Temporal denitrification patterns in different horizons of two riparian soils

The dynamics of biological denitrification in riparian soil is still poorly understood. We studied the spring‐time pattern of denitrifying enzyme activity (DEA) and the rate of denitrification (DNT) in two hydromorphic riparian soils, one a mollic Gleysol and the other a terric Histosol. The average DEA ranged from 73 to 1232 ng N g^?1 hour^?1, and DNT ranged from 4 to 36 ng N g^?1 hour^?1. Both DEA and DNT diminished with increasing depth in both soil types. This decrease corresponded to a decrease in total and K₂SO₄‐extractable organic carbon and K₂SO₄‐extractable mineral nitrogen. The DEA and DNT differed in their dynamics. The former had no evident pattern in subsurface horizons but increased with temperature at the end of spring in surface and structural horizons. The DNT diminished as the soil dried in the mollic Gleysol when the water table fell. In the terric Histosol, the water table was still too high at the end of spring to affect the DNT. The results suggest that the vertical pattern of denitrification is related to that of organic carbon content. This organic carbon content determines biological activity and the supply of carbon and nitrous oxides. In biologically active horizons temperature drives the dynamics of DEA, whereas soil moisture drives the dynamics of DNT. Our results show the importance of the dynamic soil–water relationship in controlling denitrification within the riparian zone.     

Grain yield and crop N offtake in response to residual fertilizer N in long‐term field experiments

Organic inputs [e.g. animal manure (AM) and plant residues] contribute directly to the soil organic N pool, whereas mineral N fertilizer contributes indirectly by increasing the return of the crop residues and by microbial immobilization. To evaluate the residual effect of N treatments established in four long‐term (>35 yr) field experiments, we measured the response of barley (grain yield and N offtake at crop maturity) to six rates (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg N/ha) of mineral fertilizer N (N_new) applied in subplots replacing the customary long‐term plot treatments of fertilizer inputs (N_prev). Rates of N_prev above 50–100 kg N/ha had no consistent effect on the soil N content, but this was up to 20% greater than that in unfertilized treatments. Long‐term unfertilized plots should not be used as control to test the residual value of N in modern agriculture with large production potentials. Although the effect of mineral N_prev on grain yield and N offtake could be substituted by N_new within a range of previous inputs, the value of N_prev was not eliminated irrespective of N_new rate. Provided a sufficient supply of plant nutrients other than N, the use‐efficiency of N_new did not change significantly with previous mineral N fertilizer rate. The residual effect of mineral N fertilizer was negligible compared with the residual effect of N from AM and catch crop residues.     

Migration of Cesium-137 in typical soils of North Germany ten years after the Chernobyl accident

Ten years after the Chernobyl disaster the Cs-137 migration of typical soils of North Germany (Folic Histosol, Haplic Podzol, Dystric Gleysol, Eutric Fluvisol) has been investigated and compared to their Cs distribution in 1986. In 1986 nearly 90% of the Cs-137 occurred in the upper 1–5 cm soil sections, whereas it was 50–70% in 1996. The more regular distribution ten years after the accident shows that migration processes have taken place. The Podzol presented a high migration with marked Cs-137 losses in the top soil. The Gleysol showed the lowest migration down to 10 cm depth. A nearly similar pattern at the top was found within the Histosol, however, a ratio of 10% Cs-137 in the 10–15 cm section indicated a deeper migration. Despite the large clay content, the Fluvisol showed a regular Cs distribution within its profile, probably resulting from cattle steps and/or peloturbation.     

Within plot variability in available soil mineral nitrogen in relation to leaf greenness and yield

Abstract

Available soil mineral nitrogen (N) varies both temporally and spatially. These variations affect field‐scale N‐use efficiency. A field study was conducted for three years to investigate spatial variability in available soil mineral N within uniform research plots in relation to leaf greenness or chlorophyll content (plant N sufficiency) and yield. Variations within the plot in available soil mineral N sampled at the 6‐ligule stage was related to N fertility: the higher the fertilizer N levels, the higher the variability. The standard deviation for the 200 kg N ha^‐1 treatment was up to five times higher than the unfertilized control treatment. The nitrate (NO₃)‐N accounted for 70 to 80% of soil mineral N in fertilized plots compared to 50 to 60% in unfertilized control plots. The variability in grain yield of individual maize (Zea mays L.) plants within a plot was inversely related to soil N fertility: the higher the fertilizer N levels, the lower the yield variability (at 100 or 200 kg N ha^‐1, yield ranged from 97 to 148 g plant¹, or 10% CV within ayear compared to ranges from 0 to 82, or 50% CV in the same year at 0 kg N ha^‐1). On an individual plant basis, chlorophyll content from the 6‐ligule stage through the growing season generally showed much smaller CV's, but had a similar trend to variations in yield. Leaf greenness from 6‐ligule stage to silking was significantly correlated with harvest yield (r>0.60, P<0.01), and both also correlated with available soil mineral N, though to a lesser degree (r>0.36). The number of fully expanded leaves prior to silking differentiated N treatments better than did single leaf chlorophyll measurements with higher yields associated with more rapid vegetative development. Our data suggest that multiple core samples are required to estimate available soil mineral N, particularly in fertilized plots that have greater spatial variability. Variability of plant‐based measures, such as chlorophyll content, could be used as an indicator of relative plant N sufficiency at early growth stages as spatial variability declined with higher soil N fertility.     

Effects of humus content,farmyard manuring,and mineral‐N fertilization on yields and soil properties in a long‐term trial

Investigations carried out at Field F3 of the Halle long‐term fertilization trials using data from 1974 to 1983 showed that with adequate supply of mineral N‐fertilizer soil organic matter (SOM) had no significant effects of yield. Similarly enhanced SOM did not justify a reduction of mineral N (Stumpe et al., 2000). The studies presented here examine the effects of the SOM differences existing after the termination of those trials in 1986 up until 1997 (then mainly differences of hardly decomposable SOM) in comparison to farmyard manuring with enhanced mineral N application (3‐factor‐experiment). As with total SOM, hardly decomposable SOM did not directly affect yields. The effects of FYM treatment observed at lower mineral‐N levels were compensated for by enhanced mineral‐N supply. The direct effect of FYM (40 t ha^—1) corresponded to a mineral‐N supply of about 60 kg ha^—1 and the residual effect to about 20 kg ha^—1. The differences of the C‐content in the soil at the beginning of the present studies continued throughout the experimental period of 12 years. In addition, significant differentiation has been caused by FYM and N fertilization in comparison to unfertilized treatments. The major finding is that differences in SOM content do not lead to yield differences on physically good soils (chernozem‐like soils) if appropriate compensation by mineral‐N fertilization takes place.     

不同有机肥对采煤塌陷区土壤氮素矿化动态特征研究

为揭示不同有机肥对煤矿复垦土壤氮素矿化特性的影响,以山西省孝义市水峪煤矿采煤塌陷复垦土壤为研究对象,采用室内好气培养法,研究在40%含水量和30℃培养条件下,施用3种有机肥(鸡粪、猪粪、牛粪)后在0~161天的氮素矿化动态特征,以明确不同有机肥对该矿区复垦土壤氮素矿化特征,从而预估不同有机肥的供氮特性,为合理施用有机肥进行低产农田的培肥改造提供科学依据。结果表明:(1)各处理0~14天铵态氮含量均随培养时间的延长迅速下降,与培养时间呈极显著负相关关系(P<0.01),14~161天土壤铵态氮含量维持在较低水平,培养结束时,各处理铵态氮含量均低于1.31mg/kg。(2)各处理土壤硝态氮含量、累积量及矿质氮累积量变化均呈近似的“S”形曲线递增,表现为0~56天缓慢增加,56~84天迅速增加,84天至培养结束(161天)其含量基本不变。培养结束时不同处理间硝态氮含量、累积量及矿质氮累积量整体上均表现为鸡粪>猪粪>牛粪>空白,且鸡粪较猪粪和牛粪处理间存在显著差异,猪粪和牛粪较空白处理间存在显著差异(P<0.05)。(3)不同施肥处理出现氮素净矿化的时间点不同,其中鸡粪处理在第14天时最早出现净矿化现象,而猪粪和牛粪在培养28天后才出现明显的氮素净矿化。(4)不同施肥处理在培养的不同阶段硝态氮和矿质氮累积速率不同,但整体趋势一致,表现为培养0~84天各处理土壤累积矿化波动较大,56~84天达到峰值,培养84~161天各处理矿化速率平稳下降。总体来看,有机肥的施入能有效促进煤矿复垦土壤氮素矿化,从而提高土壤氮素有效性。其中,施鸡粪较猪粪和牛粪对提高矿区复垦土壤有效氮效果更好。4种处理的氮素矿化效果总体表现为鸡粪>猪粪>牛粪>空白。     

半湿润地区土垫旱耕人为土不同土层氮矿化的水温效应研究

本论文以半湿润地区土垫旱耕人为土(褐土)为供试土样,应用长期通气培养法,研究了湿度和温度对090cm土壤剖面不同土层(每30.cm为1土层)氮素矿化的影响。每层土壤设11.0、15.0、19.0、23.0、27.0%5个土壤水分等级和8.0、16.0、24.03、2.0、40.0℃5个温度等级,共25个处理,在恒温培养箱中进行培养。培养期间分别在7、14、21、354、9、63和84.d取样测定矿化氮累积量。结果表明,不同土层土壤有机氮的矿化累积量均随温度、水分含量升高而增加,各土层增幅的大小顺序为030.cm3060.cm6090.cm。030.cm土层矿化氮是090.cm土层可矿化氮的主体,其矿化氮占67.9%。不同土层土壤氮素矿化过程不同:在培养期间030.cm土层氮素矿化量与培养时间符合线性关系,而3060.cm和6090.cm土层符合对数函数;不同土层氮素矿化速率k与含水量w间为直线关系,相关系数r在0.93以上,030.cm土层的k值对温度反应最为敏感,其次为3060.cm土层,以6090cm土层反应最小。总体上看,在较高温度培养条件下,随温度增加,土层越深,矿化速率增加越慢;温度和水分对不同土层土壤氮素矿化具有明显的正交互作用。对030.cm土层,在高温情况下水分效果更加突出;而对3060cm和6090.cm土层,温度效应比水分效果更加突出。     

Coarse particulate organic matter is the primary source of mineral N in the topsoil of three beech forests

Forest soils contain a variable amount of organic N roughly repartitioned among particles of different size, microbial biomass and associated with mineral compounds. All pools are alimented by annual litter fall as main input of organic N to the forest floor. Litter N is further subject to mineralization/stabilization recognized as the crucial process for the turnover of litter N. Although it is well documented that different soil types have different soil N stocks, it is presently unknown how different soil types affect the turnover of recent litter N. Here, we compared the potential mineralization of the total soil organic N with that of recent litter-released N in three beech forests varying in their soil properties. Highly ¹⁵N-labelled beech litter was applied to stands located at Aubure, Ebrach, Collelongo, which differ in humus type, soil type and soil chemistry. After 4-5 years of litter decomposition, the upper 3 cm of the organo-mineral A horizon was sampled and the net N mineralization was measured over 112 days under controlled conditions. The origin of mineralized N (litter N versus soil organic N) was calculated using ¹⁵N labeling. In addition, soils were fractionated according to their particle size (>2000 μm, 200-2000 μm, 50-200 μm, <50 μm) and particulate organic matter (POM) was separated from the mineral fraction in size classes, except the <50 μm fraction. Between 41 and 69% of soil organic N was recovered as POM. Litter-released ¹⁵N was mainly to be found in the coarse POM fractions >200 μm. On a soil mass basis, N mineralization was two-fold higher at Aubure and Collelongo than at Ebrach, but, on a soil N basis, N mineralization was the lowest at Collelongo and the highest at Ebrach. On a soil N (or ¹⁵N) basis, mineralization of litter ¹⁵N was two to four-fold higher than mineralization of the average soil N. Furthermore, the δ¹⁵N of the mineral N produced was closer to that of POM than to that of the mineral-bound fraction (<50 μm). Highest rates of ¹⁵N mineralization happened in the soil with the lowest N content, and we found a negative relationship between accumulations of N in the upper A horizon and the mineralization of ¹⁵N from the litter. Our results show that mineral N is preferentially mineralized from POM in the upper organo-mineral soil irrespective of the soil chemistry and that the turnover rate of litter N is faster in soils with a low N content.     

Influence of different long-term mineral–organic fertilization on yield,nutrient balance and soil C and N contents of a sandy loess (Haplic Phaeozem) in middle Germany

In a long-term field trial (Halle, Germany, founded in 1949 by K. Schmalfuß, soil type Haplic Phaeozem), the effects of different mineral and organic fertilization on dry matter yields, soil C and N contents and N balances were investigated. Over a period of 60 years, yields increased on average in all cultivated crops (winter and spring cereals, potatoes, sugar beets, silage maize), even without any fertilization. Nitrogen deficiency in unfertilized and PK treatments caused strong decreases in yield (up to 48%) in comparison with the N2PK standard treatment. The effect of omitting K or P supply was smaller (up to 18% and 7% yield reduction, respectively). The highest yields were obtained with high mineral N + PK application and (except winter wheat) with farmyard manure in combination with mineral fertilization. The N balances were negative in all treatments. However, if N immission from the air (40 kg ha^?1 a^?1) was included in the calculation, N balances were negative only in low N treatments. The soil C and N contents increased up to 1975. A considerable decrease has been seen since about 1985. The highest soil C and N contents were observed in the farmyard manure treatments. In addition to fertilization effects, this development of soil properties reflects changes in environmental pollution, climatic changes, as well as shifts in cultivation methods like tillage depths, over recent decades.     

Denitrification and C,N mineralization as function of temperature and moisture potential in organic and mineral horizons of an acid spruce forest soil

The influence of temperature (T) and water potential (ψ) on the denitrification potential, C and N mineralization and nitrification were studied in organic and mineral horizons of an acid spruce forest soil. The amount of N₂O emitted from organic soil was 10 times larger than from the mineral one. The maximum of N₂O emission was in both soils at the highest water potential 0 MPa and at 20°C. CO₂ production in the organic soil was 2 times higher than in mineral soil. Net ammonification in organic soil was negative for most of the T‒ψ variations, while in mineral soil it was positive. Net nitrification in organic soil was negative only at the maximum water potential and temperature (0 MPa, 28°C). The highest rate was between 0 and −0.3 MPa and between 20 and 28°C. In mineral soil NO₃⁻ accumulated at all T‒ψ variations with a maximum at 20^oC and −0.3 MPa. We concluded that in organic soil the immobilization of NH₄⁺ is the dominant process in the N‒cycling. Nevertheless, decreasing of total N mineralized at 0 MPa and 20—28^oC can be explained by denitrification.     

Influence of soil tillage on net N-mineralization under sugar beet

The shift from conventional to reduced soil tillage may affect physical and chemical soil properties and thereby net N-mineralization. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of soil tillage on net N-mineralization at different depths. For this purpose the mineralization rate in the 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil layer of conventionally and reduced tilled, N unfertilized plots under sugar beet was estimated with a field incubation method in 1993 and 1994. This method was compared to a balance method which takes into account N uptake of the crop and mineral N in the soil (0–90 cm). The mineralization rate in 1993 and 1994 was determined by the increase of soil temperature in spring and the change of water content in summer. Although the amount of cumulated mineralized N did not differ. soil tillage affected the mineralization rate in the three soil layers depending on the distribution of organic matter. In the reduced tilled soil the mineralization rate in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm) was higher than in conventionally tilled soil, whereas in the layer 10–20 cm depth the mineralization rate of the conventional treatment exceeded that of the reduced tilled treatment. These differences in mineralization rate between conventional and reduced tillage were more distinct in 1994 than in 1993. Since the amount of N mineralized during the season and the period of highest N-mineralization rate in the arable soil layer did not differ due to soil tillage the necessity of an increased N-fertilization in reduced tillage systems cannot be concluded from these results. This is supported by results of the white sugar yield, which showed no interaction between tillage and N fertilization. Results of the field incubation method differed considerably from those of the balance method. This is primarily due to lacking parameters in the N balance.     

Einfluß 85jähriger differenzierter organischer und mineralischer Düngung auf Bodeneigenschaften im Statischen Versuch Bad Lauchstädt

Influence from a 85-year differentiated organic manuring and mineral fertilization on soil fertility in the static experiment at Bad Lauchstädt The results of the static experiment started on chernozem from loess at Bad Lauchstädt in 1902 are used to demonstrate the influence of differentiated organic manuring (no manuring, 20 t and 30 t ha^?1 of farmyard manure) and mineral fertilization (NPK, NP, NK, N, PK, no fertilization) on the organic matter and nutrient contents in soil. After 85 years the content of organic C (C) in the topsoil was higher by 0, 5% after organic and mineral fertilization than after mineral fertilization. Exclusive mineral fertilization (NPK) increased the C-contents in soil by 0, 2% than without fertilization. Farmyard manure considerably reduced nutrient deficiency, which is due to plots without mineral fertilization. This holds especially true for potassium and phosphorus deficiencies. With rising pH value the Mn content in the soil diminished.     

Nitrogen mineralization and microbial activity in permanent pastures amended with nitrogen fertilizer or dung

 Gross rates of soil processes and microbial activity were measured in two grazed permanent pasture soils which had recently been amended with N fertilizer or dung. ¹⁵N studies of rates of soil organic matter turnover showed gross N mineralization was higher, and gross N immobilization was lower, in a long-term fertilized soil than in a soil which had never received fertilizer N. Net mineralization was also found to be higher in the fertilized soil: a consequence of the difference between the opposing N turnover processes of N mineralization and immobilization. In both soils without amendments the soil microbial biomass contents were similar, but biomass activity (specific respiration) was higher in the fertilized soil. Short-term manipulation of fertilizer N input, i.e. adding N to unfertilized soil, or witholding N from previously fertilized soil, for one growing season, did not affect gross mineralization, immobilization or biomass size and activity. Amendments of dung had little effect on gross mineralization, but there was an increase in immobilization in both soils. Total biomass also increased under dung in the unfertilized soil, but specific respiration was reduced, suggesting changes in the composition of the biomass. Dung had a direct effect on the microbial biomass by temporarily increasing available soil C. Prolonged input of fertilizer N increases soil C indirectly as a result of enhanced plant growth, the effect of which may not become evident within one seasonal cycle. Received: 18 December 1998     

Effects of Liming and Fertilization (N,PK) on Chemistry and Nitrogen Turnover in Acidic Forest Soils in SW Sweden

SW Sweden has very acidic forest soils because of deposition ofair-borne pollutants. Large-scale liming and fertilization have been proposed as countermeasures against a possible future development of forest decline. To test the effects of suggested treatments, liming (3 or 6 t ha¹) and fertilization with easily soluble PK (25 or 50 kg P, 80 or 160 kg K ha¹) or N(20 kg N ha¹ annually in the form of NH₄ NO₃) were applied in different combinations in four experiments in 30–60 yr-old Picea abies forests in SW Sweden. Four yearsafter the initial application of the fertilizers, samples were taken from the O-horizon and the two uppermost 5 cm thick layersof the mineral soil. Their pH(H₂O) and easily extractable Ca, Mg, K, P and inorganic N contents were analyzed. Samples werealso incubated to estimate net N mineralization and potential nitrification rates. Liming increased the pH by 0.6–1 unit in the O-horizon, and by 0.1 unit in the mineral soil. The Ca + Mg content increased by 15–25 kmol_c ha¹ (4–8 foldincrease) in the O-horizon of the limed plots, while an increaseof 5 kmol_c ha¹ (two-fold increase) was observed in theuppermost 5 cm of the mineral soil. Liming did not affect extractable P, K or inorganic N contents. Net N mineralization and potential nitrification rates in the O-horizon were enhanced 1.5- and 6-fold, respectively, by liming, but it had no apparenteffect in the mineral soil. N fertilization caused a slight increase (1.5 kg ha¹) in the content of inorganic N, buthad no effects on the other variables measured. The amount ofextractable P was raised by 16 kg ha¹ in plots given the high P dose (50 kg ha¹), but no other effects of PK fertilization were detected.     

Sequentially extracted phosphorus fractions in peat‐derived soils

Phosphorus (P) forms were sequentially extracted from peat derived soils (Eutric Histosols and Gleysols) at eight sites in Saxony‐Anhalt (Germany) to disclose general differences in P pools between mineral and organic soils and to investigate effects of peat humification and oxidation in conjunction with land use and soil management on the P status of soils. Overall 29 samples providing a wide variety of basic chemical properties were subjected to the Hedley fractionation. The Histosol topsoils contained more total P (P_t) (1345 ± 666 mg kg^—1) than the Gleysol topsoils (648 ± 237 mg kg^—1). The predominant extractable fractions were H₂SO₄‐P (36—63 % of P_t) in calcareous and NaOH‐P_o (0—46 % of P_t) in non‐calcareous Histosols. These soils had large pools of residual P (13—93 % of P_t). Larger contents and proportions of P_o and of labile P fractions generally distinguished organic from mineral soils. Regression analyses indicated that poorly crystalline pedogenic oxides and organic matter were binding partners for extractable and non‐extractable P. Intensive management that promotes peat humification and oxidation results in disproportional enrichments of labile P fractions (resin‐P, NaHCO₃‐P_i, and NaHCO₃‐P_o). These changes in P chemistry must be considered for a sustainable management of landscapes with Histosols and associated peat derived soils.     

Effect of N supply on apparent recovery of fertilizer N as crop N and Nmin in soil during and after cultivation of winter cereals

Field trials were conducted over two years to investigate the effect of increasing N supply on apparent fertilizer N recovery by winter cereal crops (4 × wheat and 2 × barley) and on non‐recovered N. Apparent fertilizer N recovery was calculated by comparing N in fertilized and unfertilized crops. Non‐recovered N is defined as N which was neither found in crops nor soil mineral N (N_min = NH₄‐N + NO₃‐N). At N supply levels according to common farming practice (N_cfp = 190 to 220 kg N/ha), 60— 93% of the fertilizer N was recovered in crops at harvest, while at high N supply levels of 265 to 273 kg N/ha 58—76% of fertilizer N was recovered. There were small differences in soil N_min in 0—200 cm between N_cfp and unfertilized plots, but substantial increases in N_min occurred at the highest N supply. Amounts of non‐recovered N differed substantially between sites (maximum value of 84 kg N/ha). Non‐recovered N increased with increasing N rate on only 3 out of the 6 sites, indicating that N immobilization was not necessarily dependent on N rate. The fate of non‐recovered N was studied for a further year by growing catch crops on the sites after cereal harvest. N re‐mineralization deduced from changes in catch crop N and in N_min indicated that non‐recovered N had been immobilized in the soil. At three sites, crop N uptake was found between milk‐ripe stage and harvest (19 to 60 kg N/ha) suggesting substantial uptake of N mineralized from soil. However, grain yields were lower with N rates below N_cfp, indicating that late net soil N mineralization could not compensate for reductions in N fertilizer rate in these trials.     

Effects of pretreatment of soil samples on N mineralization in incubation experiments

Summary We studied the effects of pretreating soil samples (field-fresh, drying at 40° and 105°C, freezing/thawing) on N mineralization in an incubation experiment and on the dynamics of the organic N fraction extracted by K₂SO₄ solution. The soil samples were collected from plots in a long-term field experiment with the application of mineral fertilizer and farmyard manure. Compared with the field-fresh soil samples, freezing/thawing resulted in higher NO ₃ ^– -N contents while the NH ₄ ⁺ -N and the organic N content were increased by drying at 105°C. During the incubation period N mineralization was highest after the samples were dried at 105°C and a little lower in those dried at 40°C. After freezing/thawing the order of magnitude of N mineralization remained the same. The difference in organic N between the beginning and the end of the incubation experiment and the mineral N content at the end of the experiment were correlated significantly. Despite this correlation, however, the change in the organic N content underestimated the N mineralization rates.     

Long-term applications of chemical and organic fertilizers on plant-available nitrogen pools and nitrogen management index

The objective of this study was to evaluate plant-available N pools and the role of N management index (NMI) in the surface (0–20 cm) of a fluvo-aquic soil after 18 years of fertilization treatments under a wheat–maize cropping system in the North China Plain. The experiment included seven treatments: (1) NPK, balanced application of chemical fertilizer NPK; (2) OM, application of organic manure; (3) 1/2OMN, application of half organic manure plus chemical fertilizer NPK; (4) NP, application of chemical fertilizer NP; (5) PK, application of chemical fertilizer PK; (6) NK, application of chemical fertilizer NK; and (7) CK, unfertilized control. Total organic N (TON), microbial biomass N (MBN), labile N (LN), inorganic N (ION, including ammonium (NH₄⁺)–N and nitrate (NO₃⁻)–N) contents, net ammonification rate (NAR), net nitrification rate (NNR), net N mineralization rate (NNMR), and NMI in the fertilized treatments were higher than in the unfertilized treatment. Application of chemical fertilizer N (NPK, NP, and NK) increased ION in soils, compared with application of organic N or control. Nitrate N prevailed over exchangeable NH₄⁺–N in all treatments. Nitrogen storage of the OM- and 1/2OMN-treated soils increased by 50.0% and 24.3%, respectively, over the NPK-treated soil, which had 5.4–22.5% more N than NP-, PK-, and NK-treated soils. The MBN, LN, and ION accounted for 1.7–2.4%, 25.7–34.2%, and 1.4–2.9% of TON, respectively, in different fertilization treatments. The surface soils (0–20-cm layer) in all treatments mineralized 43.6–152.9 kg N ha^–1 year^–1 for crop growth. Microbial biomass N was probably the better predictor of N mineralization, as it was correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with NNMR. The OM and 1/2OMN treatments were not an optimal option for farmers when the crop yield and labor cost were taken into consideration but an optimal option for increasing soil N supply capacity and N sequestration in soil. The NPK treatment showed the highest crop yields and increased soil N fractions through crop residues and exudates input, and thus, it may be considered as a sustainable system in the North China Plain.     

Effect of freeze-thaw events on mineralization of soil nitrogen

Summary In humid regions of the United States there is considerable interest in the use of late spring (April–June) soil NO ₃ ^– concentrations to estimate fertilizer N requirements. However, little information is available on the environmental factors that influence soil NO ₃ ^– concentrations in late winter/early spring. The influence of freeze-thaw treatments on N mineralization was studied on several central Iowa soils. The soils were subjected to temperatures of-20°C or 5°C for 1 week followed by 0–20 days of incubation at various temperatures. The release of soluble ninhydrin-reactive N, the N mineralization rate, and net N mineralization (mineral N flush) were observed. The freeze-thaw treatment resulted in a significant increase in the N mineralization rate and mineral N flush. The N mineralization rate in the freeze-thaw treated soils remained higher than in non-frozen soils for 3–6 days when thawed soils were incubated at 25°C and for up to 20 days in thawed soils incubated at 5°C. The freeze-thaw treatments resulted in a significant release of ninhydrin-reactive N. These values were closely correlated with the mineral N flush (r ²=0.84). The release of ninhydrin-reactive N was more closely correlated with biomass N (r ²=0.80) than total N (r ²=0.65). Our results suggest that freeze-thaw events in soil disrupt microbial tissues in a similar way to drying and re-wetting or chloroform fumigation. Thus the level of mineral N released was directly related to the soil microbial biomass. We conclude that net N mineralization following a spring thaw may provide a significant portion of the total NO ₃ ^– present in the soil profile.     

Tillage intensity and fertility level effects on nitrogen and carbon cycling in a vertisol

Abstract

Because of erosion problems, an effort has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of tillage intensity on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling on a vertisol. Soil samples at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depth were collected from a split plot experiment with five different levels of tillage intensity on Houston Black soil (fine, montmorillonitic, thermic Udic Pellusterts). The experiment was a split plot design with 5 replications. The main plots were chisel tillage, reduced tillage, row tillage, strip tillage, and no tillage. The subplots were soil fertility levels with either high or low fertilizer application rate. Total N, total phosphorus (P), organic C, inorganic N, and C:N ratio were measured on soil samples as well as the potential C mineralization, N mineralization, C turnover, and C:N mineralization ratio during a 30 d incubation. Total P and organic C in soil were increased, with 0.9 and 0.8 kg P ha^‐1 and 20.6 and 20.0 kg C ha^‐1, for high and low soil fertility, respectively. Fertilizer application had no effect on either total N at the 0–10 cm depth, or on soil nutrient status below 10 cm. Potential soil N mineralization was decreased at the 0–10 cm depth and increased at the 20–30 cm depth by the high fertilizer treatment. Chisel tillage decreased total N and P in the 0–10 cm depth, with 1.4 and 1.6 kg N ha^‐1 and 0.8 and 0.9 kg P ha^‐1. However, chisel tillage increased total N and P at the 10–20 cm depth, with 1.3 and 1.2 kg N ha^‐1, and 0.72 and 0.66 kg P ha^‐1 for chisel tillage and no tillage, respectively. Tillage intensity increased C mineralization and C turnover, but reduced N mineralization at the 0–10 cm depth. The results indicate that intensively tilled soil had a greater capacity for C mineralization and for reductions in soil organic C levels compared to less intensively tilled systems.