Forest Litters as a Link in the Carbon Cycle in Coniferous–Broadleaved Forests of the Southern Far East of Russia

Forest litter as a component of the carbon cycle in pine–broadleaved forests of different ages was characterized. Field studies of the forest site of the Primorskaya State Agricultural Academy in the south of the Sikhote Alin Range continued for three years. Multiple sampling of forest litter and plant litter fall and measurements of the CO₂ emission from the litter and underlying soil horizons were performed on test plots. The maximum litter pool (14.44 ± 0.86 t/ha) was found in the mature stand of Pinus koraiensis; the minimum litter pool (11.52 ± 0.65 t/ha), in the 80-year-old stand. The carbon stock in the litters amounted to 3.7% of the phytomass carbon. The rate of carbon turnover in the forest litters was relatively low in comparison with that in other regions: the ratio of carbon pools in the litter horizons and annual plant falloff reached 3.5. The winter season provided about 10–25% of the annual plant litter fall. The data obtained in this study describe a part of the carbon cycle and contribute to our understanding of the ecosystem function of climate regulation by valuable forest massifs in the south of the Far East of Russia. In this region, the decomposition of forest litters generates the CO₂ flux amounting up to 16% of the total CO₂ emission from the soil.     

Loss‐on‐Ignition in the Determination of Pools of Organic Carbon in Soils of Forests and Afforested Arable Fields

Abstract

Loss‐on‐ignition (LOI) and concentration of organic carbon (Cc) were determined on pristine forest soils and soils from afforested arable fields. The objectives were to investigate the relation between the Cc of soil estimated indirectly from LOI and true Cc from dry combustion (C_LECO) and further to evaluate how the applied analytical method affects the carbon pool estimates. According to results, LOI was a good indicator of Cc in the organic layer. As regards mineral soil, however, C_LECO/LOI ratio significantly decreased with increasing depth, and the ratio changed differently in soils underlying forest sites as opposed to the soils from former fields. The results indicate that estimation of carbon pools from conversion factors would lead to considerable bias and that direct measurement of Cc is preferable to the use of any Cc/LOI ratio. The results also emphasize the need for elimination of carbonate carbon when measuring Cc from the soil of arable fields.     

Soil Organic Carbon,Phosphorous, and Potassium Status in Rice–Wheat Soils of Different Agro-climatic Zones in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

The status of available macronutrients [phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] and soil organic carbon (SOC) of the surface soil under a rice–wheat cropping system was studied in 40 districts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. The soil samples were collected from the farmers' fields in four transects (Trans-, Upper, Middle, and Lower Gangetic Plains) of the IGP. The selection of farmers, villages, blocks, and districts within an agro-climatic zone (ACZ) was done on the basis of a multistage statistical approach. The available macronutrients were characterized as low, medium, and high. In Trans-Gangetic Plains, SOC, available P, and available K were in the ranges of 0.06–0.86%, 6.7–85.1 kg ha^?1, and 50–347 kg ha^?1, respectively. In Upper Gangetic Plains, the respective values were in the ranges of 0.05–2.55%, 4.5–155.0 kg ha^?1, and 45 to 560 kg ha^?1. Similarly, in Middle Gangetic Plains, these values were in the ranges of 0.04–2.01%, 4.7–183.7 kg ha^?1, and 72–554 kg ha^?1, respectively. In Lower Gangetic Plains, respective values were 0.12–1.78%, 2.2–112.0 kg ha^?1, and 83–553 kg ha^?1. In Trans-Gangetic plains, the majority of the soils in the midplains ACZ representing intensively cultivated rice–wheat system area were low to medium in SOC and available P, whereas available K status was medium to high. Irrespective of the agroclimatic variations, more than 90% of the soils were low to medium in SOC and available P with a marginal deficiency of K. The majority of the coarse-textured soils in Shiwaliks were found to have low to medium SOC and available P, whereas less intensively cultivated arid zone soils were high in SOC, available P, and available K. In Upper and Middle Gangetic Plains, the majority of the soils tested medium for SOC and medium to high in available P and K. The dominance of medium status of available P in these soils could be due to mining of soil P by the rice–wheat cropping system practiced in these regions for more than 300 years. In Lower Gangetic Plains, the SOC was medium to high in most of the soils, whereas available P and K were high. Recent introduction of the rice–wheat system on intensive scale in these traditionally rice-growing areas resulted in less mining of SOC, P, and K.     

Soil–Plant Nutrient Relationship at Different Growth Stages of Spinach as Affected by Phosphorus and Manure Applications

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the soil–plant phosphorus (P) correlation at different growth stages of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Treatments consisted of three levels of phosphorus [0 20, and 60 mg kg^?1 as Ca(H₂PO₄)₂] and two levels of organic matter (0% and 2% w/w as feedlot cattle manure). Plant and soil samples were taken at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks after seedling emergence and were analyzed for plant nutrients. Results showed that correlation between soil and plant P concentration was significant and positive at the 4th week but significant and negative later on. Plant P concentration was the greatest at the 4th week. During all growth stages, dry-matter yield of plant increased with increase in soil P concentration, suggesting the importance of maintaining adequate levels of phosphorus in soil, especially during the early stages of growth. Application of organic matter significantly increased soil and plant P concentrations.     

Transformation of Phosphate Fertilizers with Different Solubilities in Calcareous Soils

In this research work,the authors,using the recently developed method of fractionating the forms of inorganic phosphorus in calcareous soils,have studied the transformation processes of inorgnic phosphorus in three different phosphate fertilizers,i.e.,superphosphate,diammonium phosphate and calcium magnesium phyosphate,being commonly used in China,during a period of 3 years after their application to calcareous soils,and based on the experimental results obtained,some problems in current use of phosphate fertilizers are discussed.     

Phytosequestration of Carbon in Miscanthus × giganteus and Pinus sylvestris L. in Degraded Zinc Smelter and Post-Mining Soils

正Dear Editor,Pinus sylvestris L.is one of the most popular and predominant tree species in Central Europe and Scandinavia.Its cultivation depends on atmospheric conditions,soil fertility,use of fertilizers,and individual characteristics of the trees.Pinus sylvestris L.wood,roots,and needles are used for energy production.Pi-     

Effects of Chinese Fir,Loblolly Pine and Deciduous Oak Forests on Nutrient Status of Soils in Northern Subtropics of China

This paper deals with a study on the effects of Chinese fir,lobolly pine and deciduous oak forests o the nutrient status of soils in northern subtropics of China,adopting the principle of forest ecology in the case of similar climate and soil type.The experimental area was situated in the Xiashu Experimental Centre of Forest,where the soil is yellow-brown soil derved from siliceous slope wash.Sample plots of these 3 stands were established to study the nutrient status in litter ,the amount of nutrient uptake by roots,the quantity of nutrient output by percolating water outside the deep layer of soil,and the seasonal dynamics of available nutrient in surface soil.It was whown that the intensity of nutrient cycling in soil under deciduous oak was the highest,and the effect of oak in improving soil fertility was the best.The result of improving soil fertility by Chinese fir was the most inferior,though the intensity of nutrient cycling under that stand was higher than that under loblolly pine stand.The influence of loblolly pine on the improvement of soil fertility was better than that of Chinese fir,in spite of its lowest intensity of nutrient cycling.     

Cloning of Heart-type Fatty Acid-binding Protein (H-FABP ) Gene of Swine and Difference of Its Expression at Different Stages

从1, 30, 50, 70和90 kg左右的杜长大猪肌肉组织中提取基因组RNA，用RT-PCR扩增猪心型脂肪酸结合蛋白(H-FABP）基因，获得1条211 bp的片段，以pGEM-T 为载体，将该基因片段克隆到大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli ) DH5α中。从筛选到的阳性克隆中分离出脂肪酸结合蛋白基因，测定其序列。分析表明,该片段为脂肪酸结合蛋白基因cDNA的部分序列，与已报道的猪肌肉组织中的H-FABP cDNA部分序列同源性达到99%。以H-FABP基因片段的克隆为基础，构建了优化的半定量RT-PCR法，以18S rRNA为内标，研究不同生长阶段猪肌肉组织中H-FABP基因表达的差异。结果表明，从出生到50 kg，猪H-FABP基因表达呈下降趋势；50～90 kg阶段, H-FABP基因的表达又有所上升。     

Distribution and Availability of Heavy Metals in Raw and Acidulated Phosphate Rock–Amended Soils

Abstract

The effectiveness of the application of raw (PR‐1), and partially acidulated phosphate rock (PR), at 25% (PR‐25) and at 50% (PR‐50), was investigated to reduce extractability and plant uptake of Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in three calciorthids soils.Furthermore, the effects of soil treatments on metal extractability were evaluated by sequential extraction. Similarly, such effects were assessed on the phytoavailability of metals of maize (Zea mays L.) through a pot experiment. Water‐soluble and exchangeable metal fractions (the bioavailable fractions) were influenced distinctively by PR treatments and soil properties. In addition, decrease of soluble and exchangeable metal fractions was compensated by an increase in metal extracted from other fractions. Most bioavailable soil metals correlated significantly with their associated level in plant tissue. Finally, plant metal uptake decreased with PR treatments, suggesting that PR application was likely to be effective in controlling metal immobilization in these soils.     

Clay Addition to Sandy Soil——Influence of Clay Type and Size on Nutrient Availability in Sandy Soils Amended with Residues Differing in C/N ratio

Addition of clay-rich subsoil to sandy soil results in heterogeneous soil with clay peds(2-mm) or finely ground( 2 mm) clay soil(FG), which may affect the nutrient availability. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of clay soil particle size(FG or peds)and properties on nutrient availability and organic C binding in sandy soil after addition of residues with low(young kikuyu grass,KG) or high(faba bean, FB) C/N ratio. Two clay soils with high and low smectite percentage, clay and exchangeable Fe and Al were added to a sandy soil at a rate of 20%(weight/weight) either as FG or peds. Over 45 d, available N and P as well as microbial biomass N and P concentrations and cumulative respiration were greater in soils with residues of KG than FB. For soils with KG residues,clay addition increased available N and initial microbial biomass C and N concentrations, but decreased cumulative respiration and P availability compared to sandy soil without clay. Differences in measured parameters between clay type and size were inconsistent and varied with time except the increase in total organic C in the 53 μm fraction during the experiment, which was greater for soils with FG than with peds. We concluded that the high exchangeable Fe and Al concentrations in the low-smectite clay soil can compensate a lower clay concentration and proportion of smectite with respect to binding of organic matter and nutrients.     

Potential of Carbon Dioxide Biosequestration of Saline–Sodic Soils during Amelioration under Rice–Wheat Land Use

Potential for carbon dioxide (CO₂) biosequestration was determined during the reclamation of highly saline–sodic soils (Aridisols) after rice (2003) and wheat (2003–2004) crops at two sites in District Faisalabad, Pakistan. Two treatments were assessed: T₁, tube-well brackish water only; and T₂, soil-applied gypsum at 25% soil gypsum requirement?+?tube-well brackish water. The irrigation water used at both sites had different levels of salinity (EC 3.9–4.5 dS m^?1), sodicity (SAR 21.7–28.8), and residual sodium carbonate (14.9 mmol_c L^?1). Composite soil samples were collected from soil depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm at presowing and postharvest stages and analyzed for pH, EC_e, and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). After rice harvest, there was no significant effect of gypsum application on EC_e, pH, and SAR at both sites, except pH at 0–15 cm depth decreased significantly with gypsum at site 1. After wheat harvest, EC_e, pH, and SAR decreased significantly with gypsum at site 1, whereas the effect of gypsum on these parameters was not significant at site 2. Compared to initial soil, EC_e and SAR in soil decreased considerably after rice or wheat cultivation, particularly at site 1, whereas pH increased slightly due to cultivation of these crops. For rice, the total CO₂ sequestration was significantly increased with gypsum application at both sites and ranged from 1499 to 2801 kg ha^?1. The total sequestration of CO₂ was also significantly increased with gypsum application in wheat at both sites and ranged from 2230 to 3646 kg ha^?1. The amounts of CO₂ sequestered by crops due to gypsum application were related to seed and straw yield responses of rice and wheat to gypsum, which were greater at site 1 than site 2. Also, the yield response to applied gypsum was greater for rice than wheat at site 1, whereas the opposite was true at site 2. Overall, the combined application of gypsum with brackish water reduced soil EC_e and SAR compared to brackish water alone, particularly at site 1. Our findings also suggest that the reclamation strategies should be site specific, depending on soil type and quality of brackish water used for irrigation of crops. In conclusion, the use of gypsum is recommended on brackish water–irrigated salt-prone soils to improve their quality, and for enhancing C biosequestration and crop production for efficient resource management.     

Carbon Mineralization of Soils from Native Evergreen Broadleaf Forest and Three Plantations in Mid‐subtropic China

Mineralization of soil organic carbon (C) plays a key role in supplying nutrient elements essential to plant growth. Changes of C mineralization of mixed stands of Chinese fir and Michelia macclurei (a broadleaf tree), pure M. macclurei stands, and pure Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) stands established in 1983 after clear‐felling of a first‐generation Chinese fir forest were analyzed in Huitong, Hunan Province, China, and compared with those of a stand of native secondary evergreen broadleaf forest (NBF). The results showed that NBF soil had the greatest C mineralization. Mixture of Chinese fir and M. macclurei had no effect on total soil organic C in comparison with pure Chinese fir plantation, but significantly increased C mineralization from soils was detected in this study. This positive influence on C mineralization could be explained by the increase of soil labile C pools and soil microbial biomass and activity. From the analysis of C mineralization, soil microbial properties, and labile organic C, mixtures of broadleaf and Chinese fir can be considered to be an effective sustainable management model for a Chinese fir plantation. Given strong correlations with microbiological and biochemical characteristics of soils and an easier process of determination, hot water extraction, hot water–extractable C (HWC) could be used as an integrated measure of forest soil quality in mid‐subtropics.     

Transformation and Availability of Various Forms of Zinc in Soils

The transformation and availability of various forms of Zn applied into a cinnamon soil and a carbonate meadow soil as well as the effects of fertillizer-P on them were studied by using the field experiment method and chemically sequential extraction procedure.Zn added into the soils was found to be rapidly transformed into the various forms. In the cinnamon soil,the amount of Zn transformed into the carbonate bound form was the highest,and the carbonate bound form was proven by the analyses of intensity factor and capacity factor to be the primary available Zn pool.But in the carbonate meadow soil,the Zn transformed was relatively homogeneously distributed in the various forms though the amount of Zn transformed into the Mn-oxide bound form was relatively high,and the organically bound,Mn-oxide bound and amorphous Fe-oxide,bound forms were found to be the main available Zn pool.Fertilizer-P took part in the regulation and control of available Zn in the soils to a certain degree.In the carbonate meadow soil,application of P fertilizer probably aggravated Zn deficiency at low Zn rate,while it was favorable to the storage of available Zn in the case of high Zn rate.     

Distribution of Forms of Zinc and Their Association with Soil Properties and Uptake in Different Soil Orders in Semi‐arid Soils of Punjab,India

Abstract

Profiles of semi‐arid–zone soils in Punjab, northwest India, were investigated for different forms of zinc (Zn), including total, diethylenetriamine penta‐acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable, soil solution plus exchangeable (Zn), Zn adsorbed onto inorganic sites, Zn bound by organic sites, and Zn adsorbed onto oxide surfaces. Irrespective of the different fractions of Zn present, its content was higher in fine‐textured Alfisols and Inceptisols than in coarse‐textured Entisols. In general, the higher content of Zn was observed in the surface horizon and then decreased in the subsurface horizons. However, none of the forms of Zn exhibited any consistent pattern of distribution. Organic matter and size fractions (clay and silt) had a strong influence on the distribution of different forms of Zn. Based upon the linear coefficient of correlation, the soil solution plus exchangeable Zn, adsorbed onto inorganic sites, and DTPA‐Zn increased with increase in organic carbon but decreased with increase in pH and calcium carbonate content. Total Zn increased with increase in clay and silt content. Among the different forms, Zn bound by organic sites, water soluble plus exchangeable Zn and Zn adsorb onto oxide (amorphous surfaces) were all correlated with DTPA extractable Zn. The uptake of Zn was more in recent floodplain Entisols than very fine textured Alfisols and Inceptisols. Among the different forms soil solution +exchangeable and DTPA‐extractable Zn was positively correlated with total uptake of Zn.     

Toxicity of Cu and Cd in Soils and Detoxication by Additives

Results from laboratory experiments indicated that the concentrations and toxicities of both water-soluble and 0.1 M HCl-extractable Cu and Cd from soils were in the order of red soil> yellow brown earth> black earth. The toxicity of soil varied with the concentrations of metals. The form, concentration and toxicity of Cu and Cd in soils were determined by cation exchange capacity, content of organic matter and composition of clay minerals in the soil. Addition of CaCO3 could significantly decrease the concentration and toxicity of water-soluble and 0.1 M HCl-extractable Cu or Cd from the red soil, and could notably transform the Cu and Cd from the water-soluble or exchangeable form into the organic, free oxides-occluded or sulfic form.     

Clay,Organic Carbon,Available P and Calcium Carbonate Effects on Phosphorus Release and Sorption–Desorption Kinetics in Alluvial Soils

Information on phosphorus (P) release kinetics and sorption–desorption in soils is important for understanding how quickly reaction approaches equilibrium and replenishes the depleted soil solution. Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the P release and sorption–desorption kinetics in soils differing in clay, soil organic carbon (SOC), available P, and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) contents. Phosphorus release from soils proceeded in two phases: initially faster phase followed by a slower phase as equilibration progressed. Elovich equation (R² ≥ 0.97**) described well the P release versus time data. P release coefficients for power function were significantly correlated with available P and SOC. Freundlich sorption constants increased with increase in clay and CaCO₃ content. With increase in SOC and available P concentration in soils, substantial reduction in sorption constants was observed. It was concluded that for efficient P management, it is important to take into account soil texture, the existing soil P level, SOC content, and soil calcareousness.     

Effect of Potassium Nutrition of Different Varieties of Rice on the Redox Status in Microzone Rhizosphere Soils

Being divided into three groups-strong,moderate and weak-according to the different kinetic parameters (Fmax,km,Cmin) of potassium uptake by crops,21 cultivars of rice have been studied to find out the relationships between their potassium nutrition and the oxidation-reduction status in the rhizosphere soils. Results show that,with no application of K fertilizer,there were higher contents of active reducing substances and ferrous iron in rhizosphere soils planted with cultivars,such as Zhongguo 91,week in absorbing potassium than in soils cropped with cultivars,Shanyou 64,stronger in absorbing potassium.As a result of K application,however,these toxic substances were decreased appreciably in the soil,particularly in the root zone where weakly K-absorbing sultivars were growing,and the parameter of soil redox (pH pE) was increased,the most striking example of this being found in the rhizosphere soil where the more strongly K-absorbing sultivars were growing.On and close to the root surface in soils where rice plants were supplied with potassium fertilizer,rather more iron oxide had been accumulated compared with rice receiving no potash,and even greater amounts of red iron oxide precipitated on the rice root in neutral paddy soils.As shown by the concentration distribution of active reducing substances and ferrous iron in a microzone of the profile,the redox range of rice roots supplied with potassium may extend as far as several centimeters from the root surface.It can thus be seen that potassium nutrition exerts its effect first on the morphological properties of rice roots and their exudation of oxygen,then on the content of soluble oxygen and the count and species of oxygen-consuming microbes in the rhizosphere soil,and finally on the redox status of the soil.     

Nitrogen‐Supplying Capacity of Soils for Rice and Wheat and Nitrogen Availability Indices in Soils of Northwest India

Abstract

Quantitative assessment of soil nitrogen (N) that will become available is important for determining fertilizer needs of crops. Nitrogen‐supplying capacity of soil to rice and wheat was quantified by establishing zero‐N plots at on‐farm locations to which all nutrients except N were adequately supplied. Nitrogen uptake in zero‐N plots ranged from 41.4 to 110.3 kg N ha^?1 for rice and 33.7 to 123.4 kg N ha^?1 for wheat. Availability of soil N was also studied using oxidative, hydrolytic, and autoclaving indices, salt‐extraction indices, light‐absorption indices, and aerobic and anaerobic incubation indices. These were correlated with yield and N uptake by rice and wheat in zero‐N plots. Nitrogen extracted by alkaline KMnO₄ and phosphate borate buffer and nitrogen mineralized under aerobic incubation were satisfactory indices of soil N supply. For rice, 2 M KCl and alkaline KMnO₄ were the best N‐availability indices. Thus, alkaline KMnO₄ should prove a quick and reliable indicator of indigenous soil N supply in soils under a rice–wheat cropping system.