Implications of soil substrate and land use for properties of fen soils in North-East Germany Part I: Basic soil conditions,chemical and biological properties of topsoils

Abstract

The objective of the paper was to analyse the implications of the origin of peat (muck) soil substrate, the current type of land use and the state of anthropogenic soil development for the topsoil properties of fens. Chemical and biological properties of peat soils of the Rhin-Havelluch lowland and the Uckermark rural landscape were analyzed. The unit water content according to Ohde and the ash content were utilized to characterize the anthropogenic development status of peat topsoils. Several chemical properties were significantly influenced by soil substrate, in particular by the proportion and kind of the mineral component. The substrate was associated with the hydrological type of mire and the soil development state. TOC/N ratio and microbial activity were increased in cases of high lime spring mires and moorshified low ash peat. The proportion of easily soluble organic carbon increased, whereas the sulphur content decreased with the soil development state. The nitrogen content and the proportions of oxalate soluble iron and aluminium reached maxima in the moorshified state. The type of land use (grassland, forest) significantly influenced the topsoil pH and the proportion of oxalate soluble phosphorus. Soils under forest were clearly determined by topsoil acidification.     

Comparisons of Composts with Low or High Nutrient Status for Growth of Plants in Containers

Abstract

Composts may be incorporated into container mixes for several purposes, including to supply nutrients, add organic matter, or suppress plant diseases. The objective of this research was to assess the nutritional benefits of two composts derived in common from composted chicken manure and used in formulation of container media for growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). The composts differed in extractable and total plant nutrients so that one of the composts was considered a nutrient‐rich material and the other a nutrient‐poor material. Media were formulated from soil or peat with the composts added in a progressive array of concentrations from a medium with no compost addition to a medium that was all compost. Half of the media were treated with a water‐soluble, complete fertilizer and half were left unfertilized. Optimum growth occurred in media in which compost did not exceed 25% of the volume. The beneficial effects of the composts on plant growth were associated with increased supply of nutrients for the plants. The suppressive effects were attributed to restricted accumulation of nutrients with the nutrient‐poor compost and to excessive potassium supply and accumulation with the nutrient‐rich compost. Fertilization was beneficial in increasing plant growth with the nutrient‐rich compost and was essential for plant growth with the nutrient‐poor compost. The research demonstrated that composts can be used in formulation of media for container growth of plants.     

Impact of a biochar or a biochar-compost mixture on water relation, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis of Phragmites karka

Soil water and nutrient status are both of major importance for plant appearance and growth performance. The objective of this study was to understand the effect of biochar (1.5%) and a biochar-compost mixture (1.5% biochar + 1.5% compost) on the performance of Phragmites karka plants grown on a synthetic nutrient-poor sandy clay soil (50% sand, 30% clay, and 20% gravel). Indicators of plant performance, such as growth, lignocellulosic biomass, water status (leaf water potential, osmotic potential, and turgor potential), mineral nutrition status, leaf gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence, and soil respiration (carbon dioxide (CO₂) flux) were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Biochar-treated plants had higher growth rates and lignocellulosic biomass production than control plants with no biochar and no compost. There was also a significant increase in soil respiration in the treatments with biochar, which stimulated microbial interactions. The increase in soil water-holding capacity after biochar amendment caused significant improvements in plant water status and plant ion (K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺) contents, leading to an increase in net photosynthesis and a higher energy-use efficiency of photosystem II. Biochar-treated plants had lower oxidative stress, increased water-use efficiency, and decreased soil respiration, and the biochar-compost mixture resulted in even greater improvements in growth, leaf turgor potential, photosynthesis, nutrient content, and soil gas exchange. Our results suggest that biochar and compost promote plant growth with respect to nutrient uptake, water balance, and photosynthetic system efficiency. In summary, both the soil amendments studied could increase opportunities for P. karka to sequester CO₂ and produce more fodder bio-active compounds and biomass for bio-energy on nutrient-poor degraded soils.     

Effects of silicate weathering and lessivage on K‐content in forest soils derived from Pleistocene sediments

The potassium (K) content of soils developed from Pleistocene calcareous till, glacial sand and loess in NW Germany was investigated in order to characterize stores of K in feldspars (K_feldspar) and mica/illite (K_mica/illite) as well as changes as a function of soil depth. From each horizon, up to seven sand, six silt and three clay fractions were separated. K_feldspar and K_mica/illite were quantified by means of chemical composition and estimation by IR‐spectroscopy. On account of distinct differences in mineralogical composition between different particle size fractions, K‐content of the bulk soil < 2000 μm and the proportion of K_mica/illite and K_feldspar are clearly related to grain size distribution of the sample. Generally, the K‐content of particle size fractions of a soil derived from calcareous till is significantly higher than that of a soil from glacial sands. K_mica/illite of clay and silt fractions increases with depth, reflecting greater mica/illite weathering at the soil surface, whereas K_feldspar shows no noticeable change. Illite accumulates by lessivage in Bt horizons. On a whole‐soil basis, the Bt horizons of Luvisols derived from loess and calcareous till contain more K_mica/illite than either the A or the C horizons. By comparing the K‐content in the different particle size fractions with soil depth, the highest rate of change is found for soils derived from glacial sand. Gains in K in the silt fractions of soils from calcareous till and glacial sand result from weathering of feldspar sand grains. Additionally, decomposition of feldspar‐containing rock fragments of gravel size, and aeolian sedimentation, may also have contributed to these gains.     

基于废弃物的潞安煤矿废弃地改良土壤基质配比研究

为解决潞安矿区煤矸石山、塌陷地生态修复缺土少肥问题,本研究将粉煤灰、污泥与垃圾堆肥以5%、10%、20%体积比例正交混合配制改良土壤基质进行盆栽试验,观测不同配比土壤的理化性质、养分及重金属含量、高羊茅与紫叶小檗生长状况,并用主成分–聚类分析法筛选最优配比。结果表明:添加垃圾堆肥可以提高土壤有效养分与有机质含量,对土壤理化性质改良有明显效果;添加污泥仅提升土壤有效磷含量;添加粉煤灰在降低土壤容重、增大总孔隙度与非毛管孔隙度上效果明显,但对土壤p H、阳离子交换量(CEC)与碱解氮的改良具有显著负效应。各废弃物改良基质的碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾、有机质等含量均较高,土壤重金属含量也处在安全范围,而土壤容重、非毛管孔隙、pH、电导率(EC)与CEC等指标性质较优的处理组为粉煤灰∶污泥∶垃圾堆肥∶土=5%∶20%∶20%∶55%、10%∶10%∶20%∶60%、20%∶5%∶20%∶55%3个处理。经过综合筛选,本研究基质最优混合配比为粉煤灰∶污泥∶垃圾堆肥∶土=5%∶20%∶20%∶55%,可作为当地矿区废弃地生态修复客土材料推荐方案。     

Effect of peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost on the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) on a loamy sand soil

Abstract

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the effect of peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown on a limed loamy sand soil. A control, four rates of compost applied alone and in combination with three rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer were evaluated. Applications of compost to limed soil substantially enhanced the growth of barley over the control. When considering all treatments, the main effect of compost rates on straw yield, numbers of tillers, plant height, and number of ears was more important than that of fertilizer. A significant interaction on barley growth parameter values was obtained with compost and fertilizer rates. A combination of moderate application of compost and fertilizer gave in some instances, more yield than compost or fertilizer applied alone. Nutrient content of barley increased with rate of compost applied to soil over the control. A significant relationship was found between soil organic carbon (C) and straw yield, number of tillers, plant height and number of ears whereas grain yield was correlated with soil total N. Results from this study indicate that peat moss‐shrimp wastes compost could represent a potential means of renovating low fertility sand soils.     

EFFECT OF PEAT-REDUCED AND PEAT-FREE SUBSTRATES ON ROSEMARY GROWTH

The objective of this work was to study the use of four composts, obtained by agro-industrial, urban and green wastes, as growing media components on Rosmarinus officinalis L. Substrates were obtained by mixing each compost with peat in different proportions. Main physical and chemical characteristics of prepared substrates have been compared and, at the end of growing cycle, the biometric survey on main growing parameters and plant nutritional status was performed. The obtained results showed that substrates with 30% compost have main physical and chemical parameters comparable with those of the control. Best quality plants have been obtained substituting peat with 30% of compost, except with the olive mill compost. At the end, the green pruning compost can be recommended as growing media component (up to 50%) for the growth of Rosmarinus officinalis L., being able to determine high quality plants, together with an implemented plant nutrient efficiency.     

Nutrient‐rich compost versus nutrient‐poor vermicompost as growth media for ornamental‐plant production

A comparative study on the suitability of one compost and two vermicomposts, obtained from the same batch of tomato‐crop waste, as growth media for ornamental plant production was carried out. Each material was mixed with Sphagnum peat at 100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, and 0 : 100 (peat control) proportions by volume. Two ornamentals (Calendula officinalis, Viola cornuta) were sown and grown in the 13 substrates. Substrates were characterized physically and chemically. Seed germination, total leaf chlorophyll (SPAD units), plant growth, and plant nutrient concentrations were determined. The compost and the vermicomposts were markedly different from peat. Compost and the vermicomposts had greater bulk density and lower total porosity than peat. Compost had larger aeration and lower water‐holding capacity than vermicomposts and peat. Compost and vermicomposts were alkaline (pH = 8.8 on average) whilst peat was acidic (pH = 5.9). Electrical conductivity was low in peat (0.23 dS m^–1) and vermicomposts (0.65 dS m^–1), and high in compost (2.85 dS m^–1) due to the high concentrations of K⁺ and SO$ _4^{2-} $ . Mixing compost and vermicomposts with peat produced substrates with intermediate characteristics. Physical properties were within adequate range for all mixes except for the compost ones. pH was within adequate range only in pure peat, and salinity was extremely high in the compost mixes. Compost was phytotoxic, as shown by the strong reduction of seed germination, chlorophyll content, and plant growth of both ornamentals. Vermicomposts did not affect seed germination but reduced plant growth, though much less than compost. Mixing these materials with peat improved germination and growth. The diluted materials (compost at the 25 : 75 and vermicomposts at the 50 : 50 and 25 : 75 proportions) produced good‐quality plants.     

Soil metal immobilization and ryegrass uptake of lead, copper and zinc as affected by application of organic materials as soil amendments in a short-term greenhouse trial

Green waste compost, peat, coir and wood bark were applied to metal-contaminated mine waste at the rates of 1%, 10% and 20% on dry weight basis, and perennial ryegrass grown over a period of 6 weeks. Addition of amendments led to increased biomass yield in all soils when compared with the non-amended soil. EDTA extractable Pb, Cu and Zn was significantly reduced in amended soil, while leaf and root metal concentrations were also significantly reduced by the application of amendments, especially at applied rates of 10% and 20%. Coir, green waste compost and wood bark stood out as amendments which were consistent in reducing soil extractable and plant tissue Pb, Cu and Zn; while peat rates above 10% enhanced solubility of Cu and Zn because of a lowering of the soil pH.     

Bodenphysikalische Bewertung der Kompostwirkung durch Laboruntersuchungen

<?show $38#Bo;>Soil physical evaluation of the efficiency of addition of composts to soils by laboratory experiments Additionally to long‐term field experiments a laboratory method was tested for evaluation the physical efficiency of addition of composts to soil. The parameters maximal water holding capacity (MWK), bulk density (TRD), and total pore volume (PV) were determined under reproducible conditions for compost‐soil‐mixtures in comparison to equivalent mixtures of soil with standard‐peat‐litter. The ratio of the coefficients of regression for compost‐soil‐mixtures to those for standard‐peat‐litter‐soil‐mixtures is the so‐called equivalent of standard‐peat‐litter (TMÄ). The efficiency of changes of soil physical properties due to the addition of compost to soil is characterized by TMÄ.<?show $6#>     

Growth and Metal Accumulation of Geyer and Mountain Willow Grown in Topsoil versus Amended Mine Tailings

Willows (Salix spp.) are an integral component in the restoration of wetland plant communities that have been impacted by the fluvial deposition of mine tailings. A greenhouse study was conducted to compare growth and metal uptake of Geyer (S. geyeriana) and mountain (S. monticola) willow grown in topsoil versus lime and biosolids amended mine tailings. Biomass, leader length, and tissue metal contents were measured after four months growth. Above and belowground biomass and leader length of Geyer willow were greater for plants grown in topsoil compared to amended mine tailings. However, soil type did not affect mountain willow growth. Analysis for five metals yielded complex results for the two willow species and soil types. As compared to mountain willow, Geyer had greater concentrations of Mn and Pb in aboveground tissues, and Cu in senesced leaves and bark-less leaders when grown in tailings; mountain willow leaves contained greater levels of Cd than Geyer when grown in tailings. Both willow species had foliar Cd levels which were above livestock toxicity tolerance values. Based on growth characteristics, mountain willow appeared better suited for restoration of mine tailings compared to Geyer willow. However, because of the high Cd uptake by both willow species, care should be taken in restoration efforts where wildlife and domestic livestock are likely to browse on the willows.     

Differences in silica release from soils of two Scottish associations as assessed by trimethylsilylation

The amounts of monomeric silica released on trimethylsilylation of a range of Soil Groups of the Darleith Soil Association, developed on glacial till derived from Carboniferous age lavas of basic and intermediate composition, is significantly higher than the amounts released from corresponding Soil Groups of the Lauder Soil Association, developed on glacial till derived from Devonian age conglomerates and sandstone. Monoremic silica release values for the leached soils within an association are, in general, higher than those of the gley soils. For all soil profiles the eluvial horizon released the smallest amount of monomeric silica with the maximum amount being released, in most instances, from the illuvial horizon. Ferromagnesian minerals and crystalline clay minerals, in particular vermiculite and chlorite in the Darleith Association soils, release monomeric silica under acid conditions. For both the Darleith and Lauder Association soils the principal source of monosilicic acid is thought to be aluminosilica gel of low Si:A1 ratio.     

The Effects of Short-Term Compost Application On Soil Chemical Properties and on Nutritional Status of Maize Plant

Compost may improve the soil quality and contribute to C sequestration. The short-term effects of compost application on soil properties of soil cropped with maize are reported here. Soil plots to which mature compost was added (at 50 Mg ha^?1 and 85 Mg ha^?1) were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), nutrients, heavy metals and other soil properties. In addition, maize plants were weighed at the end of the trial and analyzed for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and heavy metals. The results demonstrate that soil amended with compost has an increased TOC content. The increase was proportional to the amount of compost used. At the highest dose used, compost also increased soil N and P content and the pH. Moreover, after compost application, the total heavy metal contents in soils did not increase. There was no difference between the maize yield from compost treated plots and the control plots. However, maize grains were found to be C, N and P enriched due to the increased nutrient status of the amended soil. In conclusion, the addition of mature compost improves soil properties by increasing the soil TOC content and this depends on the characteristics and the amount of compost used.     

Limiting factors for reforestation of mine spoils from Galicia (Spain)

Mined areas are a continuing source of heavy metals and acidity that move off site in response to erosion. Revegetation of the mine tailings could limit the spread of these heavy metals and acidity. This study was conducted to evaluate, at four tailings on opencast mines of Galicia (Touro: copper mine; and Meirama: lignite mine, NW Spain), the chemical and physical soil quality indicators and limiting edaphic factors concerning forest production. Selected zones were: (1) The tailings formed by the waste materials from the depleted Touro mine; (2) the decantation site of deposited sludge coming from the copper extraction in the flotation stage; (3) and (4) tailings of 3 and 10 years old of the Meirama lignite mine. The main physical limitations of the mine soils are the low effective depth (<50 cm), high stoniness (>30 per cent) and high porosity (>60 per cent); which make them vulnerable to soil erosion and seriously interferes with the forest production. Soils coming from the decantation site of copper mine do not have physical limitations. The main chemical limitations of mine soils are their acidity (pH from 3·62 to 5·71), and aluminium saturation (>60 per cent in copper mine soils, and >20 per cent in lignite mine soils), low CECe (from 5·34 to 9·47 cmol₍₊₎ kg⁻¹), organic carbon (from 0·47 to 7·52 mg kg⁻¹) and Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ contents, and imbalance between exchange bases. Mine soils coming from the decantation site of copper mine soils are strongly limited by the high Cu content (1218 mg kg⁻¹). Lime and organic amendments are the most important factors in providing a suitable medium for plant growth. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of the rehabilitation procedure of a pyritic mine tailings pond in Avoca,Southeast Ireland

A 32 ha tailings pond used for the disposal of pyritic mine waste was examined after a period of eight years to determine the success of the rehabilitation plan used to revegetate the site. This was achieved by examining both the vegetation cover and the quality of the topsoil in order to determine the effect of the tailings. A number of floristic habitats were identified within the site indicating that succession had occurred since revegetation of the area with metal-tolerant grass species. Four main habitats were investigated: leguminous, grass, gorse and low canopy. The soil layer in Shelton Abbey was 25–30 cm deep and contained levels of nutrients and metals comparable to those found in unpolluted soils. It was followed by a 20–25 cm layer of mixed soil and tailings, followed by the tailings only. The tailings retained elevated concentrations of metals indicating their unsuitability for growth of unadapted plant species. Vegetation from all habitats, analysed both in the summer and winter, contained higher levels of iron only compared with vegetation grown on unpolluted soils. Metals do not appear to be significantly leached from the tailings either into the soil or into surface and ground waters, and have not been accumulated to above normal levels by plant uptake. The rehabilitation protocol used at the site appears to have been successful. However, the site needs to be managed on an on-going basis to ensure the integrity of the bund and revegetated area. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Biomass and Cu and Zn Uptake of Two Turfgrass Species Grown in Sludge Compost–soil Mixtures

Two kinds of common turfgrass, fescue and ryegrass, were grown in soils amended with 20?×?80% sludge compost (SC) in this research. The effects of SC on two kinds of soil and response of fescue and ryegrass to the SC amendment were studied. The results showed that urease activity, extractable content of Cu and Zn and Electrical conductivity of both soils increased while pH decreased with the increase of SC amendment. However, the change of these parameters also depended strongly on soil characteristics. Sludge compost at the ≤40 and ≤60% levels can improve growth of fescue and ryegrass, respectively. The biomass of fescue grown in substrate with 40% SC increased 27% in a red soil and 44% in a yellow loamy soil compared to the control. The biomass of ryegrass grown in substrate with 60% SC increased 120% in the red soil and 86% in the yellow loamy soil. Sludge compost amendment at these levels did not significantly affect soluble salt contents of soil or Cu and Zn in plant tissue. Therefore, rational use of sludge compost can take advantage of its beneficial effect as a nutrient source for plant production while avoiding the potential deleterious effects on soil and plant.     

生物炭：一种新型改良剂能修复矿物、工业以及污水废弃物污染的土壤

Mine tailings, waste rock piles, acid mine drainage, industrial wastewater, and sewage sludge have contaminated a vast area of cultivable and fallow lands, with a consequence of deterioration of soil and water quality and watercourses due to the erosion of contaminated soils for absence of vegetative cover.High concentrations of toxic elements, organic contaminants, acidic soils, and harsh climatic conditions have made it difficult to re-establish vegetation and produce crops there. Recently, a significant body of work has focussed on the suitability and potentiality of biochar as a soil remediation tool that increases seed emergence, soil and crop productivity, above ground biomass, and vegetation cover on mine tailings, waste rock piles, and industrial and sewage waste-contaminated soils by increasing soil nutrients and water-holding capacity, amelioration of soil acidity, and stimulation of microbial diversity and functions. This review addresses: i) the functional properties of biochar, and microbial cycling of nutrients in soil; ii) bioremediation, especially phytoremediation of mine tailings, industrial waste, sewage sludge, and contaminated soil using biochar; iii) impact of biochar on reduction of acid production, acid mine drainage treatment, and geochemical dynamics in mine tailings; and iv) treatment of metal and organic contaminants in soils using biochar, and restoration of degraded land.     

Limitations for revegetation in lead/zinc minesoils (NW Spain)

Purpose

Metal mining is the main cause of soil contamination caused by heavy metals. Mine tailings and minespoils generally offer hostile environments for plant growth due to their low nutrient availability, low organic matter content, and high trace metal content. This study was carried out with the aim of characterizing the soils that have developed on the tailings from an abandoned lead and zinc mine in Galicia (NW Spain) and determining the soil factors that limit revegetation.

Materials and methods

We selected three zones: (a) the minespoils, (b) in the mining area, and (c) the settling pond, where the sludge from the flotation process was deposited. A control soil was also sampled outside of the mining area. We analyzed the physicochemical properties and metal levels in the mine spoil and soil samples we collected.

Results and discussion

The results indicate that the main physical limitations of minesoils are their low effective depth, high porosity and stoniness, while the main chemical limitations are low organic matter content and low CEC and an imbalance between exchangeable cations. These minesoils are strongly affected by high Zn and Pb levels which hinder revegetation.

Conclusions

As high concentrations of toxic trace elements and a high pH are important factors in limiting the plant growth, the restoration procedure must overcome the oxidation processes by adding organic amendments that also contribute towards fixing heavy metals or by implanting spontaneous vegetation adapted to the mine conditions, such as common broom (Cytisus scoparius) or white birch (Betula celtiberica).     

Application of Biochar and Compost for Enhancement of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Grain Yield in Calcareous Sandy Soil

The application of compost to calcareous soils by farmers is a well-established practice and has been shown to improve yields. However, incorporation of biochar and mixture of biochar and compost into calcareous soils is a relatively novel concept for improving soil quality and yield since calcareous soils comprise a large scale of soils worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the co-application of biochar and compost on the soil properties, nutrient status and grain yield of rice in calcareous sandy soil. The experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The compost application rates were 1% and 3% (w/w; compost/soil) and the applied rates of biochars (rice straw biochar, RSB; sugarcane bagasse biochar, SBB) were 0.3% and 0.9% (w/w; biochar/soil). The results showed that soil pH decreased with increasing application rates of either compost or biochars. However, soil EC was enhanced through increasing the application rates of compost and biochars. The co-application of biochar and compost improved soil total N and available P concentrations. The soil available K increased with increasing the rate of incorporated biochars and compost. An increase of soil available K was more predominate with the application of RSB than SBB. The RSB, also, added a considerable amount of silicon (Si) to the soil. The co-incorporation of biochars and compost enhanced soil available concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn as well. The RSB was more effective than the SBB in grain yield enhancement almost certainly due to a higher Si content in RSB. Furthermore, the concurrent application of biochars and compost increased grain yield more than applying them individually. A higher application rate of biochar and compost induced a higher grain yield. The co-application of highest rates of RSB (0.9%) and compost (3%) induced the highest grain yield (26.1 g/pot) among the treatments. The increase in yield compare to the control were 321% and 260% for 0.9% RSB + 3% compost and 0.9% SBB + 3% compost, respectively. The increase in the grain yield was due to an improvement in the soil chemical properties and nutrients enhancement. Finally, the co-application of the highest rate of RSB (0.9%) and compost (3%) is recommended to obtain the appropriate rate of rice grain yield in calcareous sandy soil.     

Effects of long-term treatments of different organic fertilizers complemented with chemical N fertilizer on the chemical and biological properties of soils

Continuous cultivation has been known to decrease soil organic matter content. Application of organic matter to cultivated soil is an important practice from the point of view of maintaining an adequate amount of soil organic matter. Soil organic matter content significantly affects soil microbial activity, which is an important index of soil quality. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to examine the long-term effects of different kinds of organic matter in combination with inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on chemical and biological properties of soils. There were seven treatments, namely (1) CK (without fertilization), (2) Chem-N (applying chemical N fertilizer only), (3) Comp (applying compost with the same rate of N as the Chem-N treatment), (4) Comp + l/3 N (applying compost complemented with 33% of the chemical N fertilizer of the Chem-N treatment), (5) Comp + 2/3 N (applying compost complemented with 66% of the chemical N fertilizer of the Chem-N treatment), (6) GM + 1/3 N (applying green manure complemented with 33% of the chemical N fertilizer of the Chem-N treatment) and (7) Peat + 1/3 N (applying peat complemented with 33% of the chemical N fertilizer of the Chem-N treatment). After continuous treatment for 12 years and with cultivation of 24 crops on the same area, soils were sampled for analyses of chemical and biological properties, enzymatic activities and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles. The results showed that compared with CK and Chem-N treatments, applications of compost and peat increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content and altered microbial activities and microbial community structure. However, application of green manure for 12 years had no effect on SOC content. Both microbial activities and PLFA profiles were clearly dependent on the characteristics of the applied organic amendments. In summary, a peat application led to the highest increase in SOC content compared to compost and green manure; however, compost-treated soil had a higher microbial population and higher microbial and enzyme activities, while the effects of both green manure and chemical N fertilizer on soil properties were similar.