Soil Properties Degradation Assessment Using Infrared Scanning Technique of Soils （Case Study： Eastern of Congo）

Recently, near infrared reflectance （NIR） and mid-infrared （MIR） spectroscopy techniques are increasingly introduced as convenient and simple non-destructive techniques for quantifying several soil properties. This study uses MIR method to predict pH, soil organic C, total N, AI, Ca, Mg and K, CEC and soil texture for soil samples collected in Sud-Kivu, Congo. A total of 536 composite soil samples were taken from two locations （Burhale and Luhihi） at two depths （0-20 cm and 20-40 cm） using a spatially-stratified random sampling design within an area of 200 km2. Differences in characteristics were evaluated between the two locations, land use （cultivated vs. non-cultivated land） with soil depths. A random subset of the samples （10%） were analyzed using standard wet chemistry methods, and calibration models developed by MIR data to estimate soil properties for the full soil sample set. Partial least squares regression （PLS） method gave acceptable coefficients of determination between 0.71 and 0.93 for all parameters. Soil organic matter levels were higher in cultivated plots in Luhihi （3.9% C） than in Burhale （3.0% C）, suggesting lower levels of soil fertility in the later area. This indicates high levels of acidity, which are likely to limit crop production in the area. Phosphorus deficiency is acute in Burhale （2.4 mg P/kg） but less in Luhihi （5.4 mg P/kg）. In both locations, low levels of Ca and Mg indicate that soils may be susceptible to deficiencies in both elements.These findings provide new opportunities for monitoring soil quality in the region which can benefit multiple actors and scientists involved in the agricultural and environmental sectors.     

Characterization of Some Typical Soils of the Miombo Woodland Ecosystem of Kitonga Forest Reserve,Iringa, Tanzania： Physico-Chemical Properties and Classification

Despite the fact that miombo woodland soils have significant implications in global climate change processes, few studies have been done to characterize and classify the soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Tanzania. The current study was carried out to map and classify soils of Kitonga Forest Reserve, which is a typical miombo woodland ecosystem, in order to generate relevant information for their use and management. A representative study area of 52 km2 was selected and mapped at a scale of 1：50,000 on the basis of relief. Ten representative soil profiles were excavated and described using standard methods. Soil samples were taken from genetic soil horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. Using field and laboratory analytical data, the soils were classified according to the FAO-World Reference Base （FAO-WRB） for Soil Resources system as Cambisols, Leptosols and Fluvisols. In the USDA-NRCS Soil Taxonomy system the soils were classified as Inceptisols and Entisols. Topographical features played an important role in soil formation. The different soil types differed in physico-chemical properties, hence exhibit differences in their potentials, constraints and need specific management strategies. Texture varied from sandy to different loams; pH from 5.1 to 5.9; organic carbon from 0.9 g/kg to 20 g/kg; and CEC from 3 cmol/（＋）kg to 24 cmol/（＋）kg. Sustainable management of miombo woodlands ecosystem soils requires reduced deforestation and reduced land degradation.     

Role of Potassium Bearing Minerals in Desorption of Reserved Potassium in Some Soils of Northern Iraq

A laboratory study was conducted in order to explain successive extractions of reserved potassium by using concentrated HCI under reflux for 13 surface and sub-surface soil samples representing three chosen pedons of soil series （472 ECC Bashika, 463 EKC Rabeaa and 461 ECC Talafar） locations of Nineveh Province in Northern of Iraq. The aim is to investigate role of clay minerals on release of reserved potassium from soils. Results showed that dominated clay minerals were （smectite 〉 illite 〉 kaolinite 〉 chlorite） for both 472 ECC and 461 ECC soil series and were （illite 〉 smectite 〉 kaolinite 〉 chlorite） for 463 EKC soil series. Also results appeared that exchangeable K＋ released values were 2,483-4,575 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 463 EKC soil series, respectively; non-exchangeable phase ranged from 752-1,390 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 472 ECC soil series, respectively. Soil fertility was evaluated according to its K＋ mica release referring for high K＋ release content with range between 3,324-5,516 mg/kg at 461 ECC and 463 EKC soil series, but rate ofK~ released was very law according to parabolic diffusion me,del with range from 195-359 mg/kg at latter soil series respectively. Results reflect effect of clay minerals on potassium release as amount and rates in arid and semi-arid regions. It can be concluded the study soils have a high amount of potassium content with low rate release of it, in turn these soil need particular management.     

Variation in soil properties in a transformed ecosystem in Southwestern Nigeria

Variation in soil properties as a result of the conversion of the tropical rainforest to a monospecific plantation of teak, tectona grandis, was examined in Akure forest reserve in Southwestern Nigeria. Comparison was made in the active rooting zone of 50 cm soil depth. It was discovered that there were no significant differences in the physical properties except in the value of organic matter content at the top 10 cm layer but chemical properties such as the pH and organic carbon changed significantly at the top 10 cm layer. Differences in other chemical properties, such as the available P, exchangeable cations K, Ca and Mg, the exchangeable acidity and the cation exchange capacity were minor. This showed that no nutrient was limiting or was likely to be limiting in the soil for subsequent short rotation of plantation development.     

Liming and Fertilizer Potentials of Some Underutilized Plant Materials in Southwestern Nigeria

Soil acidification and phosphorus deficiency are a major constraint to crop production in tropical soils.Use of conventional liming materials is associated with some limitations viz:inability to solely improve nitrogen and available phosphorus in soils,loss of soil organic carbon and soil aggregate stability.Liming and fertilizer potentials of leaves from three plant materials(Tithonia diversifolia(TL),Imperata cylindrica(SG)and Gliricidia sepium(GL))widely growing in Ogbomoso,southwest Nigeria,were tested under incubation condition.Each of the plant material was applied at the rate of 10 t·hm~(-2) with and without 50%concentration of NPK 15:15:15-urea mix in 500 g acidic soil.Sole lime applied at 1 t·hm~(-2),sole NPK 15:15:15 applied at 60 kg·hm~(-2) mixed with urea at 60 kg N·hm~(-2) and an unamended soil were compared in completely randomized design in three replicates.The treated soils were incubated for 12 weeks.Thereafter,maize seeds were raised in each pot for a period of 3 weeks.Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance.Regression analysis was used to predict contributions of increased soil p H in plant material treated soils to exchangeable Al,H,dry root weight of maize and available phosphorus.Results indicated that sole plant materials were the order SGTLGL significantly(p0.05)reduced exchangeable acidity compared to unamended and sole NPK.Sole NPK had the highest exchangeable acidity(4.7 cmol·kg~(-1))compared to unamended soil(3.3 cmol·kg~(-1))and sole lime(2.7 cmol·kg~(-1)).Application of sole Tithonia diversifolia increased available phosphorus by 214%and 97%compared to unamended and sole NPK treated soils respectively.Sole plant materials increased maize root weight by 33%compared to sole NPK.Increasing soil p H at harvesting in plant material treated soils significantly reduced exchangeable H and A_1.Soil p H was responsible for up to 33%and 53%reductions in exchangeable Al and H,respectively.This culminated into up to 22%increases in dry root weight of maize seedling.Present results showed ability of the plant materials tested to ameliorate soil acidity and improved soil available phosphorus.The plant materials should be explored for using as green manure and composting feedstock.It will go a long way to reduce high dosage use of conventional liming and fertilizer materials on acidic nutrient degraded soils.     

Changes in Soil Hot-Water Extractable C,N and P Fractions During Vegetative Restoration in Zhifanggou Watershed on the Loess Plateau

The study was conducted in Zhifanggou Watershed,Shaanxi Province,China,to evaluate the effect of different vegetation types on hot-water extractable C,N and P fractions,with the aim to determine whether hot-water extractable fractions could be used as indicators of soil quality change in Loess Plateau.The six vegetation types established in 1975 were（i） Robinia pseudoacacia L.,（ii） Caragana korshinkii Kom.,（iii） Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.,（iv） P.tabulaeformis-Amorpha fruticosa L.,（v） R.pseudoacacia-A.fruticosa,and（vi） grassland.A cropped hillslope plot and a Platycladus orientalis L.native forest plot were used as references.The results indicated that the conversion of native forest to cropland resulted in a significant decline in the hot-water extractable C,N and P fractions.Hot-water extractable C,N,and P increased when cultivated land was revegetated,but after 30 years the amount of hot-water extractable C,N,and P in revegetated fields was still much lower compared to native forest.Hot-water extractable fractions increased more under mixed-forest than under pure-forest stands.Furthermore,there was a significant correlation between the hot-water extractable fractions and soil chemical and microbiological properties.The results showed that hot-water extractable fractions could be used as indicators of soil quality change on the Loess Plateau.     

Evaluation of Spatial Variability of Soil Properties in a Long-Term Experimental Tobacco Station in Southwest China

Analysis of the spatial variability of soil properties is important to arrange the experimental treatments in the experimental station. This paper aims to study the spatial structure of soil variables and their distribution in the Pengshui tobacco experiment station in Chongqing, China. Soil samples were taken from 289 soil points on 20 m grid in March 2012. Twenty-two soil chemical and physical properties were analyzed by classical statistical and geo-statistical methods. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity （CEC）, total phosphorus （TP）, available phosphorus （AP）, zinc （Zn）, magnesium （Mg） and sulphur （S） have the strong spatial dependence, with nugget/sill ratios of less than 25%. The others have the moderate dependence with nugget/sill ratios of 26.17% to 71.04%. Ranges of the spatial correlation varied from 51.30 m for chlorine （C1） to 594.90 m for TP. The clearly patchy maps of the nutrients showed the spatial distributions of the soil variables, which can be used for better management of experimental treatments, achieving reliable exoerimental results in the tobacco exnerimental station.Highlight： Scientific experimentation assumes the existence of random variability for soil attributes. This research was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil chemical and physical attributes and to interpolate the spatial distribution of soil properties in the tobacco experimental station in Chongqing. The result of this work can be used for the agricultural management of tobacco cultivation.     

Effects of Chlorination on Soil Chemical Properties and Nitrogen Uptake for Tomato Drip Irrigated with Secondary Sewage Effluent

Chlorination is usually an economical method for treating clogging in drip emitters during sewage application. Appropriate assessment of the responses of soil and crop is essential for determining an optimal chlorination scheme. During 2008 to 2009, field experiments were conducted in a solar-heated greenhouse for tomato drip irrigated with secondary sewage effluent, to investigate the influences of chlorine injection intervals and levels on soil chemical properties and nitrogen uptake. Injection intervals ranging from two to eight weeks and injection concentrations ranging from 2 to 50 mg L-1 were used. A salinity factor and a nutrient factor were extracted from the pool of the nine soil chemical constituents using factor analysis method. The results demonstrated that chlorination practices increased the residual Cl in the soil, resulting in an increased salinity factor, especially for the frequent chlorination at a high injection concentration. Chlorination weakened the accumulation of nutrients factor in the upper soil layer. Nitrogen uptake of the tomato plants also was inhibited by the increased salinity in the upper soil layer caused by high chlorination levels. In order to reduce the unfavorable effect on soil chemical properties and nitrogen uptake, chlorination scheme with concentrations of lower than 20 mg L-1 was recommended.     

Spatiotemporal Changes in Soil Nutrients:A Case Study in Taihu Region of China

The accurate assessment of the spatiotemporal changes in soil nutrients influenced by agricultural production provides the basis for development of management strategies to maintain soil fertility and balance soil nutrients. In this paper, we combined spatial measurements from 2 157 soil samples and geostatistical analysis to assess the spatiotemporal changes in soil organic carbon （SOC）, total nitrogen （TN）, available phosphorus （AP） and available potassium content （AK） from the first soil survey （in the 1980s） to the second soil survey （in the 2000s） in the Taihu region of Jiangsu Province in China. The results showed that average soil nutrients in three soil types all exhibited the increased levels in the 2000s （except for AK in the yellow brown soil）. The standard deviation of soil nutrient contents increased （except for TN in the paddy soil）. Agricultural production in the 20 years led to increases in SOC, TN, AP and AK by 74, 82, 89 and 65%, respectively, of the Taihu areas analyzed. From the 1980s to 2000s all the nugget/sill ratios of soil nutrients indices were between 25 and 75% （except for AK in the yellow brown soil in the 2000s）, indicating moderate spatial dependence. The ratio of AP in the yellow brown soil in the 2000s was 88.74%, showing weak spatial dependence. The spatial correlation range values for SOC, TN, AP and AK in the 2000s all decreased. The main areas showing declines in SOC, TN and AP were in the northwest. For AK, the main region with declining levels was in the east and middle of western areas. Apparently, the increase in soil nutrients in the Taihu region can be mainly attributed to the large increase in fertilizer inputs, change in crop systems and enhanced residues management since the 1980s. Future emphasis should be placed on avoiding excess fertilizer inputs and balancing the effects of the fertilizers in soils.     

Study on the Method of Soil Productivity Assessment in Black Soil Region of Northeast China

The objective of this paper is to investigate a simple and practical method for soil productivity assessment in the black soil region of Northeast China. Firstly, eight kinds of physicochemical properties for each of 120 soil samples collected from 25 black soil profiles were analyzed using cluster and correlation analysis. Subsequently, parameter indices were calculated using physicochemical properties. Finally, a modified productivity index （MPI） model were developed and validated. The results showed that the suitable parameters for soil productivity assessment in black soil region of Northeast China were soil available water, soil pH, clay content, and organic matter content. Compared with original productivity index （PI） model, MPI model added clay content and organic matter content in parameters while omitted bulk density. Simulation results of original PI model and MPI model were compared using crop yield of land block where investigated soil profiles were located. MPI model was proven to perform better with a higher significant correlation with maize yield. The correlation equation between MPI and yield was： Y= 3.2002Ln（MP/）＋ 10.056, R^2 = 0.7564. The results showed that MPI model was an effective and practical method to assess soil productivity in the research area.     

Residual Effect of Long Term Application of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Selected Chemical Properties of a Savanna Alfisol

The residual effect of organic and mineral fertilizers on selected chemical properties of an Alfisol in the long term soil fertility trial established in 1950 at Samaru, Nigerian savanna was assessed. The trial was left fallow for fourteen years due to lack of funds. Topsoil was collected from plots that received three levels of cow dung （D）, nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） in all possible combinations. The soils were analyzed for selected chemical properties. Except for significant effect of applied P on available P, sole application of cow dung, N or P had no significant effect on all the measured soil properties. The interaction of D and P significantly affected the mean values of exchangeable Ca, Mg, K and ECEC in the range of 1.12-1.96, 0.62-1.11, 0.37-0.64 and 2.82-4.11 cmol/kg respectively. The most important results were the ability of the plot that received neither D nor P to significantly increase these parameters than the plots that received only one of the treatments. The results show that the fallow period has changed the effects of application of organic and mineral fertilizers on the soil chemical properties under continuous cultivation by modifying them towards those of a native savanna Alfisol.     

Soil Monitoring System as a Basic Tool for Protection of Soils and Sustainable Land Use in Slovakia

The purpose of soil monitoring system in Slovakia is better to protect the soils with regard to sustainable land use. The main objective is the observation of soil properties concerning the main threats to soil： soil contamination, salinisation and sodification, decline in soil organic matter （SOM）, soil compaction and erosion. Soil monitoring system in Slovakia is consistently running since 1993. Its importance consists of providing the information on changing spatial and temporal variations of soil parameters as well as the evolution of soil quality in topsoil and subsoil. Soil monitoring network in Slovakia is constructed using ecological principles, taking into account all main soil types and subtypes, SOM, climatic regions, emission regions, polluted and non-polluted regions as well as various land use. The results of soil monitoring of 318 sites on agricultural land in Slovakia have been presented. Soil properties are evaluated according to the main threats to soil relating to European Commission recommendation for European soil monitoring performance as follows： soil contamination, soil salinization and sodification, decline in SOM, soil compaction and erosion. The most significant change has been determined in physical properties of soils. The physical degradation was especially manifested in compacted and the eroded soils. About 50% of agricultural land is potentially affected by soil erosion in Slovakia. In addition, decline in SOM and available nutrients indicate the serious facts on evaluation and extension of soil degradation processes during the last period in Slovakia. Obtained measured data and required outputs are reported to Joint Research Centre （JRC） in lspra （Italy） and European Environmental Agency （EEA） in Copenhagen （Denmark）. Finally, soil monitoring system thus becomes a basic tool for protection of soils and sustainable land use as well as for the creation of legislatives not only in Slovakia, but in EU, too.     

Bacterial diversity and community composition changes in paddy soils that have different parent materials and fertility levels

Parent materials and the fertility levels of paddy soils are highly variable in subtropical China. Bacterial diversity and community composition play pivotal roles in soil ecosystem processes and functions. However, the effects of parent material and fertility on bacterial diversity and community composition in paddy soils are unclear. The key soil factors driving the changes in bacterial diversity, community composition, and the specific bacterial species in soils that are derived from different parent materials and have differing fertility levels are unknown. Soil samples were collected from paddy fields in two areas with different parent materials(quaternary red clay or tertiary sandstone) and two levels of fertility(high or low). The variations in bacterial diversity indices and communities were evaluated by 454 pyrosequencing which targeted the V4–V5 region of the 16 S r RNA gene. The effects of parent material and fertility on bacterial diversity and community composition were clarified by a two-way ANOVA and a two-way PERMANOVA. A principal coordinate analysis(PCo A), a redundancy analysis(RDA), and multivariate regression trees(MRT) were used to assess changes in the studied variables and identify the factors affecting bacterial community composition. Co-occurrence network analysis was performed to find correlations between bacterial genera and specific soil properties, and a statistical analysis of metagenomic profiles(STAMP) was used to determine bacterial genus abundance differences between the soil samples. The contributions made by parent material and soil fertility to changes in the bacterial diversity indices were comparable, but soil fertility accounted for a larger part of the shift in bacterial community composition than the parent material. Soil properties, especially soil texture, were strongly associated with bacterial diversity. The RDA showed that soil organic carbon(SOC) was the primary factor influencing bacterial community composition. A key threshold for SOC(25.5 g kg~(–1)) separated low fertility soils from high fertility soils. The network analysis implied that bacterial interactions tended towards cooperation and that copiotrophic bacteria became dominant when the soil environment improved. The STAMP revealed that copiotrophic bacteria, such as Massilia and Rhodanobacter, were more abundant in the high fertility soils, while oligotrophic bacteria, such as Anaerolinea, were dominant in low fertility soils. The results showed that soil texture played a role in bacterial diversity, but nutrients, especially SOC, shaped bacterial community composition in paddy soils with different parent materials and fertility levels.     

Soil profile characteristics of high-productivity alluvial cambisols in the North China Plain

The North China Plain(NCP) is one of major breadbaskets in China. Crop growth and grain yield differ significantly with spatial variations of soil properties. This study aims to identify the key soil properties in relation to the grain yield for the winter wheat(Triticum aestivum L.)-maize(Zea mays L.) cropping system in a high-productivity farmland of the NCP. The field trials were conducted in three fields with different grain yield levels in Tai’an City, Shandong Province, China, during the 2009–2012 period. Consistent field management strategies were applied in the three fields. Fifty-one physical and chemical indicators of the soil profile as related to grain yield were evaluated. An approximate maximum of 17.8% annual average grain yield difference was observed in the fields during the period of 2009–2012. The soil indicators were classified into three clusters with specific functions using cluster analysis, and three key indicators were extracted from each cluster to characterize the different soil properties of three fields. The first cluster represented soil water retention capacity, and the key indicator was available soil water(ASW), which ranged from 153 to 187 mm in the 1.2 m profile and was correlated positively with grain yield. The second cluster represented soil water conductivity, as measured by saturated hydraulic conductivity(K s). The higher yield field had a greater capacity to retain topsoil water for its lower K s(1.9 cm d–1) in the 30–70 cm soil layer as compared to the lower yield field. The third cluster represented nutrient storage and supply, as indicated by the ratio of nutrient content to silt+clay content of the top soil layer. The ratio of soil organic matter(OM), total nitrogen(TN), available P, exchangeable K+ to silt+clay content in the 0–20 cm soil layer were 19.0 g kg–1, 1.6 g kg–1, 94.7 mg kg–1, 174.3 mg kg–1 in the higher yield field, respectively, and correlated positively with the grain yield. By characterizing the differences in soil properties among fields with different yield levels, this study offers the scientific basis for increasing grain yield potential by improving the soil conditions in the NCP.     

Modelling the Relationship Between Summer Maize NPK Uptake and Yield on the Basis of Soil Fertility Indices

Quantitative estimation of fertilizer requirements can help to increase maize （Zea mays L.） yields and improve the fertilizer use efficiency. The model for the Quantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils （QUEFTS） was calibrated for maize by use of soil fertility data and fertilizer trials at different sites of the Huang Huai Hai river plain in China. The QUEFTS model accounts for interactions between nitrogen （N）, phosphorus （P） and potassium （K）. It describes the effects of soil characteristics on maize yields in four steps： （1） assessment of the potential supply of N, P and K based on soil chemical data; （2） calculation of the actual uptake of N, P and K, in function of the potential supply as determined in step 1 ; （3） draft the yield ranges as a function of the actual uptake of N, P and K as determined in step 2; （4） calculation of the maize yield based on the three yield ranges established in step 3. Data of field experiments with different fertilization treatments of various regions in China during the years of 1985 to 1995 were used to calibrate the QUEFTS model for summer maize. In step 1 the N, P and K recovered from their amount applied were described by new equations. The minimum and maximum accumulated N, P and K （kg grain kg^-1） in summer maize were determined as （21-64）, （126-384） and （20-90）, respectively. The simulated yields were in good agreement with the observed ones. It was concluded that the calibrated and adjusted QUEFTS model could be useful to improve fertilizer recommendations for maize in the Huang Huai Hai plain of China.     

Effects of Cropping System Change for Paddy Field with Double Harvest Rice on the Crops Growth and Soil Nutrient

The effects of the cropping system change for paddy field with double harvest rice on crops growth and soil nutrient in red soil were studied. The results indicated that the economic benefit and the ratio of the output to input were all increased in terms of the market price for the crops under various treatments. The greatest economic benefit was obtained in the treatment of paddy-upland rotation, and the corresponding economic benefit was increased by 34.7, 21.4, and 2.2% in comparison with that of control （rice-rice-astragali）, pasture, and upland cropping treatments. The economic benefits in pasture and upland cultivation treatments were increased by I 1.0 and 31.8%, respectively, when compared with that of the control treatment （CK）. The ratio of output to input in pasture, paddy-upland rotation, and upland cropping treatments was enhanced by 0.9, 0.6, and 0.3, respectively, in comparison with that of control. To grow pasture is beneficial for improving soil fertility since the contents of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus are all enhanced significantly. However, the concentrations of the soil available nitrogen, the total potassium, the available potassium were somewhat reduced in all the treatments, suggesting that increasing the input of nitrogen, particularly potassium, was necessary under the present fertilization level. Based on the conditions of fertility, climate, cultivation, and management of paddy field with double harvest rice in red soil regions, it is feasible to alter the cultivation system of paddy field with bad irrigation condition. In particular, cultivation systems such as pasture and paddy-upland rotation can be selected to extend because better economic benefit and improvement of soil fertility in the purpose region were obtained.     

Effects of Vegetation Succession on Soil Fertility Within Farming-Plantation Ecotone in Ziwuling Mountains of the Loess Plateau in China

To further understand the relationship between vegetation succession and soil fertility within farming-plantation ecotone in Ziwuling Mountains of the Loess Plateau, nine kinds of widely distributed communities at different succession stages were selected, and the effects of vegetation succession on soil fertility were studied through the methods of comparing two hierarchical clustering （similarity index： B） and other multivariate analysis. The results showed that： （i） the similarity in clustering pattern of nine communities which classified by plant species and soil nutrients respectively showed a trend of B ^-overall plant-soil0-10cn〉B^-overall plant-soil 10-20 cm 〉B^- overall plant-soil 20-40 cm, and for the top soil, it showed a trend of B^- grass-soil 0-10 cm 〉 B^-shrub-soil 0-10 cm 〉 Btree-soil0-10 cm; （ii） soil fertility increased during the succession process from abandoned land to forest community, and the soil fertility of forest community showed an increased order of coniferous forest →mixed forest →broadleaf forest; （iii） during the process of vegetation succession, the variation of topsoil fertility was higher than that of the subsurface soil （coefficient of variation： CV0-10 cm 〉CV 10-20 cm 〉 CV20-40 cm）, and when the succession developed into the stages of shrub and forest communities, the top soil fertility had been improved significantly; and （iv） for the subsurface soil of the communities at the advanced succession stages, the soil fertility also increased to some extent. Our results suggested that the method of comparing two hierarchical clustering reflected the similarity level of different cluster patterns, therefore, it was helpful to study the relationship between vegetation succession and soil fertility. There was a corresponding relationship between the change process of soil fertility from the top soil to subsurface soil and the process of vegetation succession from the early stages to the advanced stage. The differentiations of soil fertility in vertical space and horizontal space were both caused by vegetation succession, which was significant for both the shrub and forest communities. The improved level of forest soil fertility was related to forest vegetation types and the improved fertility level of broad-leaved forest-soil community was higher than that of the coniferous forest soil. In the practice on soil fertility ecological restoration of the loess plateau, it is important to carry out reasonably artificial forestation so as to enhance the restoration and improvement of soil fertility.     

Effects of Long-Term Combined Application of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Microbial Biomass, Soil Enzyme Activities and Soil Fertility

Soil health is important for the sustainable development of terrestrial ecosystem. In this paper, we studied the relationship between soil quality and soil microbial properties such as soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities in order to illustrate the function of soil microbial properties as bio-indicators of soil health. In this study, microbial biomass C and N contents （Cmic ＆ Nmic）, soil enzyme activities, and soil fertility with different fertilizer regimes were carried out based on a 15-year long-term fertilizer experiment in Drab Fluvo-aquic soil in Changping County, Beijing, China. At this site, 7 different treatments were established in 1991. They were in a wheat-maize rotation receiving either no fertilizer （CK）, mineral fertilizers （NPK）, mineral fertilizers with wheat straw incorporated （NPKW）, mineral fertilizers with incremental wheat straw incorporated （NPKW＋）, mineral fertilizers plus swine manure （NPKM）, mineral fertilizers plus incremental swine manure （NPKM＋） or mineral fertilizers with maize straw incorporated （NPKS）. In different fertilization treatments Cmic changed from 96.49 to 500.12 mg kg^-1, and Nmic changed from 35.89 to 101.82 mg kg^-1. Compared with CK, the other treatments increased Cmic ＆ Nmic, Cmic/Corg （organic C） ratios, Cmic/Nmic, urease activity, soil organic matter （SOM）, soil total nitrogen （STN）, and soil total phosphorus （STP）. All these properties in treatment with fertilizers input NPKM＋ were the highest. Meantime, long-term combined application of mineral fertilizers with organic manure or crop straw could significantly decrease the soil pH in Fluvo-aquic soil （the pH around 8.00 in this experimental soil）. Some of soil microbial properties （Cmic/Nmic, urease activity） were positively correlated with soil nutrients. Cmic/Nmic was significantly correlated with SOM and STN contents. The correlation between catalase activity and soil nutrients was not significant. In addition, except of catalase act     

Effects of Rice Straw and Its Biochar Addition on Soil Labile Carbon and Soil Organic Carbon

Whether the biochar amendment could affect soil organic matter （SOM） turnover and hence soil carbon （C） stock remains poorly understood. Effects of the addition of ^13C-labelled rice straw or its pyrolysed biochar at 250 or 350℃ to a sugarcane soil （Ferrosol） on soil labile C （dissolved organic C, DOC; microbial biomass C, MBC; and mineralizable C, MC） and soil organic C （SOC） were investigated after 112 d of laboratory incubation at 25℃. Four treatments were examined as （1） the control soil without amendment （Soil）; （2） soil plus ^13C-labelled rice straw （Soil＋Straw）; （3） soil plus 250℃ biochar （Soil＋B250） and （4） soil plus 350℃biochar （Soil＋B350）. Compared to un-pyrolysed straw, biochars generally had an increased aryl C, carboxyl C, C and nitrogen concentrations, a decreased O-alkyl C and C：N ratio, but similar alkyl C and δ^13C （1 742- 1 877 %）. Among treatments, significant higher DOC, MBC and MC derived from the new C （straw or biochar） ranked as Soil＋Straw〉Soil＋B250〉Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher SOC from the new C as Soil＋B250〉Soil＋Straw≈Soil＋B350. Compared to Soil, DOC and MBC derived from the native soil were decreased under straw or biochar addition, whilst MC from the native soil was increased under straw addition but decreased under biochar addition. Meanwhile, native SOC was similar among the treatments, irrespective of the straw or biochar addition. Compared to Soil, significant higher total DOC and total MBC were under Soil＋Straw, but not under Soil＋B250 and Soil＋B350, whilst significant higher total MC and total SOC were under straw or biochar addition, except for MC under Soil＋B350. Our results demonstrated that the application of biochar to soil may be an appropriate management practice for increasing soil C storage.