Ecology of soil microflora and mycorrhizal symbionts in degraded forests at two altitudes

Summary Microbial populations were estimated in four different forest stands at different regenerational stages, two each at higher and lower altitudes. The fungal and bacterial populations showed marked seasonal variations at both altitudes. Quantitatively, the bacterial population was higher than the fungal population. Although 25 fungal species were isolated at the lower altitude, only 15 were obtained at the higher altitude. Penicillium chrysogenum and Trichoderma viride were dominant at the lower and higher altitudes, respectively. In the more degraded forest stand at the lower altitude both the fungal and the bacterial population showed a significant positive correlation with organic C (r=0.658 and 0.735, respectively), whereas in the less degraded forest stand there was a significant correlation only between the fungal population and organic C (r=0.835). At the higher altitude, however, a highly significant correlation (P<0.05) was observed between the fungal population, soil moisture and organic C in both the forest stands. Disturbance to the soil and vegetation adversely affected the microbial population, and also affected endogonaceous spores. At the lower altitude, plants in the more degraded forest stand were more mycotrophic compared to those in the less degraded stand. The level of mycorrhizal infection showed a highly positive correlation with soil moisture, organic C, total N, and available P. The spore population, however, was correlated negatively with these parameters. Three different endogonaceous genera, Glomus, Gigaspora, and Acaulospora, were identified during the course of investigation. Glomus, however, was dominant.     

Soil Organic Matter Composition in Coastal and Continental Date Palm Systems: Insights from Tunisian Oases

In Tunisia, the coastal Chenini oasis is characterized by a lush vegetation cover, whereas more inland continental oases (e.g., the Guettaya oasis) have a very scarce vegetation cover. For sustaining date palm production in these areas, organic fertilizers are applied, either spread on the soil surface (in Chenini) or buried under a sand layer (in Guettaya). We examined at a molecular level how these management techniques affect soil organic matter composition in oasis systems. A dominance of fresh plant input for Guettaya was indicated by solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy signals, which was most pronounced in the uppermost soil close to palms. Evidence for more degraded organic matter was found in deeper soil near the palms, as well as in the soil distant from the palms. Amino sugar contents were low in the uppermost Guettaya soil near the palms. The overall microbial amino sugar residue contents were similar in range as those found in other dryland environments. With increasing distance from trees, the amino sugar contents declined in Guettaya, where the palms grow on bare soil, but this was not the case for Chenini, which has multi-layer vegetation cover under palms. In agreement with the results from previous dryland studies, the soil microbial community in both oasis systems was dominated by fungi in topsoil, and a shift toward bacteria-derived residues in subsurface soil. This might be due to higher variability of temperature and moisture in topsoil and/or lower degradability of fungal remains; however, further research is required to confirm this hypothesis.     

COLONIZATION PATTERNS OF WOODY SPECIES ON LANDS MINED FOR COAL IN SPAIN: PRELIMINARY INSIGHTS FOR FOREST EXPANSION

In this study, we combined the analysis of a coenocline with Huisman–Olff–Fresco (HOF) modelling of species behaviour to describe colonization patterns of woody species on reclaimed coal wastes in northern Spain. We hypothesize that fine‐scale variation in abiotic factors along the forest‐grassland gradient that appears after mining restoration affects colonization pattern of woody species. To understand these factors, we analysed changes in floristic composition and abundance of the main woody colonizers according to the spatial distance from forest limit, as well as the spatial variability of some edaphic and microclimatic parameters. Our results showed how the primary coenocline extracted from DCA1 reflected a gradient in environmental conditions influencing the species composition of the woody plant communities, from the more shade, moist and dense forest on acid and rich soils to the open, dry and oligotrophic grassland. The colonization pattern of woody species is affected by fine‐scale variations in abiotic factors, such as the increase in pH, P, light, and the decrease in K, N, C/N, organic matter and soil moisture, from the forest to the restored mine. Most species HOF modelled showed monotone responses with decreasing trends along the environmental gradient from forest to mine, being Quercus petraea the species clearly dominant in the forest. On the contrary, Cytisus scoparius and Genista florida colonize intensely in the mine area, reaching the maximum abundance around 15 and 10 m distance from the forest limit, respectively. We conclude that the composition of woody species in the forest is not a good predictor of the colonizing intensity, not even of the species composition in the mine area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The rehabilitation of degraded soils in eastern bolivia by subsoiling and the incorporation of cover crops

A high proportion of the soils in the central zone of Santa Cruz, eastern Bolivia, are chemically and physically degraded, with low organic matter and N contents, compacted subsoil layers and a propensity to crusting, hardsetting and wind erosion. The aim of the experiment discussed in this paper was to identify suitable cover crops to be used in combination with subsoiling for the rehabilitation of degraded soils and the improvement of crop yields in eastern Bolivia. Fertilizers were not used because of their high cost. An experiment with a split complete block design, with subsoiling and no-subsoiling as the main treatments, 14 cover crops and a continuously cultivated soybean/wheat control as the subtreatments, and four replications, was established on a degraded site comprising a mosaic of two compacted siliceous isohyperthermic soils (a coarse loamy Typic Ustropept and a fine loamy Typic Haplustalf). After a two-year fallow period, the cover crops were incorporated and test crops were sown for five seasons to evaluate the effects of the treatments on subsequent crop yields. Soil samples were taken to measure changes in chemical fertility. The only significant cover crop effect on soil nutrients was an increase in exchangeable K from 0.47 to 0.56 cmol_c kg⁻¹ by Lablab; subsoiling had no effect on chemical fertility. For all treatments there was an average 24 per cent increase in soil organic matter from 13.1 g kg⁻¹ at 3 months after cover crop incorporation to 16.3 g kg⁻¹ at 19 months after incorporation. No significant differences in total N were found during this period. Test crop yields were not influenced by subsoiling, but were significantly increased by some of the cover crops as compared to the soybean/wheat control during the first three seasons only. Evidence from foliar analysis suggests that the effects of the cover crops on soybean yields were not nutritional and so presumably were physical in nature, whereas the benefits on wheat yields were possibly related to increased N availability. Panicum maximum var. Centenario and P. maximum var. Tobiatá gave the highest total yield increases over the first three cropping seasons (101 and 85 per cent, respectively), but these yield increases would not compensate the farmer for the loss of four crop harvests whilst the land was in fallow. These results highlight the difficulties of rehabilitating soil fertility and increasing crop yields through the use of subsoiling and cover crop fallows on compacted, low organic matter soils in eastern Bolivia.     

宁东矿区天然植物群落特征及其与土壤理化性质的关系

[目的] 研究宁东矿区天然植物群落特征与土壤理化性质的关系,为宁东矿区植被重建过程中植物种的选择提供科学依据。[方法] 以宁东矿区6种典型的天然植物群落和土壤为研究对象,采用野外调查结合室内试验的方法,对比分析不同群落的植物群落特征及其与土壤理化性质的关系。[结果] 宁东矿区6种天然植物群落共调查到植物55种,隶属于15科48属,集中分布于菊科、豆科、藜科和禾本科4科。细枝岩黄耆（Hedysarum scoparium）+柠条锦鸡儿（Caragana korshinskii）—白莲蒿（Artemisia sacrorum）群落灌木层植被盖度和高度在6个群落中均最高,其数值分别为48%和202.54 cm,灌木物种柠条锦鸡儿在其中5个群落中均有分布且生长良好。灌木层Patrick丰富度指数与土壤碱解氮、砾石含量、速效钾和有机质呈正相关,与pH值呈负相关;草本层植物种Patrick丰富度指数与土壤有机质、田间持水量和速效磷呈正相关关系。[结论] 宁东矿区煤矸石山植被重建时,对于覆土土质为壤质砂土或砂质壤土,优先选择柠条锦鸡儿、细枝岩黄耆、黑沙蒿（Artemisia ordosica）和沙拐枣（Calligonum mongolicum）等灌木树种;覆土土质为少砾质砂土时选沙冬青（Ammopiptanthus mongolicus）和柠条锦鸡儿;覆土土质为多砾质砂土时可选藏锦鸡儿（Caragana tibetica）、裸果木（Gymnocarpos przewalskii）和胡枝子（Lespedeza bicolor）等灌木物种。土壤容重对灌木物种多样性贡献率较大,土壤田间持水量和有机质对草本植物多样性贡献率较大。     

Evaluation of the characteristics of 14 cover crops used in a soil rehabilitation trial

Many of the soils in Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia, are degraded by serious weed infestation, subsoil compaction, and low organic matter and nitrogen contents. Fallow periods with cover crops are frequently used to recuperate the fertility of degraded soils, but little information exists on the desired characteristics of cover crops for this purpose. The aim of this study was to describe those characteristics, believed to be most relevant to the rehabilitation of degraded soils in Santa Cruz, of 14 cover crops, which included three grasses, nine legumes, and two winter cover crops sown after summer soybean (Glycine max). The cover crop characteristics, evaluated over two years, were ease of establishment, competitiveness against weeds, tolerance to drought, dry matter production and nutrient contents of the above-and below-ground residues, nodulation, rooting density and root diameters. The three grasses Tobiata (Panicum maximum var. Tobiatd), Centenario (Panicum maximum var. Centenario) and Brizantha (Brachiaria brizantha) appeared to be the most promising for increasing soil organic matter contents, and the three grasses and groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea)/pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) for the recuperation of subsoil structure. Mucuna deeringiana and Lablab (Dolichos lablab) were the most promising for increasing soil N status. All of these cover crops competed successfully with weeds.     

Selection of Leucaena species for afforestation and amelioration of sodic soils

Performance of three exotic species of Leucaena (L. diversifolia, L. shannonii and L. leucocephala) and one local selection of L. leucocephala was evaluated on sodic soil sites (pH 8.6–10.5) in order to select promising species for biomass production and reclamation of these soils. There were significant differences among three species with respect to their field survival (47.7–95.5 per cent), growth in terms of stem volume (40.8–118.6 m³ ha⁻¹) and biomass production (24–70 Mg ha⁻¹) after eight years of growth. L. leucocephala was rated as the most promising species irrespective of seed source, followed by L. shannonii. L. diversifolia could not perform well on these hostile soils. A definite improvement in physicochemical properties of soil particularly in surface layers (0–5 cm) was observed after eight years of plantations as compared to the same at uncultivated site. The soil pH and sodium content decreased followed by an increase in organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content. However, efficiency of different species varied greatly to ameliorate these soils depending on quantity and quality of organic matter lying on the floor. L. leucocephala, irrespective of seed origin, showed greater promise for afforestation of sodic soils because of its potential to produce higher biomass per unit area and greater efficiency to ameliorate fertility status of these soils. The study revealed that matching of species to soil conditions is very important for a successful plantation programme and sustainable development of degraded soil sites. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

腾格里沙漠边缘区植被恢复与土壤养分变化研究

为了研究腾格里沙漠东缘植被恢复过程中不同阶段土壤养分和pH值的变化,在研究区从东向西分别采集6种植被恢复阶段的土壤,分别测定了其pH值、有机质和全效速效养分含量。结果表明,沙丘固定过程中,土壤有机质和全氮含量都呈逐渐增加趋势,分别从1.32和0.025g/kg增加到1.89和0.061g/kg,均达到了显著水平。半固定沙丘速效氮、速效钾含量均明显增加,发展为固定沙丘后由于大量植物的生长土壤速效氮、速效钾含量反而比半固定沙丘低。荒漠草原土壤中有机质、全氮及速效氮含量最高,退化草原速效磷含量比荒漠草原略高,差异不显著随退化荒漠草原恢复进程,人工梭梭林速效磷含量降低,速效钾总体呈显著增加趋势pH值以人工梭梭林较低。植被恢复过程中,沙生植被的存在对有机质和氮素的富集起着决定性作用,随着流沙固定和退化荒漠草原恢复,土壤有机质、氮和磷的含量增加,土壤有机质含量与土壤全氮、全磷和有效氮的含量呈较强的正相关关系。     

Forest floor development and biochemical properties in reconstructed boreal forest soils

Following resource extraction by surface mining in the oil sands region of northeastern Alberta, sites are reclaimed by reconstructing soils using a variety of salvaged organic and mineral materials, and planted to native tree species. This study assessed the influence of three distinct stand types (Populus tremuloides Michx., Pinus banksiana Lamb., and Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) on forest floor development (thickness, morphology, total carbon and nitrogen contents), soil organic matter composition, and associated soil microbial communities. Forest floor and top mineral soil (0–5 cm) samples were collected from 32 sites reclaimed 16–33 years ago. Soil organic matter composition was measured using ramped-cross-polarization ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, and microbial communities were characterized using phospholipid fatty acid analysis. Morphological characteristics indicated little mesofaunal or fungal activities within the forest floors. Stands dominated by P. tremuloides fostered more rapid forest floor development than the coniferous (P. banksiana and P. glauca) stands, and showed a significant increase in forest floor thickness with time since reclamation. Within the P. tremuloides stands, forest floor development was accompanied by temporal changes in soil organic matter composition that reflected inputs from the canopy. Soil microbial community composition differed among reclamation treatments of the reconstructed soils, specifically as a function of their subsoil mineral textures, when canopy cover was below 30%. Above 30%, significant differences became apparent among stand types. Taken together, our results document how canopy cover and stand type were both important factors for the reestablishment of plant–soil relationships at these sites. Furthermore, achieving a canopy cover of 30% emerged as a critical threshold point during soil reclamation.     

Tree Diversity,Carbon Storage,and Soil Nutrient in an Old‐Growth Forest at Changbai Mountain,Northeast China

Abstract

The study of plant diversity and its role in ecosystem functioning is becoming a central issue in ecology. The relationships between carbon storage and tree diversity of natural forest at small scale are still unclear. This research investigated these relationships in an old‐growth forest at Changbai Mountain, Northeast China. It was found that at small scale, tree carbon storage generally increases with increasing tree species richness, but for stands with same species richness, tree carbon storage varies dramatically. At the small scale, tree species evenness has a significantly linear relationship with nature logarithm of total tree carbon storage. The stand carbon storage of trees is mainly controlled by stand tree composition. Fraxinus mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, Quercus mongolica, Tilia amurensis, and Acer mono contribute more than 85% of stand carbon storage of trees. Stands with similar tree composition at small scale have different soil organic carbon storage and nutrient contents. Tree species evenness has great impact on soil N content at the soil horizon less than 30 cm deep, but its impacts on C/N, P, K, and S contents are small. Tree density has a negative linear relationship with soil organic C and C∶N ratio at the soil horizon is less than 30 cm deep. The implication of our findings here for carbon sequestration in the Kyoto Protocol is also discussed.     

Deforestation effects on vegetative regeneration and soil quality in tropical semi‐evergreen degraded and protected forests of Bangladesh

Tropical forests of the world are degrading at an alarming rate because of human‐induced activities. This study was conducted to determine the consequences of deforestation on the natural regeneration of vegetation and soil quality in tropical, semi‐evergreen protected and degraded forest ecosystems of Bangladesh. In each forest ecosystem, 20 matured trees were randomly selected for laid‐out experimental plots by placing the tree stand at the center of the plot. The number of vegetative species, height, basal area, crown percentages and species richness were measured. The selected soil properties were determined. The vegetation in the protected forest site was denser with an abundance of species than in the degraded forest site. The primary forest regenerative species were dominated by the dipterocarps in both forest sites. The most alarming difference was that of an abrupt decline in regenerative forest species accompanied by an increase in exotic shrubs, grasses and vines typical of open habitats in the degraded forest site. These shrubs (e.g. Melastaoma, Lantana camara, Clerodendrum infortunatum and Jasminium spp.) and grasses and vines (e.g. Imperata cylindrica, Imperata arundinacea, Mikania scandenes, Saccharum spontaneum and Eupatorium odoratum) are gradually replacing the primary forest regenerative species in the degraded forest site. The soil quality of the degraded forest site has deteriorated over time due to preferential removal of finer particles and organic matter by accelerated water erosion. As a result, natural regeneration of primary forest species, especially dipterocarps, is severely affected by the direct effects of biotic interferences and attendant processes of soil quality degradation from deforestation. In contrast, degraded forest sites under regular protection have shown slow, but gradual, increase in crown frequency, enhanced recruitment and recovery of primary forest species, species abundance, and an improvement in soil quality. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of Haloxylon spp. of Different Age Classes on Vegetation Cover and Soil Properties on an Arid Desert Steppe in Iran

In arid regions, afforestation has been considered as a method for ecological revival in terms of vegetation enrichment and soil amelioration. In this study, the effects of afforestation with Haloxylon spp. on vegetation cover and soil properties were measured < 3, 3, 6, and 25 years after planting in an arid desert in Iran. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-30 and 30-60 cm) under and between shrub canopies. Afforestation succession significantly affected plant community characteristics. In total, 16 species from 8 families and 15 genera were observed along the afforestation successional gradient. Plant species richness and diversity and vegetation cover increased slowly during the succession, and reached the maximum values in the area where Haloxylon had been planted for 25 years. Soil nutrient values gradually increased during the succession, and the levels of organic matter, total nitrogen, available potassium, and available phosphorus were significantly higher under Haloxylon canopies than between them. Afforestation reduced soil pH under and between Haloxylon canopies during the succession, while soil electrical conductivity followed an opposite pattern. Haloxylon planting increased the silt content in the 0-30 cm soil layer. Our results suggest that Haloxylon establishment plays an important role in the reestablishment of desertified ecosystems in arid regions.     

Cover cropping influences physico-chemical soil properties under direct drilling soybean

In seeking effective methods to prevent soil degradation, conservation tillage plays an important protective role. Apart from significantly reducing production costs, cover crops contributes to beneficial changes in the soil environment. A three-year field experiment included three cover crops (winter rye, winter oilseed rape, and white mustard) subjected to mulching or desiccation and to the action of a herbicide at three rates (100%, 75%, and 50%). The study evaluated soil moisture and the content of organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in two soil layers (0–15?cm and 15–30?cm). Cover cropping had a positive effect on soil organic matter content. More organic matter (by 4.7%) was recorded in the topsoil layer (0–15?cm). Among the cover crops most favorable effect on the content of organic matter in the soil had white mustard (an increase of 14.2%) compared to the control. Moreover, rye and white mustard mulch increased the soil content of phosphorus and magnesium, while oilseed rape mulch increased the potassium content. At the critical growth stages (the flowering/pod set) of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril), soil moisture was dependent on mulching treatment and soil layers.     

The contribution of stone cover to biological activity in the Negev desert,Israel

Ancient valley agriculture in the northern Negev highlands was based on the principle of directed collection of water and eroded material from the slopes and their consequent flow towards the valleys. The stones on these slopes were therefore removed and/or collected into piles known as ‘grape mounds’. The aim of this study was to understand the contribution of stone cover and slope‐facing to biological activity in soil. Soil samples from a depth of 0–5 mm from the soil surface were collected during the study period (December 1994–March 1996) from northern and southern hill slopes, from under limestones and between stones. Soil moisture, organic matter, chlorophyll‐a and soil respiration were determined. The results obtained in field and laboratory studies demonstrated differences between the northern and southern slopes. The stone cover on the northern slope made up 33 per cent and in the southern slope 23 per cent, stone size ranging from 15–50 cm² and 15–35 cm², respectively. Soil moisture content varied from 12 per cent in December 1994 on both slopes to one‐quarter of the initial value during the dry period. Organic matter content reached a maximal level of 14 per cent and 16 per cent on the northern and southern slopes, respectively. Values of chlorophyll‐a on both the northern and southern slopes were 0.38 μg g⁻¹ dry soil during the wet season, decreasing to 0.05 μg g⁻¹ dry soil during the dry period. Soil samples from under the stones on both slopes produced high levels of CO₂, ranging between 50 and 100 μg CO₂ g;⁻¹ dry soil h⁻¹, whereas in the control samples the levels ranged between 30 and 70 μg CO₂ g⁻¹ dry soil h⁻¹. In conclusion, the stone cover apparently plays an important role in the maintenance of biological activity through its contribution to slope biotope stability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

冰雪灾害后林窗对杉木林土壤性质的影响

During January–February 2008, a severe ice storm caused significant damages to forests in southern China, creating canopy gaps and changing soil nutrient availability and enzyme activity. To understand the relationships between gap size, changes in the soil environment and the effects that these changes have on soil processes, we investigated the effects of gap size on soil chemical and biological properties in the forest gaps in a Cunninghamia lanceolata stand in northern Guangdong Province, southern China. Ten naturally created gaps, five large(80–100 m~2) and five small(30–40 m~2), were selected in the stand of C.lanceolata. The large gaps showed a significant increase in light transmission ratio and air and soil temperatures and a decline in soil moisture, organic matter,N and P compared with the small gaps and the adjacent canopy-covered plots in the 0–10 cm soil. The differences in organic matter and nutrient levels found between the large and small gaps and the canopy-covered plots may be related to changes in environmental conditions. This indicated rapid litter decomposition and increased nutrient leaching in the large gaps. Moreover, the lowest levels of catalase, acid phosphatase and urease activities occurred in large gaps because of the decline in their soil fertility. Large forest gaps may have a region of poor fertility, reducing soil nutrient availability and enzyme activity within the C.lanceolata stand.     

The influence of soil compaction and the removal of organic matter on two native earthworms and soil properties in an oak-hickory forest

 Earthworms may alter the physical, chemical, and biological properties of a forest soil ecosystem. Any physical manipulation of the soil ecosystem may, in turn, affect the activities and ecology of earthworms. The effects of removing organic matter (logs and forest litter) and severely compacting the soil on native earthworm species were measured in a central USA hardwood region (oak-hickory) forest in the Missouri Ozarks (USA). Soils in this region are characterized by a cherty residuum that is primarily of the Clarksville series (Loamy-skeletal, mixed, mesic Typic Paledults). Earthworms were collected from 0–15 cm depth each spring and fall for 2 years by handsorting, and densities were determined on a per meter square basis. Two native earthworm species, Diplocardia ornata and Diplocardia smithii, were dominant on this site. Organic matter removal decreased the average individual biomass of both species. However, both species responded differently to soil compaction. Soil compaction affected D. ornata adversely and D. smithii favorably. This suggested that the degree of soil compaction was not as restrictive with respect to D. smithii (2 mm diameter) as to D. ornata (5 mm diameter). Moreover, the apparently improved soil environmental conditions resulting from the remaining organic matter in compacted soil enhanced the population and growth of D. smithii. Sampling position on the landscape affected D. ornata but not D. smithii. Soil microbial biomass C and soil microbial biomass N were decreased under soil compaction when the organic matter was removed. Other factors influencing the ecology and activity of these two species will require further study. Received: 6 January 1999     

Soil‐vegetation relationships of three arid land plant species and their use in rehabilitating degraded sites

It is essential to consider soil characteristics when establishing vegetation in arid lands. In this study, the redundancy analysis (RDA) ordination method was used in this study to evaluate the habitats of Halocnemum strobilaceum, Limonium iranicum and Tamarix passerinoides growing in the Sejzy region, east of Isfahan. The study area was stratified into six ecologic‐floristic complexes. Stratified random sampling was then employed to collect soil and vegetation data from 1‐ha quadrats on nine sites. The soil samples were analysed to determine the characteristics of the soil in which the three species grew and to examine the soil profiles up to a depth of 2 m. Soil analyses revealed that high amounts of gypsum, silt, clay, saline, alkali and sulphate in the soil constituted a favourable habitat for Halocnemum strobilaceum. However, the per cent of silt and sulphate concentration in deep layers were negatively correlated with the growth of this species. Evaluation of the L. iranicum habitat revealed that the amounts of carbonate and CCE in the topsoil were positively correlated with the establishment and growth of the species but salinity and alkalinity were negatively correlated. The primary soil characteristics that positively influenced T. passerinoides included the presence of organic matter and bicarbonate ions in the soil layers and the total Ca and Mg content of the topsoil. However, Na was negatively correlated with Tamarix species. Determination of the soil characteristics that are associated with each of these xerophytic species can be used to determine which species is suitable for rehabilitating degraded sites in the study area. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

What Characteristics of Soil Fertility Can Improve in Mixed Stands of Scots Pine and European Beech Compared with Monospecific Stands?

According to the current trends in forest management, endeavors are made to adjust the species composition to the site conditions and to increase the biodiversity. Changes in the species composition of forest stands lead to modifications of soil properties and nutrients cycle. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of monocultures (beech and pine) and mixed-species stands (pine-beech) on soil properties, particularly accumulation of soil organic carbon. We aim to demonstrate how different vegetation types influence soil properties in surface horizons of soil. The study sites are located in Germany and Poland under different tree stands Pinus sylvestris L., Fagus sylvatica L., and mixed-species stand. Contents of organic carbon and nitrogen, pH, and soil texture were analyzed. The studies conducted confirmed the positive effect of beech and mixed-species stands on acidification of surface soil horizons. We ordered the stands tested according to acidification effect on soils: pine stand > mixed stand > beech stand, which is consistent with previous studies. The most beneficial impact on the accumulation of organic carbon was observed in mixed-species stands in which beech and pine were found. Lower carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios confirm the high rate of organic matter decomposition and lower C/N ratio was reported in soil under beech stand in comparison to pine stands.     

Compost Source and Rate Effects on Soil Macronutrient Availability Under Saint Augustine Grass and Bermuda Grass Turf

Compost application to turf grasses can increase availability of nutrients in soil and improve growth, but can potentially lead to accumulation of macronutrients in soil and contribute to leaching and runoff losses. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of compost source and application rate on concentrations of plant-available macronutrients in soil over 29 months after a one-time application to saint augustine grass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze] and Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] turf. Compost application increased soil organic C, P, Ca, and S concentrations by 3 months after addition, but further increases from 3 to 29 months were seldom observed. In contrast, NO₃-N and K levels declined while Mg levels increased slightly from 3 to 29 months. Seasonal or cyclical patterns of soil macronutrient levels were apparent, as lower concentrations were observed during dormant stages of Bermuda grass growth in winter. Initial macronutrient concentrations of compost sources strongly influenced macronutrient dynamics in surface soil, while higher application rates resulted in higher levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, but not NO₃-N and S. Higher levels of macronutrients in Bermuda grass than saint augustine grass turf suggested plant-mediated uptake and assimilation differed between turf grass species. Utilization of turf grass systems for compost application should take into account plant species composition and the related impacts of plant uptake. Macronutrient concentrations were significantly correlated with both total organic C and dissolved organic C (DOC). Formation of organic matter-cation complexes appeared to influence macronutrient dynamics in soil, and may contribute to leaching and runoff losses.     

不同植被对土壤理化性质影响——以王东沟小流域为例

[目的]分析陕西省长武县王东沟流域9个径流小区不同植被覆盖条件对土壤理化性质的影响,为黄土高原生态建设提供科技支持。[方法]采用环刀法、定水头法以及重铬酸钾外加热法等分层测定0—40cm间土壤容重、毛管持水量、饱和持水量、饱和倒水率以及有机质含量。[结果]饱和持水量、毛管持水量、土壤有机质表现为草、灌地显著优于纯林和混交林,而土壤容重、饱和导水率各小区间差异不显著。[结论]草地和沙棘灌木林地土壤理化性质高于其他植被组合,培肥土壤,涵养水源,利于保水保土。侧柏纯林的土壤理化性质最差,水保效益最低。