Earthworm population and microbial activity temporal dynamics in a Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forest

Few studies have analyzed how tree species within a mixed natural forest affect the dynamics of soil chemical properties and soil biological activity. This study examines seasonal changes in earthworm populations and microbial respiration under several forest species (Carpinus betulus, Ulmus minor, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, Alnus glutinosa, Populus caspica and Quercus castaneifolia) in a temperate mixed forest situated in northern Iran. Soil samplings were taken under six individual tree species (n = 5) in April, June, August and October (a total of 30 trees each month) to examine seasonal variability in soil chemical properties and soil biological activity. Earthworm density/biomass varied seasonally but not significantly between tree species. Maximum values were found in spring (10.04 m^?2/16.06 mg m^?2) and autumn (9.7 m^?2/16.98 mg m^?2) and minimum in the summer (0.43 m^?2/1.26 mg m^?2). Soil microbial respiration did not differ between tree species and showed similar temporal trends in all soils under different tree species. In contrast to earthworm activity, maximum microbial activity was measured in summer (0.44 mg CO₂–C g soil^?1 day^?1) and minimum in winter (0.24 mg CO₂–C g soil^?1 day^?1). This study shows that although tree species affected soil chemical properties (pH, organic C, total N content of mineral soils), earthworm density/biomass and microbial respiration are not affected by tree species but are controlled by tree activity and climate with strong seasonal dynamics in this temperate forest.     

Effects of forest cover types and environmental factors on soil respiration dynamics in a coastal sand dune of subtropical China

Trees on sand dunes are more sensitive to environmental changes because sandy soils have extremely low water holding capacity and nutrient availability. We investigated the dynamics of soil respiration(Rs) for secondary natural Litsea forest and plantations of casuarina,pine, acacia and eucalyptus. Results show that significant diurnal variations of Rsoccurred in autumn for the eucalyptus species and in summer for the pine species, with higher mean soil respiration at night. However, significant seasonal variations of Rswere found in all five forest stands. Rschanged exponentially with soil temperatures at the 10-cm depth; the models explain 43.3–77.0% of Rs variations. Positive relationships between seasonal Rsand soil moisture varied with stands. The correlations were significant only in the secondary forest, and the eucalyptus and pine plantations. The temperature sensitivity parameter(Q10 value) of Rsranged from 1.64 in casuarina plantation to 2.32 the in secondary forest; annual Rswas highest in the secondary forest and lowest in the pine plantation. The results indicate that soil temperatures and moisture are the primary environmental controls of soil respiration and mainly act through a direct influence on roots and microbial activity. Differences in root biomass, quality of litter,and soil properties(pH, total N, available P, and exchangeable Mg) were also significant factors.     

Effects of soil drought stress on photosynthetic gas exchange traits and chlorophyll fluorescence in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Forsythia suspensa</Emphasis>

To clarify the changes in plant photosynthesis and mechanisms underlying those responses to gradually increasing soil drought stress and reveal quantitative relationships between photosynthesis and soil moisture, soil water conditions were controlled in greenhouse pot experiments using 2-year-old seedlings of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl. Photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence variables were measured and analyzed under 13 gradients of soil water content. Net photosynthetic rate (P _N), stomatal conductance (g _s), and water-use efficiency (W _UE) in the seedlings exhibited a clear threshold response to the relative soil water content (R _SWC). The highest P _N and W _UE occurred at R _SWC of 51.84 and 64.10%, respectively. Both P _N and W _UE were higher than the average levels at 39.79% ≤ R _SWC ≤ 73.04%. When R _SWC decreased from 51.84 to 37.52%, P _N, g _s, and the intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) markedly decreased with increasing drought stress; the corresponding stomatal limitation (L _s) substantially increased, and nonphotochemical quenching (N _PQ) also tended to increase, indicating that within this range of soil water content, excessive excitation energy was dispersed from photosystem II (PSII) in the form of heat, and the reduction in P _N was primarily due to stomatal limitation. While R _SWC decreased below 37.52%, there were significant decreases in the maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (F _v/F _m) and the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching (q _P), and N _PQ; in contrast, minimal fluorescence yield of the dark-adapted state (F ₀) increased markedly. Thus, the major limiting factor for the P _N reduction changed to a nonstomatal limitation due to PSII damage. Therefore, an R _SWC of 37.52% is the maximum allowable water deficit for the normal growth of seedlings of F. suspensa, and a water content lower than this level should be avoided in field soil water management. Water contents should be maintained in the range of 39.79% ≤ R _SWC ≤ 73.04% to ensure normal function of the photosynthetic apparatus and high levels of photosynthesis and efficiency in F. suspensa.     

Effects of flooding stress on the photosynthetic apparatus of leaves of two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Physocarpus</Emphasis> cultivars

We applied under pot-culture conditions and the double-casing pot method to study the characteristics of photosynthetic gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in the leaves of Physocarpus amurensis Maxim (PA) and Physocarpus opulifolius under flooding stress. Our results indicate a significantly higher flooding tolerance of P. opulifolius compared to P. amurensis. Especially in P. amurensis, the limitation of non-stomatal factors played a major role in the advanced stages of flooding stress, observed as a rapid increase of the intercellular CO₂ concentration (C _i) and a decrease of the stomatal limitation value (L _s). The maximal PSII photochemical efficiencies (F _v/F _m) and actual photochemical efficiency (Ф _PSII) in the leaves of P. opulifolius were significantly higher, and the extent of decrease during the flooding process was smaller than in P. amurensis. In addition, the non-chemical quenching (NPQ) in the leaves of P. opulifolius significantly increased from the 10th day under flooding stress, while the variation of NPQ in the leaves of P. amurensis was much smaller. This indicates that the leaves of P. opulifolius had not only higher PSII photochemical activity, but also improved tolerance to flooding stress, which may be caused by its ability to dissipate excess excitation energy by starting NPQ. At the 16th day under flooding stress, the P _IABS significantly decreased with greater extent of decrease than F _v/F _m in the leaves of both Physocarpus, but the decreasing extent of P _IABS in P. opulifolius was significantly smaller than in P. amurensis. In the 16th day under flooding stress, the fluorescence at J and I point (V _J and V _I) in P. amurensis were significantly higher, and the extent of increase in V _J was greater than V _I. However, the variations of V _J and V _I in the leaves of P. opulifolius were smaller, suggesting that the damage sites of flooding stress to PSII in the leaves of P. amurensis were mainly located in the electron transport process from Q_A at the PSII receptor side to Q_B. Flooding stress reduced the proportion (φE _o ) of luminous energy absorbed by the PSII reaction center for the electron transport following Q _A ^? , while the maximum quantum yield (φD _o) of non-photochemical quenching increased. However, the TR_o/RC and ET_o/RC in the leaves of P. amurensis decreased accompanied by a dramatic increase of energy (DI_o/RC) from the dissipation in the reaction center. This further indicated that the function of the PSII reaction center in the leaves of P. amurensis was significantly lower than in P. opulifolius.     

Dry mass production,allocation patterns and water use efficiency of two conifers with different water use strategies under elevated [CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>], warming and drought conditions

Knowledge regarding the interactive effects of elevated [CO₂], warming and drought on dry mass production, allocation and water use efficiency (WUE) of tree seedlings is limited, particularly in trees exhibiting different stomatal regulation strategies. Seedlings of Callitris rhomboidea (relatively anisohydric) and Pinus radiata (relatively isohydric) were grown in two [CO₂] (C_a (400 μmol mol^?1) and C_e (640 μmol mol^?1)) and two temperature (T_a (ambient) and T_e (ambient?+?4 °C)) treatments in a sun-lit glasshouse under well-watered conditions prior to imposition of the drought. C_e increased mass production in C. rhomboidea (but not in P. radiata), while drought limited mass production in both species. Mass production was greatest in the combination of C_e, T_e and well-watered conditions. Pinus radiata allocated relatively more dry mass into roots and had higher plant WUE than C. rhomboidea. Noticeably, mass allocation patterns in C. rhomboidea varied as a function of the treatments, but those of P. radiata were constant. C_e enhanced leaf WUE of both species, but to a greater degree under drought stress than well-watered conditions. Moderate drought stress increased both leaf and plant WUE compared to well-watered conditions. C. rhomboidea exhibited plasticity to variable climate conditions through morphological adjustments, while P. radiata exhibited a highly conservative strategy. Collectively, these findings indicate that the two species have different strategies in resource acquisition and utilisation under changing environmental conditions. Future studies on tree response to climate change need to fully consider the integration of species traits, including stomatal behaviour and hydraulic strategies.     

Assessing the impact of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dryocosmus kuriphilus</Emphasis> on the chestnut tree: branch architecture matters

Dryocosmus kuriphilus has become a major issue for chestnut (Castanea sativa) cultivation since its introduction in Europe. Thus far, however, quantitative assessments of the impact of D. kuriphilus in terms of green biomass loss are lacking. In the present study, we used the leaf area to sapwood area relationship (A _L:A _S)—based on the pipe model approach as a green biomass indicator—to quantitatively estimate the damage to chestnut trees caused by D. kuriphilus attacks and its recovery when the pest is controlled by Torymus sinensis in the chestnut stands of southern Switzerland. Leaf area loss is used as a response variable to select the most suitable explanatory architectural features at branch level to be combined in a damage index that permits a realistic assessment covering the entire epidemic. In our case study, the peak of the epidemic was reached in the fourth year of repeated D. kuriphilus attacks (leaf area losses exceeding 70%) with significant alterations in branch architecture. Although damage symptoms first decreased once biological control was reached (fifth year), branch architecture recovery was still lacking. From a methodological point of view, our A _L:A _S approach highlights how traditional methods of assessing the degree of infestation (i.e. proportion of attacked buds) fail to give sound estimations of resulting damage, whereas the proposed composite damage index enables a more realistic assessment of the entire epidemic process, including the recovery phase when the gall wasp is biologically controlled.     

Photosynthetic acclimation to long-term high temperature and soil drought stress in two spruce species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea crassifolia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. wilsonii</Emphasis>) used for afforestation

Picea crassifolia and P. wilsonii, commonly used for afforestation in northern China, are increasingly likely to be subjected to high temperatures and soil drought stress as a result of global warming. However, little is known about the effects of these stresses on foliar photosynthesis in the two species. To investigate how photosynthetic characteristics and sensitivity respond to prolonged high temperatures and soil drought, foliar gas exchange and other closely related parameters were recorded from four-year-old seedlings of both species. Seedlings were grown under two temperature treatments (25/15 and 35/25 °C) and four soil water regimes [80, 60, 40 and 20% of maximum field capacity (FC)] for 4 months. Although all treatments significantly reduced photosynthetic rates (P _n) of both species, P. crassifolia exhibited greater photosynthetic acclimation than P. wilsonii. Differences in photosynthetic acclimation were mainly related to variations in stomatal conductance (Cond) and the maximum quantum yield of PSII (F _v/F _m) between treatments. Indeed, higher Cond and F _v/F _m in all treatments were shown for P. crassifolia than for P. wilsonii. Moreover, photosynthesis in P. crassifolia exhibited inherently lower temperature sensitivities (broader span for the temperature response curves; lower b) and higher thermostability (invariable b between treatments). Further, severe drought stress (20% FC) limited the survival of P. wilsonii. Our results indicate that P. wilsonii is more susceptible to high temperatures and soil drought stress. Planting P. crassifolia would be more expected to survive these conditions and hence be of greater benefit to forest stability if predicted increases in drought and temperature in northern China occur.     

The impact of the environmental factors on the photosynthetic activity of common pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus sylvestris</Emphasis>) in spring and in autumn in the region of Eastern Siberia

The taiga coniferous forests of the Siberian region are the main carbon sinks in the forest ecosystems. Quantitatively, the size of the carbon accumulation is determined by the photosynthetic productivity, which is strongly influenced by environmental factors. As a result, an assessment of the relationship between environmental factors and photosynthetic productivity makes it possible to calculate and even predict carbon sinks in coniferous forests at the regional level. However, at various stages of the vegetative period, the force of the connection between environmental conditions and the productivity of photosynthesis may change. In this research, correlations between the photosynthetic activity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with the environmental conditions were compared in spring and in autumn. In spring, close positive correlation of the maximum daily net photosynthesis was identified with only one environmental factor. For different years, correlations were for soil temperature (r_s = 0.655, p = 0.00315) or available soil water supply (r_s = 0.892, p = 0.0068). In autumn within different years, significant correlation was shown with two (temperature of air and soil; r_s = 0.789 and 0.896, p = 0.00045 and 0.000006, respectively) and four factors: temperature of air (r_s = 0.749, p = 0.00129) and soil (r_s = 0.84, p = 0.00000), available soil water supply (r_s = 0.846, p = 0.00013) and irradiance (r_s = 0.826, p = 0.000001). Photosynthetic activity has a weaker connection with changes in environmental factors in the spring, as compared to autumn. This is explained by the multidirectional influence of environmental conditions on photosynthesis in this period and by the necessity of earlier photosynthesis onset, despite the unfavorable conditions. This data may be useful for predicting the flow of carbon in dependence on environmental factors in this region in spring and in autumn.     

Litterfall,decomposition and nutrient release of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shorea robusta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> in a sub-tropical forest of West Bengal,Eastern India

We studied leaf litter fall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis by using a litter bag technique to better understand the release pattern of nutrients to soil from leaf litter. Annual litterfall varied from 13.40 ± 2.56 t ha^?1 a^?1 for S. robusta to 11.03 ± 3.72 t ha^?1 a^?1 for T. grandis and the decay constant (k) of decomposed leaf litter was distinctly higher for T. grandis (2.70 ± 0.50 a^?1) compared to S. robusta (2.41 ± 0.30 a^?1). Biomass loss was positively correlated with the initial litter C, WSC, C/N and ash content in S. robusta and N, P and K concentration for T. grandis. Biomass was negatively correlated with lignin and L/N ratio for S. robusta and L, WSC, L/N and C/N ratio for T. grandis (P < 0.01). Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient accumulation index (NAI) of S. robusta was higher than for T. grandis. The retranslocation of bioelements from senescent leaves ranked as P > N > K. Annual N, P and K input to soil through litterfall differed significantly between the two species in the following order: N>K>P. S. robusta was superior in terms of K and P return and T. grandis was superior in terms of N return. The two tree species showed a similar patterns of nutrient release (K > P > N) during decomposition of their leaf litter. Nutrients of N, K and P were the primary limiting nutrients returned to soil through litterfall with important roles in soil fertility and forest productivity.     

Gross nitrification rates in four Japanese forest soils: heterotrophic versus autotrophic and the regulation factors for the nitrification

Measurements of gross NH ₄ ⁺ and NO ₃ ^? production in forest soils were conducted using the ¹⁵N pool dilution method. Mineral topsoils (0?C10?cm depth) were collected from four forests from northern to southern Japan with a natural climate gradient to elucidate the mechanisms regulating gross nitrification rates in forest soils. Additionally, we attempted to evaluate the relative importance of heterotrophic nitrification in gross total nitrification using acetylene as a specific inhibitor of autotrophic nitrification. Distinct differences were found among sites in the gross rates of NH ₄ ⁺ production (3.1?C11.4?mg?N?kg^?1?day^?1) and gross total nitrification (0.0?C6.1?mg?N?kg^?1?day^?1). The rates of gross heterotrophic nitrification were low in this study, indicating that heterotrophic nitrification is of minor importance in most forest mineral topsoils in Japan. Significant relations were found between gross autotrophic nitrification and gross NH ₄ ⁺ production, soil N, and soil C concentrations, but none was found between gross autotrophic nitrification and soil pH. We determined the critical value of the gross NH ₄ ⁺ production rates for gross autotrophic nitrification under which no gross autotrophic nitrification occurred, as well as the critical soil C/N ratio above which gross autotrophic nitrification ceased. Results show that tight coupling of production and consumption of NH ₄ ⁺ prevents autotrophic nitrifiers from utilizing NH ₄ ⁺ as long as NH ₄ ⁺ availability is low.     

Soil organic carbon stocks and fractions in different orchards of eastern plateau and hill region of India

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in soil fertility and productivity. It occurs in soil in labile and non-labile forms that help in maintaining the soil health. An investigation was undertaken to evaluate the dynamics of total soil organic carbon (C _tot), oxidisable organic carbon (C _oc), very labile carbon (C frac ₁), labile carbon (C frac ₂), less labile carbon (C frac ₃), non-labile carbon (C frac ₄), microbial biomass carbon (C _mic) and SOC sequestration in a 6-year-old fruit orchards. The mango, guava and litchi orchards caused an enrichment of C _tot by 17.2, 12.6 and 11 %, respectively, over the control. The mango orchard registered highest significant increase of 20.7, 13.5 and 17.4 % in C frac ₁, C frac ₂ and C frac ₄, respectively, over control. There is greater accumulation of all the C fractions in the surface soil (0–0.30 m). The maximum total active carbon pool was 36.2 Mg C ha^?1 in mango orchard and resulted in 1.2 times higher than control. The passive pool of carbon constituted about 42.4 % of C _tot and registered maximum in the mango orchard. The maximum C _mic was 370 mg C kg^?1 in guava orchard and constituted 4.2 % of C _tot. The carbon management index registered 1.2 (mango orchard)- and 1.13 (guava and litchi orchard)-fold increase over control. The mango orchard registered highest carbon build rate of 1.53 Mg C ha^?1 year^?1 and resulted in 17.3 % carbon build-up over control. Among the carbon fractions, C frac ₁ was highly correlated (r = 0.567**) with C _mic.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalypt</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia</Emphasis> plantations on soil water in Sumatra

Indonesia’s pulp and paper industry needs a large area of sustainably grown plantations to support its continued development. Acacia mangium has been the key species underpinning the pulp and paper industries in Sumatra, however increased disease pressure on A. mangium is expected to require large-scale conversion of Acacia plantations to Eucalyptus in the near future. The effect of such a large scale change in plantation species on soil moisture, for both tree production, and catchment hydrology is unknown. In this study we sought to characterize the impacts of plantation species (Acacia or Eucalyptus) and nitrogen management, on soil moisture, soil water depletion and depth to groundwater under stands of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus pellita over the first 2–3 years after establishment. The study was conducted in experiments at four sites in Sumatra, Indonesia. Soil moisture and soil water depletion were not influenced by plantation species or fertilizer treatment. Soil moisture content and soil water depletion were strongly influenced by shallow groundwater at two of the four sites, however depth to groundwater did not influence stem growth. Results from the field trials cautiously suggest that large scale conversion of Acacia mangium to Eucalypt species in these regions is unlikely to result in increased moisture stress, nor is conversion of plantation species likely to lead to substantial differences in catchment hydrology. This study demonstrated the importance of conducting multi-site studies when investigating biophysical relationships in forest/plantation systems.     

Direct and admixture toxicity of diatomaceous earth and monoterpenoids against the storage pests <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callosobruchus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">maculatus</Emphasis> (F.) and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitophilus oryzae</Emphasis> (L.)

We investigated the effects of two commercial diatomaceous earth based insecticides (DE), Protect-It^® and SilicoSec^®, the nano-structured silica product AL06, developed by the section for Urban Plant Ecophysiology at Humboldt University Berlin, and the monoterpenoids, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde on two stored product pests, Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophilus oryzae. Protect-It^® was more effective than SilicoSec^® against C. maculatus while the reverse was true for S. oryzae. Generally C. maculatus was more sensitive towards DE and silica treatment than S. oryzae. Mortality rate of both pest species increased when DE’s were applied to food commodities previously treated with a monoterpenoid. In admixture experiments, the toxicity of SilicoSec^® + cinnamaldehyde (LD₅₀ = 42.73 ppm), SilicoSec^® + eugenol (LD₅₀ = 24.30 ppm), and Protect-It^® + eugenol (LD₅₀ = 2.60 ppm) was increased over DE alone against S. oryzae. Both substances showed a synergistic effect considering their co-toxicity coefficient relative to the LD₅₀-value. In contrast, we could not find any synergistic effects in experiments with C. maculatus. Here only Protect-It^® + cinnamaldehyde (LD₅₀ = 20.84 ppm) showed an additive effect while all other combinations of monoterpenoid and DE indicated antagonistic effects. In addition to contact insecticidal effects both monoterpenoids showed a strong fumigant action. The presented results indicate that the natural product DE has great potential to replace synthetic pesticides commonly used in stored product pest management. Efficacy of DE can be improved by adding certain monoterpenoids against certain insect pests.     

Effects of extreme soil water stress on photosynthetic efficiency and water consumption characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tamarix chinensis</Emphasis> in China’s Yellow River Delta

Soil moisture is a major limiting factor for plant growth on shell ridge islands in the Yellow River Delta. However, it is difficult to carry out situ experiment to study dominant plant photosynthesis physiological on the shell ridge islands under extreme soil water stress. To evaluate the adaptability of plants to light and moisture variations under extreme soil moisture conditions present on these islands, we measured photosynthetic gas exchange process, chlorophyll fluorescence, and stem sap flow variables for 3-year-old trees of Tamarix chinensis Lour, a restoration species on these islands, subjected to three types of soil water levels: waterlogging stress (WS), alternating dry–wet (WD), and severe drought stress (SS) to inform decisions on its planting and management on shell ridge islands. Gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and stem sap flow in T. chinensis were then measured. Net photosynthetic rate (P _N), transpiration rate (E), and water use efficiency (W _UE) were similar under WS and alternating dry–wet conditions, but their mean E and W _UE differed significantly (P < 0.05). Under SS, the P _N, E and W _UE of T. chinensis leaves varied slightly, and mean P _N, E and W _UE were all low. Apparent quantum efficiency (A _QY), light compensation point (L _CP), light saturation point (L _SP), and maximum net photosynthetic rate (P _Nmax) of leaves were not significantly different (P > 0.05) under WS and dry–wet conditions; however, under extreme drought stress, compared with the dry–wet conditions, L _CP was higher, L _SP was lower, and A _QY and P _Nmax were both at the lowest level. Therefore, drought stress weakened light adaptability of leaves, and the efficiency of light transformation was poorer. (3) Maximum photochemical efficiency (F _v/F _m) and the actual photochemical efficiency (Φ _PSII) were similar under waterlogged stress and dry–wet conditions, indicating a similar healthy photosynthetic apparatus and photosynthetic reaction center activity, respectively. Under SS, F _v/F _m was 0.631, and the coefficient of non-photochemical quenching (N _PQ) was 0.814, which indicated that while the photosynthetic mechanism was damaged, the absorbed light energy was mainly dissipated in the form of heat, and the potential photosynthetic productivity was significantly reduced. The daily cumulants of sap flow of T. chinensis under dry–wet alternation and severe drought stress were 22.25 and 63.97% higher, respectively, than under waterlogging stress. Daily changes in sap flow velocity for T. chinensis differed under the three soil water levels. Stem sap flow was weak at night under severe drought stress. Under dry–wet alternation, daytime average stem sap flow velocity was the highest, and night stem flow accounted for 10.26% of the day cumulants, while under waterlogged stress, the average nightly stem flow velocity was the highest, accounting for 31.82% of the day cumulants. These results provide important information for regional vegetation restoration and ecological reconstruction.     

Response of soil respiration to a severe drought in Chinese <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> plantations

Extreme droughts can adversely affect the dynamics of soil respiration in tree plantations. We used a severe drought in southwestern China as a case study to estimate the effects of drought on temporal variations in soil respiration in a plantation of Eucalyptus globulus. We documented a clear seasonal pattern in soil respiration with the highest values (100.9 mg C–CO₂ m^?2 h^?1) recorded in June and the lowest values (28.7 mg C–CO₂ m^?2 h^?1) in January. The variation in soil respiration was closely associated with the dynamics of soil water driven by the drought. Soil respiration was nearly twice as great in the wet seasons as in the dry seasons. Soil water content accounted for 83–91% of variation in soil respiration, while a combined soil water and soil temperature model explained 90–99% of the variation in soil respiration. Soil water had pronounced effects on soil respiration at the moisture threshold of 6–10%. Soil water was strongly related to changes in soil parameters (i.e., bulk density, pH, soil organic carbon, and available nitrogen). These strongly influenced seasonal variation in soil respiration. We found that soil respiration was strongly suppressed by severe drought. Drought resulted in a shortage of soil water which reduced formation of soil organic carbon, impacted soil acid–base properties and soil texture, and affected soil nutrient availability.     

The effects of phenolic acid on nitrogen metabolism in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">euramericana</Emphasis> ‘Neva’

The declines in soil fertility and productivity in continuously cropped poplar plantations are related to phenolic acid accumulation in the soil. Nitrogen is a vital life element for poplar and whether the accumulation of phenolic acid could influence nitrogen metabolism in poplar and thereby hinder continuous cropping is not clear. In this study, poplar cuttings of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’ were potted in vermiculite, and phenolic acids at three concentrations (0X, 0.5X and 1.0X) were added according to the actual content (1.0X) in the soil of a second-generation poplar plantation. Each treatment had eight replicates. We measured gas exchange parameters and the activities of key enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism in the leaves. Leaf photosynthetic parameters varied with the concentration of phenolic acids. The net photosynthetic rate (P_N) significantly decreased with increasing phenolic acid concentration, and non-stomatal factors might have been the primary limitation for P_N. The activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT), as well as the contents of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen in the leaves decreased with increasing phenolic acid concentration. This was significantly and positively related to P_N (P < 0.05). The low concentration of phenolic acids mainly affected the transformation process of NO₃^? to NO₂^?, while the high concentration of phenolic acids affected both processes, where NO₃^? was transferred to NO₂^? and NH₄⁺ was transferred to glutamine (Gln). Overall, phenolic acid had significant inhibitory effects on the photosynthetic productivity of Populus × euramericana ‘Neva’. This was probably due to its influence on the activities of nitrogen assimilation enzymes, which reduced the amount of amino acids that were translated into protein and enzymes. Improving the absorption and utilization of nitrogen by plants could help to overcome the problems caused by continuous cropping.     

Nematotoxic activity of essential oils from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monarda</Emphasis> species

Bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) from Monarda species has never been investigated on phytoparasitic nematodes. In this study, the EOs from two Italian ecotypes of Monarda didyma and M. fistulosa and their main compounds, carvacrol, γ-terpinene, o-cymene, and thymol, were evaluated for their in vitro activity on the infective stages of phytoparasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus vulnus, as well as on M. incognita egg hatch. Soil treatments with the two EOs were also investigated for their suppressiveness on M. incognita on tomato. Both EOs were strongly active on M. incognita juveniles, as a only 1.0 μL mL^?1 LC50 value was evaluated after a 24-h exposure to both EOs, whereas a lower activity was recorded on P. vulnus (15.7 and 12.5 μL mL^?1 LC50 values for M. didyma and M. fistulosa EOs, respectively). Among the EOs’ main compounds, carvacrol was highly active also at a short exposure in low concentrations, whereas γ-terpinene and thymol were much less active on both nematode species and o-cymene showed a discrete activity on P. vulnus only at the highest concentration. Hatch percent of M. incognita eggs treated with M. didyma and M. fistulosa EOs was always significantly lower than in water or in Tween 20 and Oxamyl solutions. In the experiment in soil, the multiplication of M. incognita and gall formation on tomato roots was significantly reduced by soil treatments with both EOs. The strong nematicidal activity of both Monarda EOs may suggest them as potential sources of new sustainable nematicidal products.     

Lethal and sublethal responses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sitophilus zeamais</Emphasis> populations to essential oils

The present study aimed to assess the lethal and sublethal responses of five populations of S. zeamais to the essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Piper hispidinervum, through toxicity, locomotor behavior (flight and walking activities) and physiological (respiration rate and body mass) evaluations. The populations of S. zeamais were obtained from Machado—MG, Paracatu—MG, Piracicaba—SP, Recife—PE and Tunápolis—SC. To estimate the LC₅₀ of each oil for each population, fumigation tests were performed. The population from Recife exhibited the lowest instantaneous rate of increase (ri) as well the lowest consumption of grain mass. However, Piracicaba was considered the susceptibility pattern, presenting the lowest LC₅₀ for both essential oils, no statistical difference was observed among populations or treatments in the flight activity bioassays. The essential oils effect on walking activity and respiration rates varied among populations. The population from Recife presented the highest walked distance and walk speed, with the lowest resting time and number of stops, as well as the lowest respiration rate and body mass. The present study highlights the importance of the study on population responses, as the five populations of S. zeamais exhibited different patterns of toxic and behavioral effects when subjected to the essential oils of P. hispidinervum and O. basilicum.     

Within-stem variations in mechanical properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis> planted in northern Vietnam

Within-stem variations in the mechanical properties of 17–19-year-old Melia azedarach planted in two sites in northern Vietnam were examined by destructive and nondestructive methods. Wood samples were collected from 10, 50, and 90% of the radial length from pith on both sides (North and South) at 0.3, 1.3, 3.3, 5.3, and 7.3 m heights above the ground. The mean values in whole trees of wood density (WD), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and dynamic modulus of elasticity (E_d) at 12% moisture content were 0.51 g/cm³, 78.58 MPa, 9.26 GPa, and 10.93 GPa, respectively. Within the stem, the radial position was a highly (p?<?0.001) significant source of variation in mechanical properties. MOR, MOE, and E_d increased from pith to bark. WD had a strong positive linear relationship with both MOR (r?=?0.85, p?<?0.001) and MOE (r?=?0.73, p?<?0.001). This suggests that it is potentially possible to improve mechanical properties through controlling WD. MOR had also a strong linear relationship with E_d (r?=?0.84, p?<?0.001). This indicates that E_d is a good indicator to predicting the strength of wood if the density of measured element is known. Besides, the stress wave method used in this study provides relatively accurate information for determining the stiffness of Melia azedarach planted in northern Vietnam.