NH₄⁺‐N kg^?1, and incubated aerobically. Production of ¹⁴CO₂ and CO₂, dynamics of NH₄⁺, NO₂^– and NO₃^–, and microbial biomass ¹⁴C, C and N were monitored and simulated with the Detran model. A third stable microbial biomass fraction had to be introduced in the model to simulate the dynamics of glucose, because > 90 mg ¹⁴C kg^?1 soil persisted in the soil microbial biomass after 97 days. The observed priming effect was mostly due to an increased decay of soil organic matter, but an increased turnover of the microbial biomass C contributed somewhat to the phenomenon. The dynamics of NH₄⁺ and NO₃^– in the NH₄⁺‐amended soil could not be simulated unless an immobilization of NH₄⁺ into the microbial biomass occurred in the first day of the incubation without an immediate incorporation of it into microbial organic material. The dynamics of C and a priming effect could be simulated satisfactorily, but the model had to be adjusted to simulate the dynamics of N when NH₄⁺ was added to alkaline saline soils.     

Nutrient and carbon balances in organic vegetable production on an irrigated,sandy soil in northern Oman

Our understanding of nutrient and carbon (C) fluxes in irrigated organic cropping systems of subtropical regions is limited. Therefore, leaching of mineral nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), gaseous emissions of NH₃, N₂O, CO₂, and CH₄, and total matter balances were measured over 24 months comprising a total cropping period of 260 d in an organic‐cropping‐systems experiment near Sohar (Oman). The experiment on an irrigated sandy soil with four replications comprised two manure types (ORG1 and ORG2) characterized by respective C : N ratios of 19 and 25 and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)‐to‐soluble carbohydrates (SC) ratios of 17 and 108. A mineral‐fertilizer (MIN) treatment with equivalent levels of mineral N, P, and potassium (K) served as a control. The three treatments were factorially combined with a cropping sequence comprising radish (Raphanus sativus L.) followed by cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) or carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus). Over the 24‐months experimental period gaseous N emissions averaged 45 kg ha^–1 (59% NH₃‐N, 41%N₂O‐N) for MIN, 55 kg N ha^–1 (69% NH₃‐N, 31%N₂O‐N) for ORG1, and 49 kg N ha^–1 (59% NH₃‐N, 41% N₂O‐N) for ORG2. Carbon losses were 6.2 t ha^–1 (98% CO₂‐C, 2% CH₄‐C) for MIN, 9.7 t C ha^–1 (99% CO₂‐C, 1% CH₄‐C) for ORG1, and 10.6 t ha^–1 (98% CO₂‐C, 2% CH₄‐C) for ORG2. Exchange resin–based cumulative leaching of mineral N amounted to 30 kg ha^–1 for MIN, 10 kg ha^–1 for ORG1, and 56 kg ha^–1 for ORG2. Apparent surpluses of 361 kg N ha^–1 and 196 kg P ha^–1 for radish‐carrot and 299 kg N ha^–1 and 184 kg P ha^–1 for radish‐cauliflower were accompanied by K deficits of –59 kg ha^–1 and –73 kg ha^–1, respectively, for both cropping systems. Net C balances for MIN, ORG1, and ORG2 plots were –7.3, –3.1, and 1.5 t C ha^–1 for radish‐carrot and –5.0, 1.3, and 4.6 t C ha^–1 for radish‐cauliflower. The results underline the difficulty to maintain soil C levels in intensively cultivated, irrigated subtropical soils.     

Seasonal transfers of assimilated 14C in grassland: Plant production and turnover,soil and plant respiration

Six areas of native grassland were labelled with ¹⁴C during a growing season. Transfers from the foliage to the roots and root respiration were measured. Plant production and turnover rates were determined by sampling the labelled material at different periods following exposure to ¹⁴CO₂.Above to beneath ground plant production ratios ranged between 1.1 and 1.9 with maximal translocation to the roots occurring during the drier summer months. The distribution of the photosynthates in the roots at different depths changed with time and soil moisture content. The upper part of the soil (0–10 cm) contained 49–77% of the labelled C found beneath the soil surface. Measurement of transfers with time of the above ground labelled C from living to dead plant and litter categories gave an insight into foliage dynamics and made it possible to estimate the seasonal shoot production at 130g Cm^?2 (1300kg ha^?1). Root growth represented 100g Cm^?2 (1000 kg ha^?1).Calculations of root and soil respiration were based on the CO₂ profiles in the soil. The fluxes of labelled and unlabelled CO₂ at the soil surface were estimated using the diffusion equation method. Respiration by roots and closely associated soil organisms accounted for 12 per cent of the net assimilation of CO₂ by the plants. This proportion was constant throughout the season and represented 19 per cent of the total CO₂ evolved at the soil surface.     

Impact of plant species and atmospheric CO2 concentration on rhizodeposition and soil microbial activity and community composition

Both plant species and CO₂ concentration can potentially affect rhizodeposition and consequently soil microbial activity and community composition. However, the effect differs based on plant developmental stage. We focused on the effect of three plant species (forbs, grasses, and N₂‐fixers) at an early stage of development on root C deposition and fate, soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization and soil microbial community composition at ambient (aCO₂) and elevated (eCO₂) CO₂ levels. Plants were grown from seed, under continuous ¹³C‐labelling atmospheres (400 and 800 µmol mol^?1 CO₂), in grassland soil for three weeks. At the end of the growth period, soil respiration, dissolved organic C (DOC) and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles were quantified and isotopically partitioned into root‐ and soil‐derived components. Root‐derived DOC (0.53 ± 0.34 and 0.26 ± 0.29 µg mL soil solution^?1) and soil‐derived CO₂ (6.14 ± 0.55 and 5.04 ± 0.44 µg CO₂‐C h^?1) were on average two times and 22% higher at eCO₂ than at aCO₂, respectively. Plant species differed in exudate production at aCO₂ (0.11 ± 0.11, 0.10 ± 0.18, and 0.58 ± 0.58 µg mL soil solution^?1 for Plantago, Festuca, and Lotus, respectively) but not at eCO₂ (0.20 ± 0.28, 0.66 ± 0.32, and 0.75 ± 0.15 µg mL soil solution^?1 for Plantago, Festuca, and Lotus, respectively). However, no differences among plant species or CO₂ levels were apparent when DOC was expressed per gram of roots. Relative abundance of PLFAs did not differ between the two CO₂ levels. A higher abundance of actinobacteria and G‐positive bacteria occurred in unplanted (8.07 ± 0.48 and 24.36 ± 1.18 mol%) and Festuca‐affected (7.63 ± 0.31 and 23.62 ± 0.69 mol%) soil than in Plantago‐ (7.04 ± 0.36 and 23.41 ± 1.13 mol%) and Lotus‐affected (7.24 ± 0.17 and 23.13 ± 0.52 mol%) soil. In conclusion, the differences in root exudate production and soil respiration are mainly caused by differences in root biomass at an early stage of development. However, plant species evidently produce root exudates of varying quality affecting associated microbial community composition.     

Relationship between soil CO2 concentrations and forest-floor CO2 effluxes

To better understand the biotic and abiotic factors that control soil CO₂ efflux, we compared seasonal and diurnal variations in simultaneously measured forest-floor CO₂ effluxes and soil CO₂ concentration profiles in a 54-year-old Douglas fir forest on the east coast of Vancouver Island. We used small solid-state infrared CO₂ sensors for long-term continuous real-time measurement of CO₂ concentrations at different depths, and measured half-hourly soil CO₂ effluxes with an automated non-steady-state chamber. We describe a simple steady-state method to measure CO₂ diffusivity in undisturbed soil cores. The method accounts for the CO₂ production in the soil and uses an analytical solution to the diffusion equation. The diffusivity was related to air-filled porosity by a power law function, which was independent of soil depth. CO₂ concentration at all depths increased with increase in soil temperature, likely due to a rise in CO₂ production, and with increase in soil water content due to decreased diffusivity or increased CO₂ production or both. It also increased with soil depth reaching almost 10 mmol mol⁻¹ at the 50-cm depth. Annually, soil CO₂ efflux was best described by an exponential function of soil temperature at the 5-cm depth, with the reference efflux at 10 °C (F₁₀) of 2.6 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and the Q₁₀ of 3.7. No evidence of displacement of CO₂-rich soil air with rain was observed.Effluxes calculated from soil CO₂ concentration gradients near the surface closely agreed with the measured effluxes. Calculations indicated that more than 75% of the soil CO₂ efflux originated in the top 20 cm soil. Calculated CO₂ production varied with soil temperature, soil water content and season, and when scaled to 10 °C also showed some diurnal variation. Soil CO₂ efflux and concentrations as well as soil temperature at the 5-cm depth varied in phase. Changes in CO₂ storage in the 0–50 cm soil layer were an order of magnitude smaller than measured effluxes. Soil CO₂ efflux was proportional to CO₂ concentration at the 50-cm depth with the slope determined by soil water content, which was consistent with a simple steady-state analytical model of diffusive transport of CO₂ in the soil. The latter proved successful in calculating effluxes during 2004.     

Influence of geogenic CO2 on mineral and organic soil constituents on a mofette site in the NW Czech Republic

Geogenic CO₂ emission on mofette sites may be a factor in soil formation. To demonstrate a CO₂ effect, we studied soils (0–60 cm depth) along a transect across a mofette in the NW Czech Republic. We determined CO₂ partial pressures (p(CO₂)), and the contents in the soil of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), sulphur and dithionite‐ and oxalate‐extractable iron and manganese. X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods were applied to the soils' particle‐size fractions. The CO₂ partial pressures varied considerably (0.001–1) along the transect and were positively correlated with both the C_org contents (5.5–432.9 g kg⁻¹) and the C:N ratio (9.3–32.2), indicating a decreased turnover of organic parent material with increasing CO₂. When the soil atmosphere was entirely composed of CO₂, pedogenic Fe oxide contents were small (minimum 0.5 g dithionite‐extractable Fe kg⁻¹) and poorly crystalline. XRD and FTIR spectroscopy revealed primary and secondary minerals such as quartz, feldspars, mica, illite, kaolinite and halloysite irrespective of CO₂ contents. A pronounced effect of CO₂ was found for soil organic matter (SOM), because the FTIR spectra did not reveal a normal accumulation of alkyl C and lipids of microbial origin in the clay fraction. This indicates that microbial synthesis and/or degradation of plant‐derived aliphatic species were reduced. We did not detect more organo–mineral associations, microbially formed polypeptides or pectin in clay fractions in comparison with the clay‐plus‐silt fractions at large p(CO₂). This indicates relatively unaltered particulate OM in the clay fraction. At large p(CO₂) values, the IR bands indicative of lignin became detectable and that of aryl ketones in lignin was positively correlated with p(CO₂). Thus, we suggest that microbial formation of SOM and degradation of lignin is restricted under an increased CO₂ atmosphere. We attribute less humification at increased CO₂ in the soil atmosphere to a decrease in oxidative transformations and decreased microbial activity.     

Dynamics of soil organic matter turnover and soil respired CO2 in a temperate grassland labelled with 13C

The fate of carbon (C) in grassland soils is of particular interest since the vast majority in grassland ecosystems is stored below ground and respiratory C‐release from soils is a major component of the global C balance. The use of ¹³C‐depleted CO₂ in a 10‐year free‐air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment, gave a unique opportunity to study the turnover of the C sequestered during this experiment. Soil organic matter (SOM), soil air and plant material were analysed for δ¹³C and C contents in the last year of the FACE experiment (2002) and in the two following growing seasons. After 10 years of exposure to CO₂ enrichment at 600 ppmv, no significant differences in SOM C content could be detected between fumigated and non‐fumigated plots. A ¹³C depletion of 3.4‰ was found in SOM (0–12 cm) of the fumigated soils in comparison with the control soils and a rapid decrease of this difference was observed after the end of fumigation. Within 2 years, 49% of the C in this SOM (0–12 cm) was exchanged with fresh C, with the limitation that this exchange cannot be further dissected into respiratory decay of old C and freshly sequestered new C. By analysing the mechanistic effects of a drought on the plant‐soil system it was shown that rhizosphere respiration is the dominant factor in soil respiration. Consideration of ecophysiological factors that drive plant activity is therefore important when soil respiration is to be investigated or modelled.