Soil disturbance by native animals along grazing gradients in an arid grassland

Domestic grazing animals that congregate around watering points in arid rangelands create clearly-defined trampling-induced grazing gradients. Grazing and trampling alter soil and vegetation condition, often leading to substantial reductions in ecological function. We measured foraging pits and mounds created by native soil foraging animals over 12 months at three watering points in a Chihuahuan Desert grassland, and hypothesized that the density and cover of their disturbances would increase with increasing distance from water. We recorded an average of 3756 disturbances ha⁻¹ and cover of 34.18 m² ha⁻¹ across the grazing gradients, which comprised mainly pits (43%) and mounds (25%) of heteromyid rodents, ants and spiders. Soil turnover was estimated at 1.43 m³ ha⁻¹. We detected no differences in density, cover, soil volume or composition of disturbances in relation to distance from water, but there were significant, though ill-defined, differences across the five sampling periods, with generally more activity in the warm–wet months. Small animal-created mounds and pits are important sources of soil and sinks for litter within grazing gradients, and may represent the only sites where plants can establish given a relaxation in grazing pressure.     

Nitrogen mineralization across an atmospheric nitrogen deposition gradient in Southern California deserts

Dry nitrogen deposition is common in arid ecosystems near urban and agricultural centers, yet its impacts on natural environments are relatively understudied. We examined the effects of N deposition on soil N mineralization across a depositional gradient at Joshua Tree National Park. We hypothesized that N deposition affects N mineralization by promoting exotic grass invasion and increasing soil carbon and nitrogen. These relationships were tested through a laboratory incubation on soils collected from sixteen sites where atmospheric N, soil characteristics, and annual vegetation were measured. Mineralization parameters modeled using the Gompertz model were compared to soil C, soil N, estimated soil N from deposition, and percent cover of exotic and native annuals. Calculated soil N from deposition was directly correlated with measured soil C and N and decreasing C:N ratios, which were associated with increased total amounts of mineralized N. However, no effects of soil C or N, and thus N deposition, were observed on mineralization rates. Exotic grasses, but not native forbs or total annual cover, increased with soil C, soil N, and total mineralized N, suggesting that exotic grasses and N deposition are correlated and associated with increasing total C and N in the interspace soils at polluted locations.     

Land use effects on soil organic carbon, nitrogen and salinity in saline-alkaline wetland

Land-use and soil management affects soil organic carbon （SOC） pools, nitrogen, salinity and the depth distribution. The objective of this study was to estimate land-use effects on the distribution of SOC, labile fractions C, nitrogen （N） and salinity in saline-alkaline wetlands in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin. Three land-use types were selected： intact saline-alkaline meadow wetland, artificial shrubbery （planting Tamarix） and farmland （cultivated for 18 years） of soils previously under meadow wetland. SOC, easily oxidized carbon, microbial biomass carbon, total N, NO3--N and salinity concentrations were measured. The results show that SOC and labile fraction carbon contents decreased significantly with increasing soil depth in the three land-use wetlands. The labile fraction carbon contents in the topsoil （0-20cm） in cultivated soils were significantly higher than that in intact meadow wetland and artificial shrubbery soil. The aboveground biomass and soil permeability were the primary influencing factors on the contents of SOC and the labile carbon in the intact meadow wetland and artificial shrubbery soil, however, the farming practice was a factor in cultivated soil. Agricultural measures can effectively reduce the salinity contents; however, it caused a significant increase of NO 3--N concentrations which posed a threat to groundwater quality in the study area.     

北京菜园潮土-小白菜系统中铬的毒性评价

通过盆栽实验,以北京潮土为供试材料,研究了土壤中添加0~50 mg·kg^-1铬 (VI)对小白菜(Brassica chinensis L.)生物量与铬含量、土壤微生物量碳含量、土壤微生物量氮含量以及土壤微生物呼吸速率的影响。结果表明,高铬浓度(添加量≥25 mg·kg^-1)处理下,小白菜植株中铬的总量相对于未添加铬的处理显著增加(P<0.01),且小白菜根部铬的含量要远大于叶片中的铬含量。相对于未添加铬的对照,小白菜叶片生物量在1 mg·kg^-1铬处理下显著增加,而高浓度铬(≥10 mg·kg^-1)显著地减少了小白菜叶片和根的生物量(P<0.01),减幅最高达到了78.2%,且50 mg·kg^-1铬处理下土壤微生物量碳、氮含量以及呼吸速率均要显著低于对照。小白菜叶片生物量与铬含量、土壤微生物量碳、土壤微生物量氮以及土壤微生物呼吸都能够作为生物指标来反映土壤铬污染程度。将这些指标与对应的土壤总铬含量拟合方程,按照作物减产、食品安全以及生态剂量概念可以计算得到北京潮土铬轻度污染临界浓度ED₁₀为70.8 mg·kg^-1,中度污染临界浓度ED₅₀为111.6 mg·kg^-1。     

Seabird guano influences on desert islands: soil chemistry and herbaceous species richness and productivity

An understanding of the effects of guano deposition on arid soil chemistry and the consequences for plant communities is lacking. This study examined patterns of herbaceous species richness and productivity, soil chemistry, soil moisture and soil respiration on 11 islands in the Gulf of California, six of which receive seabird guano deposition. Species richness was significantly lower on islands with guano (“Bird” islands) than islands without guano (“Non-bird” islands), with very little overlap in species composition; however, productivity was significantly greater on Bird than on Non-bird islands. As expected, Bird island soils had higher concentrations of NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺ and total nitrogen (N) than Non-bird island soils; and, measurements of δ¹⁵N indicate that the higher concentrations of N were derived from guano. We also found that soil moisture and respiration were significantly higher, but pH was significantly lower, on Bird than Non-bird islands. These results suggest that guano deposition in deserts stimulates productivity—even in dry years—due to elevated N and, indirectly, soil moisture. Guano deposition also results in a decrease in species richness and a change in species composition probably due to elevated N, N toxicity, or low pH. However, we also found that pH varied more on Bird than on Non-bird islands; and that salinity—while not different between island types—was significantly patchier on Bird than on Non-Bird islands. These results suggest that guano deposition affects not only the general chemical composition of soils, but also results in greater spatial variation in soil chemical composition, which may ultimately affect species richness and composition. Therefore, understanding spatial patterning in soil chemistry as a result of guano deposition is critical for understanding guano effects on plant richness and productivity.     

祁连山青海云杉(Picea crassifolia)林浅层土壤碳、氮含量特征及其相互关系

为阐明祁连山青海云杉(Picea crassifolia)林分布带对其土壤碳、氮含量的影响,以分布在祁连山东段和西段的典型青海云杉林为研究对象,通过野外取样和室内分析,论述了青海云杉林浅层土壤碳、氮含量特征及其相互关系。结果表明:(1)祁连山东、西段土壤剖面有机碳含量均随土壤深度的增加而减小,但不同土层差异显著性不同,0~40cm含量分别为73.57±17.17g·kg-1和45.85±11.93g·kg-1;东、西段土壤剖面有机碳储量没有明显的变化规律,0~40cm有机碳储量分别为205.51±39.44t·hm-2和134.93±25.80t·hm-2。(2)祁连山东、西段土壤全氮含量随土层深度变化和不同土层差异显著性变化规律同土壤有机碳含量,0~40cm全氮含量分别为4.56±0.88g·kg-1和2.81±0.66g·kg-1;东、西段土壤全氮储量亦同土壤有机碳储量变化规律,0~40cm储量分别为12.77±2.08t·hm-2和8.38±1.56t·hm-2。(3)祁连山东、西段土壤剖面不同土层C/N比差异显著性变化规律相同,其C/N值分别为15.92±1.24和16.10±2.07;C/N比值大小主要取决于有机碳含量;线性分析表明,土壤有机碳与全氮含之间呈极显著的正相关关系,可用乘幂曲线模型Y=aXb较好地描述(p0.01)。上述研究结果可为祁连山水源涵养林建群种青海云杉林的经营和管理提供理论依据和数据支撑。     

Soil carbon and nitrogen in a Great Basin pinyon–juniper woodland: Influence of vegetation,burning, and time

Much of the Great Basin, U.S. is currently dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate ssp. (Rydb.) Boivin) ecosystems. At intermediate elevations, sagebrush ecosystems are increasingly influenced by pinyon (Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frém.) and juniper (Juniperus osteosperma Torr.) expansion. Some scientists and policy makers believe that increasing woodland cover in the intermountain western US will create new carbon storage on the landscape; however, little is currently known about the distribution of carbon on these landscapes. This is especially true of below ground pools. Our objectives were to quantify the spatial distribution of soil carbon in expansion woodlands, and to determine prescribed fire's effect on soil C and N. We looked at two treatments (control and burn), three microsites (undertree, undershrub, and interspace), and four soil depths (0–8, 8–23, 23–38, and 38–52 cm). The study was conducted over a six year period with one year pre-fire and five years post-fire data. Results for both carbon and nitrogen were similar, indicating the close relationship between the two elements in this ecosystem. Undershrub microsites had higher soil C and N concentrations than interspace and undertree microsites; however, under tree microsites had higher C:N ratio than interspace and undershrub microsites. Carbon and nitrogen concentration tended to decrease with increasing depth at both control and burn sites. Prescribed burning caused immediate increases in surface soil C and N concentration, but over intermediate to longer periods of time no statistically detectable change in soil C or N content occurred from burning.     

Living where others dare not: Microhabitat distribution in Chorizanthe rigida,a serotinous desert annual

We studied the small scale distribution pattern of Chorizanthe rigida, a serotinous desert annual, in a shrub-mound-to-desert-pavement gradient. Two sites were established in the Mojave Desert and two sites where established in the Sonoran Desert. We placed transects along a soil surface gradient from shrub mounds to desert pavements, and measured land surface properties, soil characteristics, and C. rigida's small scale distribution. A Principal Components Analysis was done on the resulting site × soil variables matrix. C. rigida established preferentially in desert pavements outside shrub canopies. Pavements showed finer soil textures and higher electrical conductivities, while shrub mounds had sandy textures, low surface rockiness, higher nitrogen, and higher cover of annuals. We discuss a probable relationship between seed retention and the establishment on desert pavements: timing seed release allows this species to avoid wind- or animal-induced seed dispersal into shrub mounds and establish outside the nurse mounds, where most annual plants concentrate. The seeds encased in the serotinous involucres, released after rains, are dispersed by run-off into the desert pavements and transition zones where, once developed, the dead seed-retaining structures of adult C. rigida plants persist for years releasing seeds to subsequent rain events.     

科尔沁沙地退化植被恢复过程中碳氮化学计量特征的变化

为研究沙地退化植被恢复过程中碳氮化学计量特征的变化,分别于2011年、2013年和2015年8月中旬对流动、半固定、固定沙丘和草地进行植被调查,并测定植被—土壤系统的碳氮化学计量特征。结果表明：（1） 随着沙地退化植被的恢复,地上植物、凋落物和根系的C、N含量及C/N比波动变化,土壤（0～10 cm）C和N含量及C/N比显著增加（P <0.05）。（2）沙地4种生境上的地上植物、凋落物、根系、土壤的C、N含量及C/N比年际间变化显著（P <0.05）。（3） 沙地退化植被恢复过程中地上植物、凋落物、土壤的C/N比与物种丰富度呈正线性关系（P <0.01）。沙地退化植被恢复过程中优势植物演替导致植被—土壤系统中C、N化学计量特征的变化,植被恢复过程中植物的氮素利用效率也在逐渐增强,而封育时间的增加能够促进沙地土壤中N的积累。     

Influence of shrubs on soil characteristics and their function in Sahelian agro-ecosystems in semi-arid Niger

Soil beneath shrubs form ‘fertile islands’ in fallow sites and millet fields in semi-arid Niger. To gain more information about this phenomena different shrub species in fallow sites following a gradient from 350–650 mm precipitation were examined. For each shrub two different areas were distinguished: an area under the canopy of the shrubs and an area in the nearby open land. Soil samples were taken from a depth of 0–10 cm and analysed for C_org, N_total, P_Bray, pH(H₂O), exchangeable cations, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and soil texture. Significantly higher concentrations between 38–51% for C, N, P and 22% on ECEC for K⁺were found in the soil under the shrubs. The pH showed only slight but significant differences, whereas Al³⁺and H⁺rates on ECEC under the shrubs were increased by 44–55%. For Guiera senegalensis, the most common shrub of the studied area, enrichment ratios of most soil properties increased relatively more with increasing aridity. In general, enrichment ratios decreased with the age of the fallows, whereas concentrations showed no clear evolution. The chemical composition of the shrub litter seems to influence the degree of soil enrichment. The main step of fertile island formation takes place during the cultivation period by trapping wind-blown sediment. This work shows that shrubs are of vital importance for the accumulation of nutrients and maintenance of soil fertility within agro-ecosystems of Niger.     

Contribution of pits dug by goannas (Varanus gouldii) to the dynamics of banded mulga landscapes in eastern Australia

The densities of pits made by goannasVaranus gouldiiwere estimated in the three distinct zones of banded mulga landscapes (erosion slope, interception zone, and mulga grove) in paddocks of a grazing study in north-western New South Wales, Australia. In light and moderately grazed paddocks, soil pits were significantly more abundant in the interception zones (M=119.057 m⁻²) than in the groves and erosion slopes (M=16.057 m⁻²). In the overgrazed paddock there were no differences in densities of pits in any of the zones. In the groves and erosion slopes approximately 70-80% of the pits contained litter, seeds, and fruits. However, on the erosion slopes less than 20% of the pits contained litter and seeds. The data support the hypothesis that soil disturbance byVaranuslizards produces a positive feedback mechanism for the viability of the interception zone and the functioning of banded vegetation landscapes.     

侵蚀红壤区马尾松人工林恢复过程中凋落物碳氮归还量变化

以福建省长汀县侵蚀红壤区恢复0、16和34年马尾松人工林为研究对象,采用"时空代换"法,研究侵蚀退化地植被恢复过程中马尾松和林下植被芒萁凋落物年输入量以及碳、氮归还量的变化.通过对不同恢复年限样地为期4年的凋落物观测,结果表明:植被恢复过程中凋落物输入量逐渐增加,不同恢复年限样地马尾松凋落物年输入量平均分别为0.60、...     

TREE UPROOTING: REVIEW OF TYPES AND PATTERNS OF SOIL DISTURBANCE

This paper reviews the processes of tree uprooting, examines the classification of pit and mound microtopography and assesses the effects of tree uprooting on soil mixing and genesis. The processes by which soil-horizon clasts are mixed as they slump off the root plate, and the ultimate patterns of soil horizonation within mounds, are primary foci of the paper. Longevity of treethrow mounds can exceed 2000 years, making these landforms more lasting features than is often assumed. Because of their great longevity, the pits and mounds formed by uprooting have lasting effects on soil morphology. Soils of these microsites often classify in different soil orders or suborders than do adjacent, less disturbed soils. The importance of tree uprooting to mass movement processes is examined. In some areas uprooting may be the primary mass wasting mechanism. Nonetheless, estimates of the amount of sediment moved and the net distance of transport vary greatly and may in some cases be overestimated. [Key words: pedoturbation, microtopography, pit/mound topography, mass wasting, geomorphology.]     

Soil morphology and organic matter dynamics under cheatgrass and sagebrush-steppe plant communities

Widespread cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) invasion represents a major shift in species dominance that may alter ecosystem processes across much of the western US. To investigate differences following such conversion, soil morphology and organic matter under cheatgrass-dominated and native shrub-steppe vegetation were compared by standard soil analysis procedures at seven paired sites in Idaho and Utah. Results suggest that, following conversion to cheatgrass dominance, increased porosity and labile organic inputs enhance microbial decomposition in near-surface horizons beneath cheatgrass compared to adjacent soils under native vegetation. Enhanced decomposition could result in depletion of long-term SOM, leading to impoverished sites difficult to restore to native perennial vegetation.     

科尔沁沙地30种植物叶凋落物CO2释放量及释放速率的研究

 采用可以有效控制环境因子的室内土壤培养试验，初步研究了科尔沁沙地30种植物叶凋落物的CO₂释放量及释放速率。结果表明：①在28 d培养期内，不同植物叶凋落物释放的CO₂量差异很大，其中，多年生植物叶凋落物CO₂释放量平均值大于一年生植物，但二者之间的差异不显著；禾本科植物叶凋落物CO₂释放量平均值明显小于其他植物，二者之间呈显著差异。②在28 d培养期内，不同植物叶凋落物每四天CO₂释放速率差异很大。一年生与多年生植物叶凋落物28 d内每四天释放CO₂的速率无显著差异；禾本科与其他植物叶凋落物每四天释放CO₂的速率在培养的前16 d差异呈显著，而后差异消失。③植物叶凋落物的全碳含量，氮含量，C／N，灰分/N及灰分含量不同造成CO₂释放量及释放速率的差异。叶凋落物28 d释放CO₂的量与叶凋落物初始碳含量及灰分含量均无相关关系，与叶凋落物初始氮含量呈显著正相关，与叶凋落物C／N及灰分／N呈显著负相关。叶凋落物培养期内每四天释放CO₂的速率与叶凋落物初始碳含量无相关关系；叶凋落物0\_20天释放CO₂的速率与叶凋落物初始氮含量呈显著正相关，与叶凋落物C／N呈显著负相关；叶凋落物9\_28天CO₂释放速率与灰分／N呈显著负相关；培养后期（17\_28天）的CO₂释放速率与灰分含量呈显著负相关。     

Effects of Forest Types and Environmental Factors on Soil Microbial Biomass in a Coastal Sand Dune of Subtropical China

Coastal sand dune ecosystems generally have infertile soil with low water-holding capacity and high salinity. However, many plant species have adapted to the harsh sand environment along the southeastern coast of China. Studying the microbial biomass in such an ecosystem can improve our understanding of the roles that microbes play in soil fertility and nutrient cycling. We investigated the differences in soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) contents and their seasonal dynamics in five forest types (a secondary forest and plantations of Casuarinas, Pine, Acacia, and Eucalyptus). The results indicated that the seasonal variations of soil MBC and MBN contents in all five forest stands were higher in spring and winter, but lower in summer and autumn. The MBC content was lower in the Casuarinas plantation than in the other plantations in the same soil layer. However, no significant differences were observed in MBN contents among the different forest types. The MBC and MBN concentrations were positively correlated with soil moisture, but negatively correlated with soil temperature. The MBC and MBN contents also decreased with increasing soil depth. Across all soil layers, secondary forest had the highest MBC and MBN concentrations. Our study also showed that the MBC and MBN contents were positively affected by total soil carbon (TC), pH, and litter N content, but were negatively impacted by soil bulk density and litter C content. Moreover, the MBN content was positively correlated with root N content. In summary, environmental factors and the differences in litter and fine roots, soil nutrient contents, as well as the soil physical and chemical properties caused by different tree species collectively affected the concentrations of the soil MBC and MBN.     

Vertical distribution of Artemisia halodendron root system in relation to soil properties in Horqin Sandy Land, NE China

Root distribution plays an important role in both vegetation establishment and restoration of degraded land through influencing soil property and vegetation growth. Root distribution at 0~60 cm depth of A. halodendron was investigated in Horqin Sandy Land. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (SN) concentration as well as carbon and nitrogen in root biomass and necromass were measured. Root length density (RLD) was estimated. Total root biomass, necromass and the RLD at 0~60 cm depth was 172 g/m², 245 g/m², and 368 m/m², respectively. Both biomass and necromass of A. halodendron roots decreased with soil depth, live roots were mainly at 0~20 cm (76% of biomass and 63% of root length), while 73% of the necromass was within 0~30 cm depth. N concentration of roots (biomass and necromass) was about 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. There were significant differences in SOC concentration between soil layers, but insignificant for SN. Soil C/N ratio decreased with depth (P<0.05). C and N storage for belowground system at 0~60 cm decreased markedly with depth; 41.4% of C and 31.7% of N were allocated to the 0~10 cm layer. Root bio- and necromass together contained similar amount of C to that of the soil itself in the top layer. N stock was dominated by soil nitrogen at all depths, but more so in deeper layers. It is clear that differentiating between soil layers will aid in interpreting A. halodendron efficiency in soil restoration in sandy land.     

Impacts of insect biological control on soil N transformations in Tamarix-invaded ecosystems in the Great Basin,USA

We investigated impacts of biocontrol of Tamarix spp. by Diorhabda carinulata on soil nitrogen (N) transformations by surveying organic and mineral soils from three sites. Potential net N mineralization was assayed using laboratory incubations. Results partially supported our hypothesis that herbivory would result in stimulated net N mineralization rates after one year of herbivory exposure, and did not support our hypothesis that herbivory would result in a sustained increase in rates after several years of exposure. Short-term effects differed by site, likely influenced by differences in prevailing soil N status, with net mineralization stimulated at a low fertility site but not at a high fertility site. In the longer-term, there was no impact on overall net N mineralization rates, even though there was a trend towards greater N immobilization in mineral soil. This may result from declining organic matter inputs to soil due to progressive growth limitations from herbivore-induced stress. Results suggest soil N availability will increase in the short-term and eventually decrease in the longer-term at low fertility sites, while soil N availability will not be impacted by herbivory at high fertility sites. Widespread management implications will require further research at sites spanning a range of edaphic characteristics.     

西藏高原地区陆地生态系统碳素循环平衡模拟

1IntroductionWith greatest concentration, carbon dioxide (CO2) is most sensitive to climate change among all the greenhouse gases. Since the Industrial Revolution, CO2 content emitted into the atmosphere has increased rapidly, due to the use of fossil fuels. According to estimations, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has increased from 280 ppm in the early period of the Industrial Revolution (Melillo etal., 1995) to 368 ppm at present (Keeling and Whorf, 2000). It is universally accept…