Biomass distribution of a microarthropod community in spruce forest soil

It has been previously demonstrated that fractal habitat features, combined with the allometric relationship between body size and metabolic rate, can sufficiently predict the biomass distribution in arthropod communities. This study shows that the relationship between biomass B and abundance N in a community of soil microarthropods is flatter than might be predicted by a combination of hypotheses concerning the (1) fractal dimension of pore surface, (2) metabolic rate, and (3) accessibility of soil pores. The relationship between B and N is N B ^-0.80 for the size classes to the right of the mode of the biomass distribution. Since the relationship between B and metabolic rate M is M B ^0.81, the energy use per size class is independent of size (B ^-0.80×B ^0.81 B ⁰) for a broad range of size classes with the exception of very small microarthropods.     

The severity of smouldering peat fires and damage to the forest soil

Smouldering wildfires propagate slowly through surface and subsurface organic layers of the forest ground and severely affect the soil, producing physical, chemical and biological changes. These effects are caused by the prolonged heating and the large loss of soil mass but are poorly documented in the literature. A series of smouldering experiments with boreal peat have been conducted under laboratory conditions to quantify these effects using small-scale samples. Peat samples of 100 mm by 100 mm in cross section and 50 mm in depth of different moisture were exposed to an external ignition source. Thermocouples placed throughout the sample bed measured the temperature evolution and tracked the peat ignition, intensity and spread of the smouldering front. The results show that moisture content controls peat ignition and that moisture below 125 ± 10% (in dry base) are required. The severity of the smouldering peat on the soil has been quantified in terms of temperature vs. residence time curves and mass loss. The measurements show temperatures in excess of 300 °C for residence times of 1 h leading to sterilization of the soil and mass loss in burnt layers above 90%.     

Fluctuations in physiological groups of bacteria in the horizons of a beech forest soil

The population densities of physiological groups of bacteria were studied in a beech forest soil in order to assess the role of bacteria as decomposer organisms in the ecosystem.A direct multipoint method was used to estimate the numbers of bacteria in different physiological groups. Large numbers of bacteria were found decomposing xylan and pectin. The numbers of each physiological group differed considerably between horizons. Fluctuations in numbers within physiological groups were greater in the upper horizons. No consistent patterns of fluctuations caused by seasonal changes could be observed. A defoliation of the forest by Dasychira pudibunda larvae in the middle of the experimental period resulted in a significant increase in numbers of chitin decomposers and a small decrease of starch hydrolyzers.     

Impact of faunal complexity on microbial biomass and N turnover in field mesocosms from a spruce forest soil

In a field study using soil mesocosms in an acid spruce forest soil we investigated the effects of mesofauna and macrofauna on microbial biomass, dissolved organic matter, and N cycling. Intact soil monoliths were taken from the ground, defaunated by deep-freezing, and wrapped in nets of various mesh-sizes to control re-immigration of different faunal size-classes. The monoliths were then replanted in the field. Three treatments of mesocosms were prepared: (1) with only microbiota, (2) microbiota and mesofauna, and (3) microbiota, mesofauna, and macrofauna (= complex fauna). After 8 months of exposure the mesocosms and the unmanipulated control plots (treatment 4) were destructively sampled. We estimated microbial biomass by substrate-induced respiration and the chloroform fumigation-extraction method. N cycling was measured by monitoring microbial N mineralization, the NH _inf4 ^sup+ content, and selected amino acids and the activities of protease, urease, and deaminase. The results from the L/F layer showed that the pool of the microbial biomass was not changed by the activity of the mesofauna. However, the mesofauna and macrofauna together enhanced SIR. An increase in microbial N mineralization was only observed in treatment 3 (microbiota + complex fauna). Protease activity and NH _inf4 ^sup+ content increased in treatments 2 (microbiota + mesofauna) and 3 (microbiota + complex fauna). The complex fauna induced a soil pH increase in treatment 3 as opposed to treatment 1 and the control. This increase was presumably due to excretory NH _inf4 ^sup+ . Principal component analysis revealed that the complex fauna in treatment 3 caused a significantly higher N turnover per unit of microbial biomass.     

Recovery of soil organic matter,organic matter turnover and nitrogen cycling in a post-mining forest rehabilitation chronosequence

Recovery of soil organic matter, organic matter turnover and mineral nutrient cycling is critical to the success of rehabilitation schemes following major ecosystem disturbance. We investigated successional changes in soil nutrient contents, microbial biomass and activity, C utilisation efficiency and N cycling dynamics in a chronosequence of seven ages (between 0 and 26 years old) of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest rehabilitation that had been previously mined for bauxite. Recovery was assessed by comparison of rehabilitation soils to non-mined jarrah forest references sites. Mining operations resulted in significant losses of soil total C and N, microbial biomass C and microbial quotients. Organic matter quantity recovered within the rehabilitation chronosequence soils to a level comparable to that of non-mined forest soil. Recovery of soil N was faster than soil C and recovery of microbial and soluble organic C and N fractions was faster than total soil C and N. The recovery of soil organic matter and changes to soil pH displayed distinct spatial heterogeneity due to the surface micro-topography (mounds and furrows) created by contour ripping of rehabilitation sites. Decreases in the metabolic quotient with rehabilitation age conformed to conceptual models of ecosystem energetics during succession but may have been more indicative of decreasing C availability than increased metabolic efficiency. Net ammonification and nitrification rates suggested that the low organic C environment in mound soils may favour autotrophic nitrifier populations, but the production of nitrate (NO₃^?) was limited by the low gross N ammonification rates (≤1 μg N g^?1 d^?1). Gross N transformation rates in furrow soils suggested that the capacity to immobilise N was closely coupled to the capacity to mineralise N, suggesting NO₃^? accumulation in situ is unlikely. The C:N ratio of the older rehabilitation soils was significantly lower than that of the non-mined forest soils. However, variation in ammonification rates was best explained by C and N quantity rather than C:N ratios of whole soil or soluble organic matter fractions. We conclude that the rehabilitated ecosystems are developing a conservative N cycle as displayed by non-mined jarrah forests. However, further investigation into the control of nitrification dynamics, particularly in the event of further ecosystem disturbance, is warranted.     

Dynamics and stratification of bacteria and fungi in the organic layers of a scots pine forest soil

The abundance and micro-stratification of bacteria and fungi inhabiting the organic layers of a Scots pine forest (Pinus sylvestris L.) were investigated. An experiment using stratified litterbags, containing organic material of four degradation stages (fresh litter, litter, fragmented litter and humus) was performed over a period of 2.5 years. Dynamics and stratification of fluorescent stained bacteria and fungi, ratios between bacterial and fungal biomass, and relationships with moisture and temperature are described. Average bacterial counts in litter and fragmented litter were similar, i.e., approximately 5×10⁹ bacteriag^–1 (dry weight) organic matter, and significantly exceeded those in humus. The mean bacterial biomass ranged from 0.338 to 0.252mg carbon (C) g^–1 (dry weight) organic matter. Lengths of mycelia were significantly below the usually recorded amounts for comparable temperate coniferous forests. The highest average hyphal length, 53mg^–1 (dry weight) organic matter, was recorded in litter and decreased significantly with depth. The corresponding mean fungal biomass ranged from 0.050 to 0.009mg Cg^–1 (dry weight). The abundance of bacteria and fungi was influenced by water content, that of fungi also by temperature. A litterbag series with freshly fallen litter of standard quality, renewed bimonthly, revealed a clear seasonal pattern with microbial biomass peaks in winter. The mean hyphal length was 104mg^–1 (dry weight) and mean number of bacteria, 2.40×10⁹ bacteria g^–1 (dry weight). Comparable bacterial and fungal biomass C were found in the freshly fallen litter [0.154 and 0.132mgCg^–1 (dry weight) organic material, respectively]. The ratio of bacterial-to-fungal biomass C increased from 1.2 in fresh litter to 28.0 in humus. The results indicate the existence of an environmental stress factor affecting the abundance of fungi in the second phase of decomposition. High atmospheric nitrogen deposition is discussed as a prime factor to explain low fungal biomass and the relatively short lengths of fungal hyphae in some of the forest soil layers under study. Received: 26 June 1997     

Seasonal fluctuations in numbers of aerobic bacteria and their spores in four horizons of a beech forest soil

This paper reports a 3-yr study of the numbers of bacteria and spores in a beech forest soil, their patterns of distribution, abundance, and fluctuations, and discusses the factors responsible for the fluctuations. There was an abundant bacterial population in the acid brown forest soil, despite its low pH. There were significant differences in the numbers of bacteria between soil horizons, but differences in the numbers of bacterial spores were less pronounced. The numbers of bacteria in the surface horizons fluctuated, with peaks occurring twice a year: the higher peaks occurred after leaf-fall in autumn, and the smaller peaks occurred in spring at the time of leaf-burst and rapid development of understory vegetation. After a severe attack on the beech trees by larvae of Dasychira pudibunda L. in the summer of 1973, the peaks in autumn did not reach the same levels as in other years, indicating the importance of perturbations in leaf-fall to fluctuations in bacterial numbers.     

Decomposition of organic matter in peat soil in a minerotrophic mire

Decomposition of organic materials, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide emission were investigated in Masukata mire, a small minerotrophic mire in central Japan. We selected three dominant community types in the mire, a Sphagnum palustre community, a Phragmites australis community, and an Alnus japonica community, for the decomposition study sites. Decomposition rates were measured in the field by examining mass loss of peat and cellulose for 6 months. The oxygen consumption rate was measured in the field using a closed chamber equipped with an oxygen electrode. The carbon dioxide emission rate of the peat was measured by an infrared gas analyser in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Results of these measurements were tested by correlation analysis. The rate of mass loss of peat positively correlated with the CO₂ emission rate. The cellulose decomposition rate showed significant differences among community types, and it had significant positive correlation with the oxygen consumption rate. Although oxygen consumption measurement is not generally used to estimate peatland soil respiration, the oxygen consumption method can be used for predicting long-term decomposition rate according to different vegetation types within a short time.     

槟榔林下间作平托花生土壤细菌群落结构及多样性研究

为探索槟榔林下间作平托花生能否改善槟榔园土壤微生物环境,试验选取槟榔林下间作平托花生和槟榔单作模式下10～20 cm土层的土壤样本,测定pH及酸性有效磷、全磷、速效钾、有机碳、全氮、碱解氮、全钾含量等理化因子,在此基础上,利用Illumina MiSeq测序平台对槟榔间作平托花生和槟榔单作模式下土壤的细菌群落进行16S...     

Alterations in forest detritus inputs influence soil carbon concentration and soil respiration in a Central-European deciduous forest

In a Quercetum petraeae–cerris forest in northeastern Hungary, we examined effects of litter input alterations on the quantity and quality soil carbon stocks and soil CO₂ emissions. Treatments at the Síkfőkút DIRT (Detritus Input and Removal Treatments) experimental site include adding (by doubling) of either leaf litter (DL) or wood (DW) (including branches, twigs, bark), and removing all aboveground litter (NL), all root inputs by trenching (NR), or removing all litter inputs (NI). Within 4 years we saw a significant decrease in soil carbon (C) concentrations in the upper 15 cm for root exclusion plots. Decreases in C for the litter exclusion treatments appeared later, and were smaller than declines in root exclusion plots, highlighting the role of root detritus in the formation of soil organic matter in this forest. By year 8 of the experiment, surface soil C concentrations were lower than Control plots by 32% in NI, 23% in NR and 19% in NL. Increases in soil C in litter addition treatments were less than C losses from litter exclusion treatments, with surface C increasing by 12% in DL and 6% in DW. Detritus additions and removals had significant effects on soil microclimate, with decreases in seasonal variations in soil temperature (between summer and winter) in Double Litter plots but enhanced seasonal variation in detritus exclusion plots. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions were most influenced by detritus input quantity and soil organic matter concentration when soils were warm and moist. Clearly changes in detritus inputs from altered forest productivity, as well as altered litter impacts on soil microclimate, must be included in models of soil carbon fluxes and pools with expected future changes in climate.     

Quantification of ammonia-oxidising bacteria in limed and non-limed acidic coniferous forest soil using real-time PCR

Ammonia-oxidising bacteria (AOB) in limed and non-limed acidic coniferous forest soil were investigated using real-time PCR. Two sites in southern Sweden were studied, 244 Åled and Oxafällan. The primers and probe used earlier appeared to be specific to the 16S rRNA gene of AOB belonging to the β-subgroup of the Proteobacteria [Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 67 (2001) 972]. Plots treated with two different doses of lime, 3 or 6 t ha⁻¹, were compared with non-limed control plots on two occasions during a single growing season. Three different soil depths were analysed to elucidate possible differences in the density of their AOB communities. The only clear effect of liming on the AOB was recorded in the beginning of the growing season at 244 Åled. In samples taken in April from this site, the numbers of AOB were higher in the limed plots than in the control plots. At the end of the growing season the AOB communities were all of a similar size in the different plots at both sites, irrespective of liming. The number of AOB, determined using real-time PCR, ranged between 6×10⁶ and 1×10⁹ cells g⁻¹ soil (dw) at the two sites, and generally decreased with increasing soil depth. The results showed no correlation between community density and potential nitrification. This may indicate a partly inactive AOB community. Furthermore, more than 10⁷ cells g⁻¹ soil (dw) were recorded using real-time PCR in the control plot at 244 Åled, although Bäckman et al. [Soil Biol. Biochem. 35 (2003) 1337] detected no AOB like sequences in the same plots using PCR followed by DGGE. Taken together our results strongly suggest that the primers and probe set used are not well suited for quantifying AOB in acidic forest soils, which is probably due to an insufficient specificity. This shows that it is extremely important to re-evaluate any primers and probe set when used in a new environment. Consideration should be given to the specificity and sensitivity, both empirically and using bioinformatic tools.     

Diversity of total,nitrogen‐fixing and denitrifying bacteria in an acid forest soil

To assess the diversity of total, denitrifying and N₂‐fixing bacteria in a nitrogen (N)‐limited, acid forest soil, isolated DNA was analysed for the genes 16S rRNA, nosZ and nifH. Sequence information for these genes was obtained from clone libraries and from our TReFID computer program, which employs terminal restriction patterns for bacteria using multiple restriction enzymes. Both approaches indicated that Proteobacteria (α‐ and γ‐groups) and Acidobacteria dominated. A comprehensive list of bacteria retrieved from this soil is provided and compared with literature data on the bacterial community compositions from other sites. The study indicated that the current PCR conditions with the primers employed allowed retrieval of only a portion of the bacteria occurring in soils. Massive treatment of a soil plot with NH₄NO₃ caused an increase in the N content, which was rapidly followed by an enhancement of carbon (C) content. Thus the C/N ratio stayed below 16.0 and the soil remained N‐limited. This may explain why the bacterial diversity did not undergo drastic shifts as was tentatively inferred from the available data sets.     

Bioactivity in limed soil of a spruce forest

Summary The stimulative effect of lime on the bioactivity of various soil horizons was demonstrated by the ATP test, and respiration and microcalorimetric measurements, but not by FDA hydrolysis or the iron reduction test. The latter showed clear inhibition. When the natural structure of layers was saved while sampling, a smaller stimulation of bioactivity was observed than in the case of mixing natural layers. No stimulation was recorded when the lime layer was removed.     

Denitrification rates in relation to groundwater level in a peat soil under grassland

In this study spatial and temporal relations between denitrification rates and groundwater levels were assessed for intensively managed grassland on peat soil where groundwater levels fluctuated between 0 and 1 m below the soil surface. Denitrification rates were measured every 3–4 weeks using the C₂H₂ inhibition technique for 2 years (2000–2002). Soil samples were taken every 10 cm until the groundwater level was reached. Annual N losses through denitrification averaged 87 kg N ha^-1 of which almost 70% originated from soil layers deeper than 20 cm below the soil surface. N losses through denitrification accounted for 16% of the N surplus at farm-level (including mineralization of peat), making it a key-process for the N efficiency of the present dairy farm. Potential denitrification rates exceeded actual denitrification rates at all depths, indicating that organic C was not limiting actual denitrification rates in this soil. The groundwater level appeared to determine the distribution of denitrification rates with depth. Our results were explained by the ample availability of an energy source (degradable C) throughout the soil profile of the peat soil.This revised version was published online November 2003 with corrections to Figure 4 and in February 2004 with corrections to Figure 2.     

Distribution with depth of protozoa,bacteria and fungi in soil profiles from three Danish forest sites

The numbers and biomass of protozoa, bacteria and fungi were measured at various depths (1.5–122.5 cm) in the unsaturated zone of three contrasting pristine Danish forest site profiles: a dry beech (Fagus silvatica) forest on mor, a wet peaty spruce (Picea abies)/birch (Betula pubescens) forest and a dry spruce (P. abies) forest on mor. All sites were situated on a Weichel moraine. Except for a bacterial peak at 42.5 cm in the peat profile, the general tendency was a decrease in biomass with increasing depth for all groups examined. Protozoa decreased more rapidly with increasing depth than the other two groups of organisms examined. An evaluation of the bacterial–protozoan relationship by a simple mathematical model indicated that the subsurface protozoan populations are active and not accidental percolated cysts. The low protozoan numbers found in shallow subsurface sites contrast markedly with the results from contaminated sites where much larger protozoan populations have been reported even at considerable depths. Consequently, the results suggest that protozoa are good indicators of organic pollution in subsurface soils; however, more work involving the comparison of polluted and unpolluted soils is needed to confirm this suggestion.     

Liming induces growth of a diverse flora of ammonia-oxidising bacteria in acid spruce forest soil as determined by SSCP and DGGE

The autotrophic ammonia-oxidising bacterial (AOB) community composition was studied in acid coniferous forest soil profiles at a site in southwestern Sweden 6 years after liming. Liming caused a significant increase in pH in the organic horizons, while the mineral soil was unaffected. The AOB communities were studied by single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) in parallel with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of partial 16S rRNA genes amplified by PCR using primers reported to be specific for β-Proteobacteria AOB, followed by nucleotide sequencing. High genetic diversity of Nitrosospira-like sequences was found in the limed soil profiles, whereas no AOB-like sequences were detected in the control soil at any depth, according to both the SSCP and DGGE analyses. This clearly showed that liming induced growth of a diverse flora of AOB at this forest site. Both Nitrosospira cluster 2 and cluster 4 sequences were present in the limed soil profiles, regardless of soil pH, but we found a higher number of sequences affiliated with cluster 4. The high lime dose seemed to affect the AOB community more than the low dose, and its effects reached deeper into the soil profile. Seven different Nitrosospira-like sequences were found 10 cm under the litter layer in the soil limed with the high dose, but only two in the soil amended with the low lime dose.     

Variation in soil temperature with microrelief and soil depth in a newly planted forest

Spatial variability in exponential mean soil temperature for a full year in a newly planted forest in northern England was examined using the sucrose inversion method of temperature measurement. The exponential mean temperature decreased significantly with soil depth (P < 0.001). The rate of this decrease varied significantly between different areas of the forest with slightly different soil profiles (0.001 < P < 0.01). Exponential means for 30–50cm depth in the forest and comparable arithmetic means for the nearest meteorological stations were similar. Exponential mean temperatures at 5 cm soil depth were, on average, 1.5° higher in the ridges than in the adjacent flat areas (P < 0.001). The exponential mean for the flat areas was, on average, 0.3° higher to the south-west of the ridge than to the north-east (0.001 < P < 0.01). It was also 0.9°C lower than the mean at 5 cm depth in the neighbouring rides (0.001 < P < 0.01).     

Bacterial diversity and community structure along different peat soils in boreal forest

Bacteria in peat forest soil play important role in global carbon cycling. The distribution of bacteria population in different peat soils as a whole and how forest management practices alter the bacterial populations are still poorly known. Using pyrosequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene, we quantified the diversity and community structure of bacteria in eight peat forest soils (pristine and drained) and two mineral forest soils from Lakkasuo, Finland with either spruce-dominant or pine-dominant tree species. In total, 191,229 sequences which ranged from 15,710 to 22,730 per sample were obtained and affiliated to 13 phyla, 30 classes and 155 genera. The peat forest soils showed high bacterial diversity and species richness. The tree species seems to have more strong impact on the bacterial diversity than the type of peat soil, which drives the changes in bacterial community structure. The dominant taxonomic groups across all soils (>1% of all sequences) were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia. The relative abundance of bacteria phylum and genus differed between soil types and between vegetation. Significant differences in relative abundance of bacteria phyla were only found for Gemmatimonadetes and Cyanobacteria between the pristine and the drained peat forest soils. At genus level, the relative abundance of several genera differed significantly between the peat soils with same or different tree species, including Burkholderia, Caulobacter, Opitutus, Mucilanginibacter, Acidocella, Mycobacterium, Bradyrhizobium, Dyella and Rhodanobacter.     

Characterization of a phosphodiesterase component in a forest soil extract

Summary A bis-(p-nitrophenyl) phosphatase (BPN-Pase) was extracted from a forest soil and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography into seven fractions (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7). The main fraction (fraction 5) was further fractionated into 3 subfraction (fractions 1, 2 and 3) by affinity chromatography for nuclease. The properties of the BPNPase in subfraction 3 were characterized and the results are reported in this article. Subfraction 3, which had a peak at about 278 run in the UV absorption spectrum, hydrolyzed 2,3-cyclic-nucleotides more readily than 3,5-cyclicnucleotides, adenylyl-(3 5)uridine, uridylyl-(3 5)adenosine, thymidine 3-p-nitrophenyl phosphate, thymidine 5-p-nitrophenyl phosphate, p-nitrophenyl phosphate and BPNP. Subfraction 3 hydrolyzed BPNP into 2 mol p-nitrophenyl and 1 mol inorganic phosphate during incubation. Apparent molecular weight of the BPNPase was estimated to be about 58 000 by gel filtration. The BPNPase activity had a pH optimum at 5.0 and was inhibited by Hg²⁺ and slightly inhibited by F^– and PO ₄ ^3– .These observations suggest that the BPNPase is subfraction 3 has been constituted mainly with 2,3cyclic-nucleotide 2-phosphodiesterase [EC 3.1.4.16] or 2,3-cyclic-nucleotide 3-phosphodiesterase [EC 3.1.4.37].     

Multi-element analysis of an english peat bog soil

Nineteen elements were quantitatively determined by atomic emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma in peat profiles in Ringinglow Bog, Derbyshire, England. For the elements Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, La, Mn, Ni, Ti, and Zn an enrichment in the upper 5 cm of the peat bogs was found probably caused by anthropogenic influences. The elements Al, Be, Cu, and Pb showed a different distribution pattern with maximum concentration in the 5 to 15 cm layer. The elements Mg, Na, and Sr showed no enrichment in the upper 55 cm of the peat reflecting the constant input of these elements from the sea during the last few centuries. Upper parts (leaves and stems) of the plants investigated (Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum) only represent higher values of Pb compared with the normal element content in other plants. Compared with the results of peat profiles in a Norwegian bog, the concentrations of the comparable elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) are much higher in the English peat. Ringinglow Bog seem to be very suitable for further investigations within the scope of a global monitoring programme.