Chin J Plant Ecol ›› 2011, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (2): 125-136.DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1258.2011.00125

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Response of soil organic carbon and nutrients to simulated nitrogen deposition in Pleioblastus amarus plantation, Rainy Area of West China

TU Li-Hua1, HU Ting-Xing1,*(), ZHANG Jian1, LI Ren-Hong2, DAI Hong-Zhong1, LUO Shou-Hua1   

  1. 1Key Laboratory of Forestry Ecological Engineering of Sichuan Province, College of Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an, Sichuan 625014, China
    2Sichuan Forest Inventory and Plan Institute, Chengdu 610081, China
  • Received:2009-12-22 Accepted:2010-11-16 Online:2011-12-22 Published:2011-01-21
  • Contact: HU Ting-Xing

Abstract:

Aims Our objectives were to determine the effect of increased nitrogen deposition on soil organic carbon and nutrients of Pleioblastus amarus plantations.
Methods Beginning in November 2007, we conducted a two-year field experiment of simulated nitrogen deposition in a P. amarus plantation, Rainy Area of West China. The levels of nitrogen deposition were 0, 5, 15 and 30 g N·m-2·a-1 for control (CK), low, medium and high nitrogen, respectively. For one year beginning in November 2008, we monthly collected 0-20 cm horizon soil samples and measured soil total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), extractable dissolved organic carbon (EDOC), liable carbon (LC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), NH4+-N, NO3--N, available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK).
Important findings Nitrogen deposition increased concentrations of TOC, MBC, TN, MBN, NH4+-N and AP in soil and had no effect on the other indicators. MBC and MBN exhibited significant seasonal patterns that were positively related to temperature. AP and AK were significant negatively correlated with MBC and MBN. Nitrogen deposition stimulated availabilities of C, N and P and increased the accumulation of these elements in the soil. Results suggested the P. amarus plantation ecosystem is N-limited and soil organic carbon and nutrients respond positively to nitrogen deposition. Increasing nitrogen deposition may enhance fertility of the soil, stimulate growth of plants and increase future carbon fixation.

Key words: nitrogen deposition, Pleioblastus amarus plantation, Rainy Area of West China, soil nutrients, soil organic carbon