不同微量元素叶面肥对草莓育苗生长的影响

将硼、钼和铁等微量元素复配成单一或复合叶面微肥,应用于草莓育苗,通过分析草莓生长情况,以确定硼、钼和铁肥的最佳施用量。结果表明:单施硼、钼、铁肥及配施叶面肥均能不同程度促进草莓繁苗数、母株的株高、净光合速率以及母株和子苗的叶面积、SPAD值和地上部和地下部的生物量。其中硼、钼对繁苗数、叶面积的促进效果较为明显,铁对叶绿素和光合作用的促进效果最为明显;总体来看,随着铁浓度的增加,其对母株叶面积、SPAD值、母株地上部和地下部生物量以及子苗的叶面积的促进作用更加明显,但高浓度的硼、钼促进作用则减弱,甚至对繁苗数产生抑制作用;不同微量元素的配施处理中,以硼和钼配施微肥效果最好,显著提高了草莓母株和子苗的地上部和地下部生物量。由此,本试验中0.2%硼肥、0.2%钼肥及各浓度的铁肥以及硼、钼配施为草莓育苗微肥的最佳施用方式。     

Effect of dose and type of fertilizer on flowering and fruiting of vanilla plants

Nutritional status affects the processes of flowering and fruiting of plants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of fertilizer application on flowering, fruiting, and leaf nutrient content of Vanilla planifolia (Jacks. ex Andr). Treatments consisted of the application of grade 10-20-20 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer to the substratum in annual doses of 20, 50, and 100 g/plant plus a monthly application of foliar fertilizer. Two more treatments were foliar fertilization and no fertilization (control). Treatments increased the number of inflorescences and flower buds per plant, as well as the number and weight of fruits per plant, and decreased the abortion of flowers and immature fruits. These effects depended on the type of fertilizer, the amount applied, and the time of evaluation. The best results were obtained with the 100 g/plant/year treatment with an annual production of 1.5 kg of fruits per plant in the second year. Unfertilized plants produced 0.55 kg/plant/year. Differences were also found in foliar content of N, P, K, and copper (Cu) between vegetative and reproductive branches. Application of fertilizer to the substratum appears to improve reproductive parameters of vanilla plants and the production of beans, while foliar fertilization alone was ineffective in increasing crop productivity. Nutrients also seem to translocate from mature leaves to fruit racemes.     

The Path of Carbon in Photosynthesis. XXV. Plant and Algal Growth Responses to Glycopyranosides

Substituted glycopyranosides were applied to various plant species as foliar and root treatments, with and without nutrient supplements, and growth was compared to untreated or nutrient controls. When formulated with specific fertilizers, particularly available nitrogen, methyl and ethyl glycopyranosides significantly enhanced the overall growth of vascular plants compared to controls provided with the same nutrients. In contrast, vascular plants treated with alkylglycopyranosides without nutrients showed growth equivalent to that of untreated controls. Nitrogen-supplemented alkylglycopyranosides provided as foliar applications of 100 mM, or as root treatments between 35 and 50 mM, consistently enhanced root and shoot productivity. In addition to the vascular plant species tested, the brown alga Laminaria saccharina exhibited significant growth enhancement over nutrient controls when treated with alkylglycopyranosides supplemented with nutrients, especially under low irradiance. Overall, these results indicate that growth of photosynthetic organisms is enhanced by exogenous alkylglycopyranosides supplemented with nitrogen and micronutrients, but not by alkylglycopyranosides alone.     

三种滴灌肥对草莓生长、产量及品质的影响

为了研究滴施氨基酸、全生物有机肥和黄腐酸复合肥对草莓生长、产量及品质的影响.在克拉玛依白碱滩区设常规对照处理基础上,追施氨基酸、全生物有机肥和黄腐酸复合肥3种有机肥,共4个处理,3次重复,随机排列,分析3种滴灌肥与草莓特性之间的关系.结果表明:3种滴灌肥能够显著提高草莓株高、单株叶面积和全株生物量,成熟期分别提高18....     

Is the application of carbendazim harmful to healthy plants? Evidence of weak phytotoxicity in tobacco.

To understand the phytotoxic effects that certain bezimidazole fungicides exert on plant growth, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the fungicide carbendazim, on foliar biomass, pigment content, and nutrient levels in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Tennessee 86). The fungicide applied was carbendazim with a purity of 100%, at three different rates: 1.3 mM (carb1), 2.6 mM (the recommended concentration, carb2), and 5.2 mM (carb3). The control treatment was without carbendazim. The application of dosages of this fungicide lower than recommended (1.3 mM) resulted, on the one hand, in greater dry weight and, on the other, higher carotenoid concentrations, as well as higher N and K concentrations with respect to control. On the contrary, the application of the carbendazim dosage higher than recommended (5.2 mM) caused a decrease in dry weight and in all of the foliar pigments, as well as all of the nutrients, with respect to the other dosages and control. These results appear to indicate that besides its direct antibiotic action against pathogens, the effects of this fungicide in plants could be dangerous, especially at higher dosages. Nevertheless, the negative effects of carbendazim can be avoided by reducing the amount applied in current agriculture.     

Nutrient Supply Rate and Mycorrhizal Colonization Control Patterns of Element Distribution in Ectomycorrhizal Pine

Ectomycorrhizal fungi may provide plants access to nonexchangeable nutrients. We measured nutrients (potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and aluminum) in roots and foliage in nonmycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal Pinus sylvestris cultured in perlite at two nutrient supply levels. We also measured nutrients in perlite leachates from abiotic experiments using hydrochloric or oxalic acid at pH 2–4. Twenty‐one percent more potassium and 30% more calcium accumulated in nonmycorrhizal plants than in ectomycorrhizal plants, presumably because of nutrient sequestration in extraradical fungal biomass. Plants at low nutrient supply accumulated 22% more potassium and 23% more calcium than at high nutrient supply, presumably because of additional mobilization of nutrients from perlite by plant and fungal acids. Significantly more leaching at pH 2 with oxalic than with hydrochloric acid occurred, probably caused by enhanced ligand‐mediated dissolution with oxalic acid. Leaching of minerals by organic acids may enhance plant nutrient supply, particularly from microsites of low pH.     

杉木林物质生产中养分利用特征分析

【目的】探讨杉木 [Cunninghamia lanceolata ( Lamb. ) Hook] 林物质生产中养分利用特征,为其人工林经营管理提供科学依据。【方法】本研究在湖南会同杉木林生态系统研究站 (国家野外科学观测研究站) 进行。供试林分7年生时,在林内设立了4 块固定观测样地,并在林分7、11、16、20、25年生5个林龄时,测定林分生物量,测定树木中K、Ca、Mg、N和P含量。根据枝叶枯死前后养分浓度差异和枝叶枯死量,估算枝叶枯死前的养分转移量。用某林龄段首尾两次测定的养分浓度差值,估算某林龄段以前生长且在该林龄段仍存活的生物质中新补充或转移出的养分量。将这些养分与从土壤吸收的养分结合一起,综合分析林分物质生产中的养分利用特征。【结果】林分物质生产利用的总养分中,土壤养分比例占79.3%～96.5%,随林龄增加持续下降;枝叶枯死前转移的养分占3.52%～17.6%,随林龄增加持续上升;林分12年生后,积累在某林龄段开始前林分生产的,在某林龄段结朿时仍存活的器官物质中迁移出的养分再利用占3.11%～3.40%,随林龄增加呈下降趋势,但变化幅度不大。树干高生长阶段以前,养分利用效率随林龄增加而下降,进入树干高生长阶段以后,养分利用效率随林龄增加而上升。【结论】林分用于物质生产的养分来自土壤、枝叶枯死前转移和植物活组织转移3个方面的养分。只要有枝叶枯死发生,枝叶枯死前就有养分迁移出来用于物质再生产。只有杉木林郁闭后,才发生某林龄段以前林分生产的,且在该林龄段仍存活的生物质中有部分养分被迁移出来再利用。林分养分利用的年变化受不同生长阶段对养分需求量的制约,同时杉木体内养分再分配及贮备机制、杉木生长规律和不同生育阶段对养分的利用效率等共同调控着养分利用过程。     

Delayed response to ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax) feeding on grape roots linked to vine carbohydrate reserves and nematode feeding pressure

The chronic impact of ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax) feeding on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) was studied under controlled conditions. ‘Pinot noir’ grapevines were exposed to ring nematode or kept nematode-free for three growing seasons and vines were either grown in full sunlight, 15% of full sun, or partially defoliated to manipulate vine carbohydrate status. Whole plants were destructively sampled to assess the impact of ring nematode on whole plant biomass, carbohydrate, and mineral nutrient accumulation. Vine shoot growth and total biomass was unaffected by ring nematode in the first growing season, although reserves of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), P, K, and Ca in the roots and wood were reduced in all canopy management treatments. Vine shoot growth and total biomass were reduced by ring nematode in Year 2, and greater declines in reserve NSC and most mineral nutrients had occurred. Reserves of NSC were affected more than biomass or nutrients during the second year. During the third year of exposure to ring nematode, vines in the 15% sun treatment were dying (prompting an earlier destructive harvest), even though these vines had similar biomass and NSC reserves as the partially defoliated vines at the end of the second year. The demise of the 15% sun vines was associated with higher ring nematodes per unit of root mass, as compared to either full sun or defoliated vines. Therefore, predicting plant response to this nematode requires an understanding of nematode density per quantity of roots, not nematodes per unit of soil which is how plant parasitic nematodes are currently enumerated.     

Responses in Some Growth and Mineral Elements of Mono Maple Seedlings to Enhanced Ultraviolet-B and to Nitrogen Supply

The effects of enhanced ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and nitrogen supply on the growth and mineral elements of mono maple (Acer mono Maxim) seedlings were studied in open semi-field conditions. Mono maple is a common species in reforestation processes in the southeast of the Qinhai-Tibetan Plateau of China. The experimental design included two levels of UV-B treatments (ambient UV-B, 11.02 KJ/m²/day; enhanced UV-B, 14.33 KJ/m²/day) and two nitrogen levels (0; 20 g N/m²/a). No visible symptoms of nutrient deficiency were observed in seedlings grown under enhanced UV-B radiation during the experiment. However, there was visible damage of enhanced UV-B radiation on leaves. Enhanced UV-B significantly reduced plant height and biomass of plants, and changed biomass allocation between organs under supplemental nitrogen supply, which lead to a decrease in root/shoot ratio. On the other hand, nitrogen supply significantly increased plant height and biomass under ambient UV-B, whereas it reduced root mass and root weight ratio, and increased stem mass and stem weight ratio under enhanced UV-B. In addition, enhanced UV-B radiation and nitrogen supply significantly affected the concentration and allocation of most nutrients in various organs, and nitrogen supply could changed the effects of enhanced UV-B on mineral element in plant parts to some extent, which may have significant impacts on nutrient cycling and may lead to the disorder of nutrient balanced and influence the growth of plants.     

湘南典型植烟土壤养分供应及烟株吸收特征

养分是烤烟生长与烟叶品质形成的基础，为探究烤烟大田生育期间土壤养分供应、烟株养分吸收以及两者匹配情况及其与烟叶品质问题的关系，本研究测定和分析了湘南目前施肥模式下典型植烟土壤速效养分含量（铵态氮、硝态氮、有效磷和速效钾）、表观肥料养分利用率、烟株养分吸收以及有关烟叶品质指标，并监测了烤烟大田生育期间的气候条件及土壤温湿度变化状况。结果表明：①施氮总量较高(183 kg/hm2)，且基施氮量占比高(48.4%)，烤烟大田生育前期(0~36 d)土壤速效养分丰富，但烟株生长较慢，导致当季肥料养分利用率不高；②最后一次追肥时间(43 d)偏晚，使得后期烟株脱氮困难，造成顶叶和上二棚叶烟碱含量过高，还原糖含量偏低；③早春低温是烤烟大田生育前期烟株生长缓慢的重要影响因子。针对目前施肥模式与烟株养分需求不匹配问题及其主要影响因素，提出减施基肥、适时适量追肥的优化施肥模式以及应用控缓释肥料、促生微生物、高效多功能叶面肥和施加外源碳等对策。     

Strawberry recovers from iron chlorosis after foliar application of a grass‐clipping extract

Bare‐root transplants of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Selva) were transferred to nutrient solutions with or without iron. After 35 d of growth, plants in the solution without iron became chlorotic and had morphological changes in roots typical of iron‐deficiency chlorosis (IDC). Acidification of the nutrient solution was also observed. We tested a grass‐clipping extract to correct IDC in strawberry plants by foliar application to some chlorotic plants. We also assessed the effects of this product on plant growth, Fe allocation, as well as morphological and physiological parameters related with IDC. After the second spray, leaf chlorophyll increased in the youngest expanded leaves. The total content of iron in plants increased from 1.93 mg to 2.37 mg per plant after three sprays, accounting for 80% of the total iron supplied by the extract. Newly formed roots from sprayed plants had a normal morphology (no subapical swollen zone) but a higher ferric chelate–reductase (FC‐R; EC 1.16.1.17) activity per root apex compared with roots from plants grown with iron or untreated chlorotic plants. Acidification of the nutrient solution continued in sprayed recovered plants. The results suggest an uncoupling of the regulation of morphological and physiological mechanisms related to IDC: FC‐R activity seems to be controlled by roots on their own or together with shoots, while morphological changes in roots are apparently regulated only by the level of iron in shoots.     

Growth of Loblolly Pine and White Pine after Enrichment by Nutrient Loading

Low nutrient availability often constrains the growth of young trees following planting to fields or forests. Nutrient loading of young tree seedlings increases their growth in outplanting. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) and white pine (Pinus strobus L.) were grown for one year on nutrient-loading regimes that varied from 13 to 410 mg N L^?1 in sand culture. Other nutrients varied in proportion to the nitrogen (N) concentrations. Resulting plant growth showed that an array of nutritional regimes from deficient to excessive was applied. The young plants were transplanted into containers of sandy loam and were grown for one year without fertilization. Growth of each species increased with enhanced nutrient loading. The optimum concentration of N for nutrient loading was about 1.5 to 1.8% leaf dry weight for either species. Nutrient loading during nursery culture imparts transplants with nutrient levels that will enable growth for at least a year after outplanting.     

Mineral nutrient concentration and uptake by tomato irrigated with recirculating aquaculture water as influenced by quantity of fish waste products supplied

Fish and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production were linked in a recirculaing water system. Fish (tilapia) were fed a commercial diet with 32% protein. Tomato cultivars ‘Laura’ and ‘Kewalo’ were grown during summer 1988 and spring 1989, respectively, in a Raleigh, NC greenhouse. Plants were grown in biofilters at 4 plants/m² and surface irrigated 8 times daily with water pumped from an associated fish tank. Four tank‐to‐biofllter ratios were established by varying the filter size. Each system received identical nutrient inputs and an equal quantity of water was applied per plant. Biofilter drainage returned to the tanks. Biological filtration, aeration, and mineral assimilation by plants maintained water quality within limits for tilapia. All nutrients were assimilated above deficiency levels. Tissue concentrations of N, P, K and Mg were not limiting. Calcium was low and S high when their sole nutrient source was fish waste. Micronutrients were assimilated in excess of sufficiency, but toxicity was not seen. Irrespective of fruit yield, metabolic products of each kilogram increase in fish biomass provided sufficient nutrient for two tomato plants for a period of three months. Under reduced growth rates of mature fish, K became limiting. Alterations in fish feed mineral nutrient content are suggested which better meet plant requirements and still remain within the range of fish needs.     

Dynamics of soil microbial biomass C, N and P in disturbed and undisturbed stands of a tropical wet-evergreen forest

To understand the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil microbial biomass and its role in soil organic matter and nutrient flux in disturbed tropical wet-evergreen forests, we determined soil microbial biomass C, N and P at two soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm), along a disturbance gradient in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Disturbance resulted in considerable increase in air temperature and light intensity in the forest and decline in the soil nutrients concentration, which affected the growth of microbial populations and soil microbial biomass. There were significant correlations between bacterial and fungal populations and microbial biomass C, N and P. Soil microbial population was higher in the undisturbed (UD) forest stand than the disturbed forest stands during post-monsoon and less during rainy season due to heavy rainfall. Greater demand for nutrients by plants during rainy season limited the availability of nutrients to soil microbes and therefore, low microbial biomass C, N and P. Microbial biomass was negatively correlated with soil temperature and pH in all the forest stands. However, there were significant positive relationships among microbial biomass C, N and P. Percentage contribution of microbial C to soil organic C was higher in UD forest, whereas percentage contribution of microbial biomass N and P to total N and total P was higher in the moderately disturbed site than in the highly disturbed (HD) site. These results reveal that the nutrient retention by soil microbial biomass was greater in the selective logged stand and would help in the regeneration of the forest upon protection. On the other hand, the cultivated site (HD) that had the lowest labile fractions of soil organic matter may recover at a slower phase. Further, minimum and maximum microbial biomass C, N and P during rainy and winter seasons suggest the synchronization between nutrient demand for plant growth and nutrient retention in microbial biomass that would help in ecosystem recovery following disturbance.     

Foliar Fertilization of Crop Plants

Essential plant nutrients are mainly applied to soil and plant foliage for achieving maximum economic yields. Soil application method is more common and most effective for nutrients, which required in higher amounts. However, under certain circumstances, foliar fertilization is more economic and effective. Foliar symptoms, soil and plant tissue tests, and crop growth responses are principal nutrient disorder diagnostic techniques. Soil applications of fertilizers are mainly done on the basis of soil tests, whereas foliar nutrient applications are mainly done on the basis of visual foliar symptoms or plant tissue tests. Hence, correct diagnosis of nutrient deficiency is fundamental for successful foliar fertilization. In addition, there are some more requirements for successful foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilization requires higher leaf area index for absorbing applied nutrient solution in sufficient amount, it may be necessary to have more than one application depending on severity of nutrient deficiency. Nutrient concentration and day temperature should be optimal to avoid leaf burning and fertilizer source should be soluble in water to be more effective. Foliar fertilization of crops can complement soil fertilization. If foliar fertilization is mixed with postemergence herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, the probability of yield response could be increased and cost of application can be reduced.     

抑菌剂浇施与不均匀施肥对玉米马铃薯生长和产量的影响

农业生产中,肥料和抑菌性农药施用是两种重要的农业生产技术。在施肥过程中,点状和条状施肥是主要的施肥方式,易导致作物生长期内土壤养分以斑块状分布,因此根系趋肥性对农田中作物获取养分具有重要性。而在施用抑菌性农药时,药剂能够通过淋溶等过程进入土体中,对土壤生态环境和根-土过程产生直接或间接的影响。然而目前有关农药施用是否影响作物根系趋肥性,进而改变产量表现还不清楚。本研究选用旱地主要粮食作物玉米和马铃薯为研究对象,通过等量肥料下隔行施用的方式构建土壤养分斑块,在此基础上进行广谱性杀菌剂浇施土壤,研究抑菌性农药对作物利用异质性养分的影响。两年的大田试验数据表明,一定程度上,抑菌剂浇施和隔行施肥能够显著地影响作物的植株生物量、产量,根系生物量及分布,且对玉米生物量影响具显著交互效应,表现为隔行施肥对生物量的显著提高发生在抑菌剂浇施条件下,而抑菌剂对玉米生物量的提高则主要表现在隔行施肥条件下。同时,抑菌剂浇施能够提高作物的根系觅养精确度,其中在马铃薯上达到显著水平,表明抑菌剂浇施对作物适应土壤养分斑块具有一定的促进作用。当然,抑菌农药和养分斑块在影响作物生长过程中的显著性受作物类型和种植年份的影响,具有复杂性。因此,进一步针对不同作物、生态环境和栽培措施,探讨抑菌剂农药在作物适应养分斑块中的作用以及对作物根系趋肥的影响机制,对于了解农药施用对化肥利用的影响具有潜在的价值。     

DYNAMICS OF FABA BEAN GROWTH AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH GRAIN YIELD

Growth parameters and nutrient uptake of faba bean with 12 different genotypes were studied at the end of four subsequent growth periods, viz. first vegetative (V1), second vegetative (V2), first reproductive (R1) and second reproductive (R2) periods for two years and correlated with final grain yield. All parameters including plant height, leaf number, leaf area index (LAI), above ground plant dry matter (DM) and root DM, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) uptake and concentration of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg showed different patterns with advancement of the growth period. All the mentioned parameters were fitted in either quadratic or linear equations. Significant correlations were found among nutrients, growth parameters and grain yield during different growth stages. On the basis of these experiments it was clear that nutrient uptake was directly related to biomass. In V2 and R1 biomass production was greatest resulting in high nutrient uptake. Among the growth parameters, biomass and LAI showed the highest significant correlation with grain yield. The findings especially models derived from two year data across twelve genotypes can be used for better fertilizer management of faba bean.     

Plant nitrogen uptake drives rhizosphere bacterial community assembly during plant growth

When plants establish in novel environments, they can modify soil microbial community structure and functional properties in ways that enhance their own success. Although soil microbial communities are influenced by abiotic environmental variability, rhizosphere microbial communities may also be affected by plant activities such as nutrient uptake during the growing season. We predicted that during the growing season, plant N uptake would explain much of the variation in rhizosphere microbial community assembly and functional traits. We grew the invasive C₃ grass Bromus tectorum and three commonly co-occurring native C₃ grasses in a controlled greenhouse environment, and examined rhizosphere bacterial community structural and functional characteristics at three different plant growth stages. We found that soil N availability and plant tissue N levels strongly correlated with shifts in rhizosphere bacterial community structure. It also appeared that the rapid drawdown of soil nutrients in the rhizosphere during the plant growing season triggered a selection event whereby only those microbes able to tolerate the changing nutrient conditions were able to persist. Plant N uptake rates inversely corresponded to microbial biomass N levels during periods of peak plant growth. Mechanisms which enable plants to influence rhizosphere bacterial community structure and function are likely to affect their competitive ability and fitness. Our study suggests that plants can alter their rhizosphere microbiomes through influencing nutrient availability. The ways in which plants establish their rhizosphere bacterial communities may now be viewed as a selection trait related to intrinsic plant species nutrient demands.     

Sulfur uptake by soybeans (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

Sulfur accumulation in young soybean plants tended to follow the pattern reported for P differing only in quantity. Soybean stems tended to have a more constant S concentration over time than did leaves or petioles.

The nutrient uptake pattern of a crop provides clues to more efficient management of plant nutrients. The recent reports of increased yields of soybeans due to foliar fertilization would seem to be a culmination of previous work done in Iowa on nutrient uptake patterns (1, 2, 3).

In the work reported to date there are no data which illustrate patterns of sulfur uptake by soybeans during the growing season. The work reported here was an attempt to determine the pattern of S uptake by soybeans during early growth stages.     

Coupling of nutrient cycling and carbon dynamics in the Arctic,integration of soil microbial and plant processes

Most studies of nutrient cycling in arctic ecosystems have either addressed questions of plant nutrient acquisition or of decomposition and mineralization processes, while few studies have integrated processes in both the soil and plant compartments. Here, we synthesize information on nutrient cycling within, and between, the soil/microbial and the plant compartments of the ecosystems and integrate the cycling of nutrients with the turnover of organic matter and the carbon balance in tundra ecosystems. Based on this compilation and integration, we discuss implications for ecosystem function in response to predicted climatic changes.Many arctic ecosystems have high amounts of nutrients in the microbial biomass compared to the pools in the plant biomass both due to large nutrient-containing organic deposits in the soil and low plant biomass. The microbial pools of N and P, which are the most commonly limiting nutrients for plant production, may approach (N) or even exceed (P) the plant pools. Net nutrient mineralization is low, the residence time of nutrients in the soil is long and the nutrients are strongly immobilized in the soil microorganisms. This contributes to pronounced nutrient limitation for plant productivity, implies that the microbial sink strength for nutrients is strong and that the microbes may compete with plants for nutrients, but also that they are a potential source of plant nutrients during periods of declining microbial populations. The extent of this competition is poorly explored and it is uncertain whether plants mainly take up nutrients continuously during the summer when the microbial activity and, presumably, also the microbial sink strength is high, or whether the main nutrient uptake occurs during pulses of nutrient release when the microbial sink strength declines.Improved knowledge of mechanisms for plant-microbial interactions in these nutrient-limited systems is important, because it will form a basis also for our understanding of the C exchange between the ecosystems and the atmosphere under the predicted, future climatic change. High microbial nutrient immobilization, i.e. low release of plant-available nutrients, paired with high microbial decomposition of soil organic matter will lead to a loss of C from the soil to the atmosphere, which may not be compensated fully by increased plant C fixation. Hence, the system will be a net source of atmospheric C. Conversely, if plants are able to sequester extra nutrients efficiently, their productivity will increase and the systems may accumulate more C and turn into a C sink, particularly if nutrients are allocated to woody tissues of low nutrient concentrations.