Spatial distribution pattern and dynamics of the primary population in a natural Populus euphratica forest in Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China

One 50 m × 50 m standard plot was sampled in a natural forest of Populus euphratica in Awati County, situated at the edge of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The field investigation was conducted with a contiguous grid quadrate method. By means of a test of variance/mean value ratio, aggregation intensity index and theoretical distribution models, the spatial distribution pattern and the dynamics of primary populations in P. euphratica forest were studied. The results showed that the spatial distribution pattern of two dominant arbor populations conformed to clumped distribution. The aggregation intensity of the P. euphratica population was higher than that of P. pruinosa population. The spatial distribution pattern of two companion plant populations in the shrub layer also conformed to clump type, though the aggregation intensity of Tamarix chinensis was higher. In the herb layer, the distribution patterns of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Asparagus persicus conformed respectively to a clumped pattern and a random pattern. The results of a Taylor power method test and Iwao’s regression model also verified that both P. euphratica and P. pruinosa populations belong to a clumped pattern. Although the distribution pattern of P. pruinosa population at different development stages all belonged to a clumped distribution pattern, the aggregation intensity dropped gradually along with age development. The distribution patterns of the P. euphratica population at different development stages changed from random type to clumped type, and further to random type. The differences in spatial distribution patterns of different populations at different development stages were related not only to ecological and biological characteristics of each species in the communities in the light of competitive exclusion principle among the populations, but were also closely related to the habitats in which the species lived in. __________ Translated from Journal of Southwest Forestry College, 2007, 27(2): 1–5 [译自: 西南林学院学报]     

间伐对杉木人工林土壤酶活性及微生物的影响

[目的]研究间伐对杉木人工林土壤微生物数量、酶活性及关系的影响,试图了解不同间伐强度作用下土壤恢复的过程和机制,为人工林经营提供理论依据。[方法]以18年生杉木人工林为研究对象,采用随机区组试验设计,分析4种间伐强度TS0(未间伐(0.0%),1 800株·hm-2)、TS1(轻度(16.7%),1 500株·hm-2)、TS2(中度(33.3%),1 200株·hm-2)和TS3(重度(50.0%),900株·hm-2)下杉木人工林土壤微生物数量及土壤酶活性特点,探讨土壤微生物数量与酶活性的相关性。[结果]表明:间伐3年后,林下土壤层酶活性和微生物数量显著提高,不同土层间土壤微生物数量和酶活性均差异显著;间伐显著提高了土壤过氧化氢酶、碱性磷酸酶、脲酶和蔗糖酶的活性,除过氧化氢酶(15 30、30 45 cm)、碱性磷酸酶(0 15、30 45 cm)以及脲酶(30 45 cm)以TS3处理的酶活性最高外,其他酶活性在各土层和不同间伐强度下均以TS2处理的酶活性最高;土壤各层微生物以细菌数量最多,其次是放线菌,硝化细菌最少,且TS2处理的微生物数量最多。土壤过氧化氢酶和脲酶活性均与细菌、真菌和硝化细菌数量呈极显著正相关,与放线菌数量呈极显著负相关,氨化细菌数量与过氧化氢酶活性呈负相关,而与脲酶活性呈正相关;碱性磷酸酶活性与细菌、真菌和硝化细菌数量呈正相关,与氨化细菌数量呈极显著负相关,与放线菌数量呈负相关;蔗糖酶活性与细菌、真菌和氨化细菌数量呈极显著正相关,与硝化细菌数量呈正相关,与放线菌数量呈负相关。[结论]间伐改善了林分环境、光照、温度以及林下植被的发育,提高了林下土壤酶活性并增加了微生物数量。间伐3年后的综合表现表明,中度间伐最利于杉木人工中、近熟林阶段的经营,对于改善土壤性质较好。     

Features of soil enzyme activities and the number of microorganisms in plantations and their relationships with soil nutrients in the Qinling Mountains, China

We studied the distribution of soil nutrients, the number of soil microorganisms, soil enzyme activities, and their relationships in pure and mixed plantations. Soil enzyme activities, the number of soil microorganisms, and soil nutrients were measured in plantations of Chinese pine (Pinustabulaeformis), larch (Larix kaempferi), sharp tooth oak (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata), Manchurian catalpa (Catalpa fargesii), and mixed plantations in the Qinling Mountains, China. Compared with pure plantations, the conifer-broad-leaved broadleaf mixed plantations increased total N, available N, total P, available K, and organic matter in the forest soil; promoted the activities of invertase and urease by 16.7% and 53.8%; and increased the total amount of soil microorganisms by 95.9% and the number of bacteria by 104.5% (p<0.05). The correlations between soil enzymes, number of microorganisms, and soil nutrients were significant (p<0.05), and the correlations between the number of soil bacteria and basic nutrient prosperities (total N, available N, available K, and organic matter (OM)) were significant or highly significant. The correlations between the number of soil actinomycetes, and soil total N, available N, OM, and pH were also significant or highly significant. A suitable mixture of planted conifers and broad-leaved species improves the quality and amount of soil nutrients, increases the number of soil microorganisms and changes their redistribution. The change of soil enzymes and the number of soil microorganisms are indications of the change tendency of soil nutrients. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest A&F University (Nat. Sci. Ed.), 2008, 36(10): 88–94 [译自: 西北农林科技大学学报]     

Evolution of soil microbial biomass in restoration process of Robinia pseudoacacia plantations in an eroded environment

Vegetation recovery is a key measure to improve ecosystems in the Loess Plateau in China. To understand the evolution of soil microorganisms in forest plantations in the hilly areas of the Loess Plateau, the soil microbial biomass, microbial respiration and physical and chemical properties of the soil of Robinia pseudoacacia plantations were studied. In this study, eight forest soils of different age classes were used to study the evolution of soil microbial biomass, while a farmland and a native forest community of Platycladus orientalis L. were chosen as controls. By measuring soil microbial biomass, metabolic quotient, and physical and chemical properties, it can be concluded that soil quality was improved steadily after planting. Soil microbial biomass of C, N and P (SMBC, SMBN and SMBP) increased significantly after 10 to 15 years of afforestation and vegetation recovery. A relatively stable state of soil microbial biomass was maintained in near-mature or mature plantations. There was an increase of soil microbial biomass appearing at the end of the mature stage. After 50 years of afforestation and vegetation recovery, compared with those in farmland, the soil microbial biomass of C, N and P increased by 213%, 201% and 83% respectively, but only accounting for 51%, 55% and 61% of the increase in P. orientalis forest. Microbial soil respiration was enhanced in the early stages, and then weakened in the later stage after restoration, which was different from the change of soil organic carbon. The metabolic quotient (qCO₂) was significantly higher in the soils of the P. orientalis forest than that in farmland at the early restoration stage and then decreased rapidly. After 25 years of afforestation and vegetation recovery, qCO₂ in soils of the R. pseudoacacia forest was lower than that in the farmland soil, and reached a minimum after 50 years, which was close to that of the P. orientalis forest. A significant relationship was found among soil microbial biomass, qCO₂ and physical and chemical properties and restoration duration. Therefore, we conclude that it is possible to artificially improve the ecological environment and soil quality in the hilly area of the Loess Plateau; a long time, even more than 100 years, is needed to reach the climax of the present natural forest. __________ Translated from Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2007, 27(3): 909–917 [译自: 生态学报]     

Evaluation of the sap flow using heat pulse method to determine transpiration of the Populus euphratica canopy

The sap flow of the sampled Populus euphratica stems at different radial depths and directions had been studied in Ejina Oasis, in the lower reaches of the Heihe River. Based on sap flow measurements, the transpiration of the entire canopy was calculated. Results showed a linear correlation between the sap flow and the sapwood area of the P. euphratica. Through the analysis of the diameter at breast height in the sample plot, it was found that the distribution of the diameters and the corresponding sapwood area was exponentially correlated, with the coefficient of correlation being 0.976,7. The calculated transpiration of the Populus euphratica canopy was 214.9 mm based on the specific conductivity method. Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(7): 28–32 [译自: 林业科学]     

Root biomass and underground C and N storage of the primitive Korean pine and broad-leaved forest and its different succession stages in Changbai Mountain, northeast China

This paper studied root biomass and underground carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage of a more than 200-year-old primitive Korean pine and broad-leaved forest and its two 20-and 80-year-old secondary Populus davidiana and Betula platyphylla forests in Changbai Mountain, northeast China. The results showed that with forest succession, the root biomass of 20-year-old, 80-year-old, and primitive forests was 2.437, 2.742, and 4.114 kg/m², respectively. The root C storage was 1.113, 1.323, and 2.023 kg/m², soil C storage was 11.911, 11.943, and 12.587 kg/m², and underground C storage was 13.024, 13.266, and 14.610 kg/m², respectively, while the root N storage was 0.035, 0.032, and 0.038 kg/m², soil N storage was 1.208, 1.222, and 0.915 kg/m², and underground N storage was 1.243, 1.254, and 0.955 kg/m², respectively, which indicated that along with forest succession, the forest underground became a potential “carbon sink,” whereas underground N storage did not change obviously. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2005, 16(7): 1,195–1,199 [译自: 应用生态学报, 2005, 16(7): 1,195–1,199]     

Response of root distribution of Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings to irrigation amounts in the hinterlands of the Taklimakan Desert, China

We excavated soil to study root distribution in Haloxylon ammodendron seedlings grown with different amounts of irrigation (35, 24.5 and 14 kg water for each plant each time) in the hinterland of the Taklimakan Desert. The results indicated that: 1) With decreasing irrigation amounts, the root biomass tended to be distributed in deeper soil layers. Underground biomass had a significantly negative logarithmic relationship with soil depth under different irrigation amounts. 2) Maximum horizontal spread of roots was twice that of vertical root spread, and horizontal distribution of root biomass was similar under all irrigation amounts. 3) Vertical distribution of fine roots was nearly consistent with vertical changes in soil moisture, and all had a unimodal curve; but peak values of fine root biomass in different soil layers varied with different irrigation amounts. The smaller the amount of irrigation, the deeper were the fine roots concentrated in soil layers. 4) Root length, root surface area and root volume all exhibited a unimodal curve under different irrigation amounts; the less the irrigation amount, the deeper the peak values appeared in soil layers. 5) Rootshoot ratio and ratio of vertical root depth to plant height both increased as irrigation amounts decreased. __________ Translated from Journal of Plant Ecology (Chinese Version), 2007, 31 (5): 769–776 [译自: 植物生态学报]     

Effects of forest canopy gap on biomass of Abies faxoniana seedlings and its allocation in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan

Using a strip transect sampling method, the density, height (≤ 100 cm), basal diameter and components of biomass of Abies faxoniana seedlings, living in a forest gap (FG) and under the forest canopy (FC) of subalpine natural coniferous forests in western Sichuan, were investigated and the relationships among different components of biomass analyzed. The results indicated that the density and average height (H) of A. faxoniana seedlings were significantly different in the FG and under the FC, with the values being 12903 and 2017 per hm², and 26.6 and 24.3 cm. No significant differences were found in the average basal diameter (D) and biomass. The biomass allocation in seedling components was significantly affected by forest gap. In the FG, the biomass ratio of branch to stem reached a maximum of 1.54 at age 12 and then declined and fluctuated around 0.69. Under the FC, the biomass ratio of branch to stem increased with seedling growth and exceeded 1.0 at about age 15. The total biomass and the biomass of leaves, stems, shoots and roots grown in the FG and under the FC were significantly correlated with D ² H. There were significant and positive correlations among the biomass of different components. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2007, 18(4): 721–727 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

The growth process of natural poplar-birch forests

With a combination of permanent and temporary sample plots, we investigated the growth conditions of natural poplar-birch forests. The forests were divided into four site classes, using statistical and analytical techniques in a quantitative model, in descending order where site class I was the best. On this basis, the growth of natural poplar-birch forests in the different site classes was studied. The growth processes of height and diameter at breast height were divided into three stages: a fast growing period, a stable growing period and a slow growing period. Results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the directive cultivation of natural poplar-birch forests. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest Forestry University, 2005, 33(5): 9–12 [译自: 东北林业大学学报, 2005, 33(5): 9–12]     

Comparison of the fine root dynamics of Populus euphratica forests in different habitats in the lower reaches of the Tarim River in Xinjiang, China, during the growing season

The fine root dynamics of Populus euphratica forests in the upper section (Yingsu) and lower section (Alagan) habitats of the lower reaches of the Tarim River, southern Xinjiang, China, were investigated and compared by a sequential soil coring method during the growing season of 2008. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, soil water content, fine root biomass, necromass, and production were significantly higher in Yingsu than in Alagan, suggesting better nutrient conditions for fine root growth in Yingsu than in Alagan. Fine root biomass, necromass, and production significantly increased from April until it peaked in August, and then it decreased. Fine root biomass, necromass, and production differed significantly among the soil layers, and their largest values appeared in the soil layer 40–80?cm deep. Mean turnover rates in the 0–120?cm soil layer were 1.60 and 1.52?year^?1 in Yingsu and Alagan, respectively, and the fine root turnover rate did not differ significantly between the two habitats or among the soil layers. These results show that habitat change can significantly affect fine root biomass and the production of P. euphratica forests, leading to changes in plant primary production, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems in the lower reaches of the Tarim River.     

Distribution of Frankia, ectomycorrhizal fungi, and bacteria in soil after the eruption of Miyake-Jima (Izu Islands, Japan) in 2000

Miyake-Jima, a round island of about 8 km in diameter, is located about 200 km south of Tokyo, Japan (34°08′ N, 139°53′ E). In July 2000, the central cone of this island collapsed and a new eruption started with the falling of volcanic ash and SO₂ emission. In October 2001, we measured the distribution of bacteria, and Frankia, a symbiotic nitrogen-fixing actinomycete that forms root nodules, and ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with alder in newly deposited ash and its underlying soil by cultivation of Alnus sieboldiana seedlings in these soils. There were fewer bacteria growing on the nutrient broth agar and fewer bacteria growing on 100-fold diluted nutrient broth agar in newly deposited volcanic ash than there were growing in the buried old soil. In four out of five sites, little or no nodulation was observed in newly deposited ash; abundant root nodules were formed in the underlying soil. Ectomycorrhizae formed in the seedlings cultivated in the underlying soil. In May 2003, the distribution of Frankia and ectomycorrhizal fungi in soil at different depths (up to 160 cm) was also investigated. Frankia and ectomycorrhizal fungi were relatively abundant in surface soil layers.     

Mycorrhizal formation of nine ectomycorrhizal fungi on poplar cuttings

In order to discover which ectomycorrhizal-(ECM) fungi have better growth-promoting effects on poplars, cuttings from four poplar species were inoculated with nine species of ECM fungi by three methods. We investigated the status of mycorrhizal formation and the effects of these fungi on the growth of the poplars. The results show that Xrocomus chrysentero (Xc), Boletus edulis (Be), Pisolithus tinctorius (Pt) and Laccaria amethystea (La) formed clear ectomycorrhizal symbiosis with the poplar seedlings. Among these four ECM fungi, Xc had the greatest ability to develop mycorrhizae with all four poplar species. Be shows a greater ability to form mycorrhizae with Populus deltoides Bartr cv. ‘Lux’ (Poplar I-69). Pt and La had relatively weaker abilities of colonization. The other five ECM fungal species, i.e., Scleroderma luteus (Sl), Leccinum scabrum (Ls), Boletus speciosus (Bs), Calvatia craniiformis (Cc) and Rhizopogen luteous (Rl) could not easily form mycorrhizae with poplar seedlings grown in sterilized substrates, but could do so in non-sterilized soil. With the method of drilling and injecting liquid inoculum, a simple operation, the mycorrhizal infection rates were higher than with the other two methods, applying solid inoculum as fertilizer at the bottom of the pots and dipping roots in the inoculum slurry. P. simonii Carr. formed mycorrhizae with most of the nine ECM fungi. P. x euramericana (Dode) Guinier cv. ’san Martino’ (Poplar I-72) and P. deltoids Harvard x P. deltoids Lux (Poplar NL-351) had the highest compatibility with Pt. Poplar I-69 shows the highest compatibility with Xc. The study indicates that the optimal ECM fungi for poplars I-69, I-72 and NL-351 were Be, Xc and Pt, respectively. The optimal fungi for P. simonii Carr. were Xc and Be. These ECM fungi promoted the growth of the poplar seedlings significantly. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition), 2007, 31(6): 29–33 [译自: 南京林业大学学报(自然科学版)]     

Soil fractal features of typical forest stands in Jinyun Mountain, Chongqing City, Southwest China

In order to explore the forest soil physical property in the Three Gorges Reservoir areas, the fractal theory was adopted to study the soil fractal features of the four typical forest stands (mixed Pinus massoniana-broadleaf forests, evergreen broadleaved forests, Phyllostachys pubescens forests and evergreen broadleaved shrub forests) in Jinyun Mountain, Chongqing City, and they were compared with arable land. It has been proposed that the model can be used for the analysis of the relationship between the fractal dimensions and the properties of forest soil. The impacts of fractal dimensions on the soil properties were analyzed with the elasticity analysis and marginal yield analysis. Results showed that the fractal dimension of particle size distribution (PSD), the micro-aggregate size distribution (ASD) and the soil pore size distribution (SPD) can be used as the indices to evaluate the soil structure. In the typical stands of Jinyun Mountain, the fractal dimension of PSD is 2.7–2.9, the ASD is 2.5–2.8, and the SPD is 2.3–2.8. The soil structure of evergreen broadleaved shrub forests performed best in PSD, ASD and SPD, and the soil of P. pubescens forests is the worst. There were some relationships among the PSD, ASD, SPD and some soil properties in the different forests and farmland. The related coefficients are over 0.5. Based on the elasticity analysis and marginal yield analysis, the effect of PSD was more than those of ASD and SPD. Obviously, the further study on the fractal theory application in soil structure and soil properties has important significance. __________ Translated from Science of Soil and Water Conservation, 2006, 4(4): 39–46 [译自: 中国水土保持科学]     

Spatial distribution characteristics of fine roots of Populus euphratica in a desert riparian forest

The soil-plant system is a very important subsystem of the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The water uptake by plant roots is an important subject in the research on water transport in this SPAC and is also the most active study direction in the fields of ecology, hydrology and environment. The study of the spatial distribution pattern of fine roots of plants is the basis of constructing a water absorption model of plant roots. Our study on the spatial distribution pattern of fine roots of Populus euphratica in a desert riparian forest shows that the density distribution of its root lengths can be expressed horizontally as a parabola. The fine roots are concentrated within the range of 0–350 cm from the tree trunk and their amount accounts for 91.9% of the total root mass within the space of 0–500 cm. In the vertical direction, the density distribution of the fine root lengths shows a negative exponential relation with soil depth. The fine roots are concentrated in the 0–80 cm soil layer, accounting for 96.8% of the total root mass in the 0–140 cm soil layer. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Ecology, 2007, 26(1): 1–4 [译自: 生态学杂志]     

Impact factors on fine root seasonal dynamics in Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

Fine root turnover plays important roles in carbon allocation and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Seasonal dynamics of fine roots is critical for understanding the processes of fine root turnover. From May to October 2002, soil core method was used for estimating the seasonal pattern of fine root (diameter < 1 mm) parameters (biomass, specific root length (SRL) and root length density (RLD)) in a Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) plantation located at the Maoershan Experiment Station, Heilongjiang Province, northeast of China. The relationships of fine root biomass, SRL and RLD with available nitrogen in soil, average soil temperature per month in 10 cm depth and soil moisture content were analyzed. Seasonal variation of fine root biomass was significant (P < 0.05). The peak values of fine root biomass were observed both in spring and in autumn, but SRL and RLD were the highest in spring and lowest in autumn. Specific root length and root length density were higher in spring and summer, which means that fine root diameter was thinner. In autumn, both parameters decreased significantly due to secondary incrassation of fine root diameter or the increase of tissue density. Seasonal dynamics of fine roots was associated with available nitrogen in soil, soil temperature in 10 cm depth and moisture content. Fine root biomass has a significant relationship with available NH₄ ⁺-N in soil. Available NO₃ ⁻-N in soil, soil temperature in 10-cm depth and moisture content have a positive correlation with fine root biomass, SRL and RLD, although these correlations are not significant (P > 0.05). But the compound effects of soil available N, soil temperature and soil moisture content are significant to every root parameter. The variations of these three root parameters in different seasons show different physiological and ecological functions in different growing periods. Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(9): 7–12 [译自: 林业科学]     

Carbon storage of artificial forests in rehabilitated lands in the upper reaches of the Yellow River

We studied 10-to 27-year-old artificial forests on rehabilitated lands in the upper reaches of the Yellow River with the objective of comparing the carbon densities of various artificial and natural forests. Under artificial plantations, the vegetation layer (including roots) had a mean carbon density of 111.3 t/hm², the litter layer a density of 5.1 t/hm², and the soil layer a density of 64.9 t/hm². These values accounted for 28.6%, 13.8%, and 61.0% of their respective counterparts in the natural secondary forests under the same site conditions in the region. The ratios of carbon density among vegetation, litter, and soil pools were 39.6:1.8:58.6 for artificial forests and 57.4:2.7:39.9 for natural forests. The carbon densities of the vegetation and litter layers increased exponentially with forest age. The total carbon density ratios were also increasing gradually. Although the mean total carbon density of the artificial forests in the rehabilitated lands was 281.2 t/hm² in the experimental area, it accounted for only 41.5% of the carbon density of the natural secondary forests (677.4 t/hm²). The annual increase in total carbon density of artificial forests was as high as 15.2 t/hm², which was 11.7% more than that of natural forests and 6.8 times higher than that (1.95 t/hm) of artificial forests in the entire country as measured during 1994–1998. This indicates that growth and carbon storage capacity of artificial forests in the rehabilitated lands were higher than those of forests on the barren hills and the secondary forests. We concluded that the conversion project from croplands to forests and grasslands based on scientific principles is very important in the formation of carbon sinks for reducing greenhouse effects. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2005, 27(6): 1–8 [译自: 北京林业大学学报, 2005, 27(6): 1–8]     

Aboveground biomass of three conifers in the Qianyanzhou plantation, Jiangxi Province, China

Regressive models of the aboveground biomass for three conifers in subtropical China—slash pine (Pinus elliottii), Masson pine (P. massoniana) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)—were established. Regression analysis of leaf biomass and total biomass of each branch against branch diameter (d), branch length (L), d ³ and d ² L was conducted with functions of linear, power and exponent. A power law equation with a single parameter (d) was proved to be better than the rest for Masson pine and Chinese fir, and a linear equation with parameter (d ³) is better for slash pine. The canopy biomass was derived by adopting the regression equations to all branches of each individual tree. These kinds of equations were also used to fit the relationship between total tree biomass, branch biomass, foliage biomass and tree diameter at breast height (D), tree height (H), D ³ and D ² H, respectively. D ² H was found to be the best parameter for estimating total biomass. However, for foliage biomass and branch biomass, both parameters and equation forms showed some differences among species. Correlations were highly significant (P<0.001) for foliage biomass, branch biomass and total biomass, among which the equation of the total biomass was the highest. With these equations, the aboveground biomass of Masson pine forest, slash pine forest and Chinese fir forest were estimated, in addition to the allocation of aboveground biomass. The above-ground biomass of Masson pine forest, slash pine forest and Chinese fir forest was 83.6, 72.1 and 59 t/hm² respectively, and the stem biomass was more than the foliage biomass and the branch biomass. The underground biomass of these three forests which estimated with others’ research were 10.44, 9.42 and 11.48 t/hm², and the amount of carbon-fixed were 47.94, 45.14 and 37.52 t/hm², respectively. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2006, 17(8): 1382–1388 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

Characteristics of carbon and nitrogen of soil microbial biomass and their relationships with soil nutrients in Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations

The soil microbial biomass and nutrient status under the native broadleaved forest and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations at the Huitong National Research Station of Forest Ecosystem (in Hunan Province, midland of China) were examined in this study. The results showed that after the native broadleaved forest was replaced by mono-cultured C. lanceolata or C. lanceolata, soil microbial biomass and nutrient pool decreased significantly. In the 0–10 cm soil layer, the concentrations of soil microbial carbon and nitrogen in the broadleaved forest were 800.5 and 84.5 mg/kg, respectively. These were 1.90 and 1.03 times as much as those in the first rotation of the C. lanceolata plantation, and 2.16 and 1.27 times as much as those in the second rotation of the plantation, respectively. While in the 10–20 cm soil layer, the microbial carbon and nitrogen in the broadleaved forest were 475.4 and 63.3 mg/kg, respectively. These were 1.86 and 1.60 times as much as those in the first rotation, and 2.11 and 1.76 times as much as those in the second rotation, respectively. Soil nutrient pools, such as total nitrogen, total potassium, NH₄ ⁺-N, and available potassium, also declined after the C. lanceolata plantation replaced the native broadleaved forest, or Chinese fir was planted continuously. Less litter and slower decay rate in pure Chinese fir plantation were the crucial factors leading to the decrease of soil microbial biomass and nutrient pool in this area. Human disturbance, especially slash-burning and site preparation, was another factor leading to the decrease. There were significant positive correlations between soil microbial carbon and nitrogen and soil nutrients. To improve soil quality and maintain sustainable productivity, some measures, including planting mixed conifer with hardwood, preserving residues after harvest, and adopting scientific site preparation, should be taken. Translated from Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology, 2006, 17(12): 2,292–2,296 [译自: 应用生态学报]     

Biomass of fine roots and its relationship with water-stable aggregates in a composite ecosystem of triploid Populus tomentosa in the conversion of farmland to forest

A study on the biomass of fine roots and its relationship with water-stable aggregates (WSA) was conducted in two herbaceous models, triploid Populus tomentosa + Lolium multiflorum (TL) and triploid P. tomentosa + natural grass (TN). Both of the model triploid P. tomentosa stands were four years old converted from agriculture. Unconverted steep slope farmland was used as a control site. Results showed that the biomass of fine roots (⩽ 1 mm) in different layers varied in the following descending order: upper layer, middle layer and lower layer, at approximate ratios of 50:30:20. The average annual biomass of fine roots in ryegrass was twice that of the mixed natural grass-forest land. The total amount of natural grass roots was 4.4 times that of the ryegrass model. Water-stable aggregates of the upper, middle and lower layers and the unconverted farmland did not show any significant differences, whereas the amounts of water-stable aggregates of big-particles in the upper and middle layers were much larger than those of unconverted lands. The amounts of water-stable aggregates of natural grass-forest lands (TN model) were higher than those of managed grass-forest lands (TL model). Two-way analysis of variance indicated that fine roots (≤ 1 mm) could significantly enhance water-stable aggregates and total water-stable aggregates. We conclude that the program of converting agricultural lands to forest-grass lands is an effective way in improving soil anti-erosion capability. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2007, 43(5): 24–29 [译自:林业科学]     

Biomass and production of fine roots in Japanese forests

To better understand the control of fine-root dynamics in Japanese forests, we reviewed studies conducted in Japan on fine-root biomass and production. Most of the data on fine-root biomass were obtained for conifer plantations in limited regions; the average fine-root biomass of dominant trees ranged from ∼50 g m₋₂ for Pinus species (n = 3) to ∼600 g m₋₂ for Cryptomeria japonica (n = 4) and Chamaecyparis obtusa (n = 3). These values are comparable with or less than those reported for other temperate forests mainly in North America or Europe. Information on fine-root production in Japanese forests remains limited. Fine-root production accounted for ∼30% of the net primary productivity in two deciduous forests, but similar data was not reported for coniferous forests in Japan. In Japanese forests, slope position is a key parameter controlling fine-root biomass that is greater on upper slopes than on lower slopes, probably because soil resource availability decreases upslope. Studies in manipulated soil environments (e.g., removing throughfall to simulate drought) also suggested that fine-root biomass and production were greatly affected by altered soil environments. Physiological control of fine-root dynamics was recently discussed via anatomical analyses of Chamaecyparis obtusa. Findings from Japanese studies generally support data on fine-root biomass and production obtained from other temperate regions. Further attempts to elucidate the influence of slope position (soil resource availability) on fine-root production would be useful to gain a more detailed understanding of the fine-root dynamics in Japanese forests.