Forest canopy density can change the soil function and quality by altering the understory microenvironment. A comprehensive assessment of soil quality is essential for the development of sustainable forest management practices.
Methods
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different canopy densities including forest gap (FG), forest edge (FE), medium-canopy density 0.4–0.6 (MCD), and high-canopy density 0.7–0.9 (HCD) on soil properties and soil quality index (SQI), and further to determine the main indicators that influence soil quality. The SQI was calculated using principal component analysis (PCA) and minimum data set (MDS) for indicator selection and weight assignment.
Results
Our results showed that pH decreased significantly with increasing canopy density (P < 0.05). In addition, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total phosphorus (TP) were significantly improved, and soil microbial phosphorus limitation gradually changed to nitrogen limitation with increasing canopy density. The SQI values ranged from 0.37 to 0.62, with the highest value in MCD. The MDS including leucine aminopeptidase (LAP; weight 0.27), soil available potassium (AK; weight 0.25), soil total nitrogen (TN; weight 0.23), and soil available phosphorus (SAP; weight 0.26) accounted for 80.79% of the variation in soil quality index.
Conclusion
Overall, the findings collectively indicated that medium canopy density (MCD) was beneficial for maintaining SQI. This study provides guidance for the sustainable management of a secondary forest.
{"title":"Canopy density affects nutrient limitation and soil quality index in a secondary forest, in China","authors":"Wenju Chen, Xin Zhang, Yanqiu Wang, Junzhe Wang, Yuchao Zhi, Runqin Wu, Dexiang Wang","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07429-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07429-z","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Forest canopy density can change the soil function and quality by altering the understory microenvironment. A comprehensive assessment of soil quality is essential for the development of sustainable forest management practices.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different canopy densities including forest gap (FG), forest edge (FE), medium-canopy density 0.4–0.6 (MCD), and high-canopy density 0.7–0.9 (HCD) on soil properties and soil quality index (SQI), and further to determine the main indicators that influence soil quality. The SQI was calculated using principal component analysis (PCA) and minimum data set (MDS) for indicator selection and weight assignment.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Our results showed that pH decreased significantly with increasing canopy density (<i>P</i> < 0.05). In addition, soil organic carbon (SOC) and total phosphorus (TP) were significantly improved, and soil microbial phosphorus limitation gradually changed to nitrogen limitation with increasing canopy density. The SQI values ranged from 0.37 to 0.62, with the highest value in MCD. The MDS including leucine aminopeptidase (LAP; weight 0.27), soil available potassium (AK; weight 0.25), soil total nitrogen (TN; weight 0.23), and soil available phosphorus (SAP; weight 0.26) accounted for 80.79% of the variation in soil quality index.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Overall, the findings collectively indicated that medium canopy density (MCD) was beneficial for maintaining SQI. This study provides guidance for the sustainable management of a secondary forest.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143867025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07419-1
Julia Jimeno-Alda, Jose Antonio Navarro-Cano, Marta Goberna, Miguel Verdú
Aims
Plant-soil interactions play a pivotal role in governing ecosystem dynamics. Plants directly interact with rhizosphere microorganisms, providing them with labile carbon in exchange for mineral nutrients that are the product of decomposition. Such processes are modulated by ecological interactions between plant species in ways that are not fully understood. We assessed whether rhizosphere respiration rates, as a proxy for decomposition, are influenced by i) heterospecific versus conspecific plant interactions, and whether these effects are positive or negative, and ii) how these effects are linked to the identity and the below- and aboveground functional traits of the interacting plant species.
Methods
We conducted a greenhouse experiment with 300 pairwise hetero- and conspecific combinations of ten Mediterranean herbs and shrubs species, covering a range of functional distances calculated based on 33 traits. In addition, we quantified heterotrophic respiration in the rhizosphere as a proxy of decomposition.
Results
Plant neighbour identity was the main factor explaining changes on respiration rates. Respiration increased along with the functional distance between heterospecific pairs of interacting plants when considering aboveground or nutritional traits. Morphological and belowground traits were not significant predictors of changes on respiration rates.
Conclusions
Interspecific plant-plant interactions lead to faster respiration rates in the rhizosphere as functional distance between neighbours increases. This study provides experimental support that functional trait dissimilarities between heterospecific neighbouring plants promote the rates of organic matter decomposition, showing cascading effects of aboveground interactions on belowground ecosystem processes.
{"title":"Differences in nutrient content between heterospecific plant neighbours affect respiration rates of rhizosphere microbiota","authors":"Julia Jimeno-Alda, Jose Antonio Navarro-Cano, Marta Goberna, Miguel Verdú","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07419-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07419-1","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Plant-soil interactions play a pivotal role in governing ecosystem dynamics. Plants directly interact with rhizosphere microorganisms, providing them with labile carbon in exchange for mineral nutrients that are the product of decomposition. Such processes are modulated by ecological interactions between plant species in ways that are not fully understood. We assessed whether rhizosphere respiration rates, as a proxy for decomposition, are influenced by i) heterospecific versus conspecific plant interactions, and whether these effects are positive or negative, and ii) how these effects are linked to the identity and the below- and aboveground functional traits of the interacting plant species.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We conducted a greenhouse experiment with 300 pairwise hetero- and conspecific combinations of ten Mediterranean herbs and shrubs species, covering a range of functional distances calculated based on 33 traits. In addition, we quantified heterotrophic respiration in the rhizosphere as a proxy of decomposition.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Plant neighbour identity was the main factor explaining changes on respiration rates. Respiration increased along with the functional distance between heterospecific pairs of interacting plants when considering aboveground or nutritional traits. Morphological and belowground traits were not significant predictors of changes on respiration rates.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>Interspecific plant-plant interactions lead to faster respiration rates in the rhizosphere as functional distance between neighbours increases. This study provides experimental support that functional trait dissimilarities between heterospecific neighbouring plants promote the rates of organic matter decomposition, showing cascading effects of aboveground interactions on belowground ecosystem processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143866980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07435-1
Ruochen Zhang, Yue Wang, Malik Kamran, Jianjun Wang, Tao Li, Guiqin Zhao, Chunjie Li
Aims
To maximize the productivity of oats, and evaluate the effects of sowing density and fertilizer rate on the yield, root growth, leaf area index (LAI), water and fertilizer use efficiency of rainfed oats.
Methods
In 2022 and 2023, a two-factor randomized block design field trial was conducted under no irrigation in Northwest China during the oat planting season. Three sowing densities (low density (L): 75 kg/ha; moderate density (M): 150 kg/ha; high density (H): 225 kg/ha) were coupled with six fertilizer rates (N0P0: no fertilization; N2P0: 100 N kg/ha; N0P2: 90 P kg/ha; N1P2: 50 N kg/ha, 90 P kg/ha; N2P1: 100 N kg/ha, 45 P kg/ha; N2P2: 100 N kg/ha, 90 P kg/ha).
Results
The aboveground dry matter yield, grain yield, root length density, root surface area density, root biomass, leaf area index (LAI), water use efficiency (WUE) and partial N fertilizer productivity (NFP) increased by 9.9—204.1%, 4.2—90.5%, 9—48.8%, 15.8—45%, 18.6—24.5%, 14.9—78.9%, 17.8—43.8% and 15.8—248.3% respectively, under M-N1P2 compare with other treatments. The results revealed significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) of DM and grain yield with root system, LAI, WUE and NFP. M-N1P2 increased the WUE and NFP by improving root structure and LAI, resulting in the highest DM yield and grain yield.
Conclusion
The sowing density of 150 kg ha−1 coupled with 50 kg ha−1 N and 90 kg ha−1 P is recommended in the semi-arid regions to promote oats production.
{"title":"Optimal sowing density and fertilizer rate can increase oat yield by improving root structure, water use efficiency and fertilizer productivity in semi-arid region","authors":"Ruochen Zhang, Yue Wang, Malik Kamran, Jianjun Wang, Tao Li, Guiqin Zhao, Chunjie Li","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07435-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07435-1","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>To maximize the productivity of oats, and evaluate the effects of sowing density and fertilizer rate on the yield, root growth, leaf area index (LAI), water and fertilizer use efficiency of rainfed oats.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In 2022 and 2023, a two-factor randomized block design field trial was conducted under no irrigation in Northwest China during the oat planting season. Three sowing densities (low density (L): 75 kg/ha; moderate density (M): 150 kg/ha; high density (H): 225 kg/ha) were coupled with six fertilizer rates (N0P0: no fertilization; N2P0: 100 N kg/ha; N0P2: 90 P kg/ha; N1P2: 50 N kg/ha, 90 P kg/ha; N2P1: 100 N kg/ha, 45 P kg/ha; N2P2: 100 N kg/ha, 90 P kg/ha).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The aboveground dry matter yield, grain yield, root length density, root surface area density, root biomass, leaf area index (LAI), water use efficiency (WUE) and partial N fertilizer productivity (NFP) increased by 9.9—204.1%, 4.2—90.5%, 9—48.8%, 15.8—45%, 18.6—24.5%, 14.9—78.9%, 17.8—43.8% and 15.8—248.3% respectively, under M-N1P2 compare with other treatments. The results revealed significant positive correlations (<i>P</i> < 0.05) of DM and grain yield with root system, LAI, WUE and NFP. M-N1P2 increased the WUE and NFP by improving root structure and LAI, resulting in the highest DM yield and grain yield.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The sowing density of 150 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> coupled with 50 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> N and 90 kg ha<sup>−1</sup> P is recommended in the semi-arid regions to promote oats production.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143866981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-24DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07471-x
Etienne Sutton, Sieglinde Snapp, Vicki Morrone, Jennifer Blesh
Background and aims
Cover crops support ecosystem services in agroecosystems, but their performance can be highly variable. Functional trait ecology provides a useful framework for understanding variation in cover crop performance across different growing conditions. However, trait variation within species remains understudied compared to variation between species.
Methods
In a two-year experiment, we measured nine functional traits for three cover crop species across 13 fields on working farms that spanned a gradient of soil health. Each field contained three cover crop treatments: a functionally diverse mixture of cereal rye (Secale cereale), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and dwarf-essex rapeseed (Brassica napus), and rye and clover monocrops. We evaluated i) the magnitude and relative importance of intraspecific and interspecific trait variation; ii) which soil health indicators best explained trait variation; and iii) whether interspecific interactions in mixture induced trait plasticity.
Results
Despite strong trait contrasts between species, intraspecific trait variation comprised 50% of total trait variation, on average. Trait variation was best explained by particulate organic matter nitrogen (POM N), soil phosphorus, pH, and permanganate oxidizable carbon for clover; by POM N and soil phosphorus for rye; and by POM N for dwarf essex. Rye and clover also showed significant trait plasticity in mixture relative to monocrop treatments.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that intraspecific and interspecific trait variation are equally important, and that examining trait variation within species can improve the ability to predict cover crop outcomes. This information can inform cropping system design in distinct contexts to promote success of component species and complementary ecosystem functions.
{"title":"Cover crop functional trait plasticity in response to soil conditions and interspecific interactions","authors":"Etienne Sutton, Sieglinde Snapp, Vicki Morrone, Jennifer Blesh","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07471-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07471-x","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Cover crops support ecosystem services in agroecosystems, but their performance can be highly variable. Functional trait ecology provides a useful framework for understanding variation in cover crop performance across different growing conditions. However, trait variation within species remains understudied compared to variation between species.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>In a two-year experiment, we measured nine functional traits for three cover crop species across 13 fields on working farms that spanned a gradient of soil health. Each field contained three cover crop treatments: a functionally diverse mixture of cereal rye (<i>Secale cereale</i>), crimson clover (<i>Trifolium incarnatum</i>), and dwarf-essex rapeseed (<i>Brassica napus</i>), and rye and clover monocrops. We evaluated i) the magnitude and relative importance of intraspecific and interspecific trait variation; ii) which soil health indicators best explained trait variation; and iii) whether interspecific interactions in mixture induced trait plasticity.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Despite strong trait contrasts between species, intraspecific trait variation comprised 50% of total trait variation, on average. Trait variation was best explained by particulate organic matter nitrogen (POM N), soil phosphorus, pH, and permanganate oxidizable carbon for clover; by POM N and soil phosphorus for rye; and by POM N for dwarf essex. Rye and clover also showed significant trait plasticity in mixture relative to monocrop treatments.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our study demonstrates that intraspecific and interspecific trait variation are equally important, and that examining trait variation within species can improve the ability to predict cover crop outcomes. This information can inform cropping system design in distinct contexts to promote success of component species and complementary ecosystem functions.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143867024","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) exhibit distinct strategies for nutrient acquisition. However, the effects of varying nitrogen (N) additions on the nutrient-acquisition strategies of fine roots in ECM and AM species have not been fully elucidated.
Methods
We investigated fine root traits, mycorrhizal colonization rates, and rhizosphere enzyme activity in Pinus massoniana (ECM) and Cunninghamia lanceolata (AM) plantations at 16-year-old under five levels of N addition (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1).
Results
The fine root biomass of Pinus massoniana (ECM) initially increased and then declined with increasing N additions, whereas that of Cunninghamia lanceolata (AM) exhibited a continuous increase. The specific root length (SRL) and root area (SRA) of P. massoniana did not significantly change with increasing levels of N, while those in C. lanceolata increased initially and then decreased. For both species, the mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased as the level of N addition increased. Furthermore, rhizosphere extracellular enzyme activity in P. massoniana increased at high N levels, while that in C. lanceolata increased at low N levels.
Conclusions
With increasing N addition, the fine roots of C. lanceolata shifted from prioritizing nutrient exploration efficiency (via SRL) to nutrient exploration quantity (via biomass), while the fine roots of P. massoniana initially relied on fine root biomass and mycorrhizal associations, eventually transitioning to exploration efficiency and a decoupling from mycorrhiza. Our findings enhance understanding of plant-soil interactions and provide insightful information for forest management under N deposition.
{"title":"Nitrogen addition shifts fine root nutrient-acquisition strategies differently in ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal plantations: A case study of Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata","authors":"Jing Wu, Xiaoxiang Zhao, Taidong Zhang, Shuai Ouyang, Liang Chen, Yelin Zeng, Huili Wu, Wenhua Xiang","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07473-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07473-9","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p>Tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) exhibit distinct strategies for nutrient acquisition. However, the effects of varying nitrogen (N) additions on the nutrient-acquisition strategies of fine roots in ECM and AM species have not been fully elucidated.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>We investigated fine root traits, mycorrhizal colonization rates, and rhizosphere enzyme activity in <i>Pinus massoniana</i> (ECM) and <i>Cunninghamia lanceolata</i> (AM) plantations at 16-year-old under five levels of N addition (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha<sup>−1</sup> yr<sup>−1</sup>).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The fine root biomass of <i>Pinus massoniana</i> (ECM) initially increased and then declined with increasing N additions, whereas that of <i>Cunninghamia lanceolata</i> (AM) exhibited a continuous increase. The specific root length (SRL) and root area (SRA) of <i>P. massoniana</i> did not significantly change with increasing levels of N, while those in <i>C. lanceolata</i> increased initially and then decreased. For both species, the mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased as the level of N addition increased. Furthermore, rhizosphere extracellular enzyme activity in <i>P. massoniana</i> increased at high N levels, while that in <i>C. lanceolata</i> increased at low N levels.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>With increasing N addition, the fine roots of <i>C. lanceolata</i> shifted from prioritizing nutrient exploration efficiency (via SRL) to nutrient exploration quantity (via biomass), while the fine roots of <i>P. massoniana</i> initially relied on fine root biomass and mycorrhizal associations, eventually transitioning to exploration efficiency and a decoupling from mycorrhiza. Our findings enhance understanding of plant-soil interactions and provide insightful information for forest management under N deposition.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143867027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-23DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07467-7
Si-Nan Wang, Xu Chen, Jun-Xiao Ma, Xuan Liu, Azim Mallik, Meng Wang, Shasha Liu, Mingming Zhang, Zhao-Jun Bu
Background and aims
Human-induced increases in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition are considered significant threats to soil carbon (C) sequestration in northern peatlands. However, this hypothesis lacks validation with long-term simulation experiments and dating technology, which are crucial for accurately assessing C storage.
Methods
Using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating technology, we examined the effect of 13 years N and P additions on soil C storage in a Sphagnum dominated peatland.
Results
AMS 14C dating showed that apparent soil accumulation rate decreased from 0.94 in control to 0.74 cm yr−1 on average in nutrient addition plots. However, the soil C storage in the past 50 years was not reduced by N or low level of P additions due to accelerated peat decomposition being offset by more belowground biomass inputs. We found that high level of P additions increased C storage significantly (up to 30%). The additions of N, P or their co-addition increased the ratio of soil labile organic C to total organic C, suggesting a potential decrease in stability due to a shift towards less stable C. Comparatively, microbial and enzyme activities were more sensitive to P addition.
Conclusion
The chronic exogenous nutrient enrichment may facilitate C sequestration to some extent, but it could threaten C sink by diminishing the stability of soil C fractions in peatlands in the long run. The contrasting responses of the quality and quantity of C pool to long-term nutrient enrichment may explain the underlying mechanisms of C dynamics in peatlands.
{"title":"Additions of nitrogen and phosphorus do not reduce storage but stability of soil carbon in a northern peatland","authors":"Si-Nan Wang, Xu Chen, Jun-Xiao Ma, Xuan Liu, Azim Mallik, Meng Wang, Shasha Liu, Mingming Zhang, Zhao-Jun Bu","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07467-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07467-7","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Human-induced increases in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition are considered significant threats to soil carbon (C) sequestration in northern peatlands. However, this hypothesis lacks validation with long-term simulation experiments and dating technology, which are crucial for accurately assessing C storage.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) <sup>14</sup>C dating technology, we examined the effect of 13 years N and P additions on soil C storage in a <i>Sphagnum</i> dominated peatland.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>AMS <sup>14</sup>C dating showed that apparent soil accumulation rate decreased from 0.94 in control to 0.74 cm yr<sup>−1</sup> on average in nutrient addition plots. However, the soil C storage in the past 50 years was not reduced by N or low level of P additions due to accelerated peat decomposition being offset by more belowground biomass inputs. We found that high level of P additions increased C storage significantly (up to 30%). The additions of N, P or their co-addition increased the ratio of soil labile organic C to total organic C, suggesting a potential decrease in stability due to a shift towards less stable C. Comparatively, microbial and enzyme activities were more sensitive to P addition.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The chronic exogenous nutrient enrichment may facilitate C sequestration to some extent, but it could threaten C sink by diminishing the stability of soil C fractions in peatlands in the long run. The contrasting responses of the quality and quantity of C pool to long-term nutrient enrichment may explain the underlying mechanisms of C dynamics in peatlands.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"204 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143862877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Microorganisms are essential for carbon and nitrogen cycling in the active layer of permafrost regions, but the distribution and controlling factors of microbial functional genes across different land cover types and soil depths remain poorly understood. This gap hinders accurate predictions of carbon and nitrogen cycling dynamics under climate change. This study aims to explore how land cover type and soil depth influence microbial functional gene distribution in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's permafrost regions.
Methods
Soil samples (0–50 cm) were collected from alpine wet meadows, alpine meadows, and alpine steppes. We analyzed the samples for physicochemical properties, microbial amplicon sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing. Correlation analyses were conducted between microbial community structure, functional genes, and environmental factors to identify the drivers of microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Results
Bacterial richness was 6.03% lower in steppe soils compared to wet meadow soils. Steppe soils exhibited the highest aerobic respiration potential, while deeper wet meadow soils had enhanced anaerobic carbon fixation potential and a higher abundance of carbon decomposition-related genes. Nitrogen assimilation was highest in steppe surface soils, whereas denitrification and ammonification were greatest in wet meadow soils. Carbon cycling potential was influenced by total soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and belowground biomass, while nitrogen cycling was driven by belowground biomass, soil moisture, and pH.
Conclusion
Our findings underscore the role of environmental factors in microbial functional gene distribution, providing new insights for modeling carbon and nitrogen cycling in alpine permafrost ecosystems under climate change.
{"title":"Land cover types and depth regulate carbon and nitrogen cycle functional genes in permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau","authors":"Xiaoying Fan, Xiaodong Wu, Dejincuo Ma, Tonghua Wu, Guimin Liu, Haiyan Xu, Defu Zou, Guojie Hu, Yadong Liu, Xianhua Wei, Xuchun Yan, Yongxiang Liu, Sizhong Yang, Evgeny Abakumov","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07472-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07472-w","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and Aims</h3><p>Microorganisms are essential for carbon and nitrogen cycling in the active layer of permafrost regions, but the distribution and controlling factors of microbial functional genes across different land cover types and soil depths remain poorly understood. This gap hinders accurate predictions of carbon and nitrogen cycling dynamics under climate change. This study aims to explore how land cover type and soil depth influence microbial functional gene distribution in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau's permafrost regions.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Soil samples (0–50 cm) were collected from alpine wet meadows, alpine meadows, and alpine steppes. We analyzed the samples for physicochemical properties, microbial amplicon sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing. Correlation analyses were conducted between microbial community structure, functional genes, and environmental factors to identify the drivers of microbial carbon and nitrogen cycling.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Bacterial richness was 6.03% lower in steppe soils compared to wet meadow soils. Steppe soils exhibited the highest aerobic respiration potential, while deeper wet meadow soils had enhanced anaerobic carbon fixation potential and a higher abundance of carbon decomposition-related genes. Nitrogen assimilation was highest in steppe surface soils, whereas denitrification and ammonification were greatest in wet meadow soils. Carbon cycling potential was influenced by total soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and belowground biomass, while nitrogen cycling was driven by belowground biomass, soil moisture, and pH.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>Our findings underscore the role of environmental factors in microbial functional gene distribution, providing new insights for modeling carbon and nitrogen cycling in alpine permafrost ecosystems under climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"28 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143857210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rice is prone to accumulating both inorganic arsenic (iAs) and organic arsenic species, such as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). DMA is the primary causative agent of rice straighthead disease, a physiological disorder that leads to substantial yield losses. In this study, we investigated whether rice straw-derived biochar with different silicon (Si) contents and Si fertilizer can alleviate rice straighthead disease and decrease DMA accumulation in rice grains.
Methods
Low- and high-Si biochars were produced from straw of a low-silica rice mutant lsi2 and its wild type (WT), respectively, by carbonization at a temperature of 450 °C. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of rice straw-derived biochar and a powdered Si fertilizer on As speciation in soil porewater at different rice growth stages and DMA accumulation in rice grains.
Results
The Si content of the high- and low-Si biochars differed substantially (127.4 g kg⁻1 for WT and 47.8 g kg⁻1 for lsi2 biochar), with approximately 18% Si bioavailability following biochar application. Both biochar and Si fertilizer application alleviated straighthead disease and decreased DMA levels in grain by 24–58.2%, with the high-Si biochar outperforming other treatments.
Conclusions
The beneficial effects of the biochar on mitigating straighthead disease were primarily attributed to their Si content and the capacity to maintain prolonged Si availability in soil porewater. Additionally, supplementation with Si during the booting stage of rice proved particularly effective in maintaining Si availability, reducing DMA uptake, and alleviating straighthead disease.
背景和目的水稻容易积累无机砷（iAs）和有机砷，如二甲基砷酸（DMA）。DMA 是水稻直头病的主要致病因子，直头病是一种生理病害，会导致大量减产。本研究探讨了不同硅（Si）含量的水稻秸秆生物炭和硅肥是否能缓解水稻直头病并减少水稻谷粒中 DMA 的积累。方法分别用低硅水稻突变体 lsi2 和野生型（WT）的秸秆在 450 °C 温度下碳化制得低硅和高硅生物炭。结果 高硅生物炭和低硅生物炭的硅含量差别很大（WT 生物炭的硅含量为 127.4 g kg-1，lsi2 生物炭的硅含量为 47.8 g kg-1），施用生物炭后硅的生物利用率约为 18%。施用生物炭和硅肥都能缓解直头病，并使谷物中的 DMA 含量降低 24-58.2%，其中高硅生物炭的效果优于其他处理。此外，在水稻拔节期补充硅，对维持硅的可用性、减少 DMA 吸收和减轻直头病特别有效。
{"title":"Silicon-enriched rice straw biochar and silicon fertilizer mitigate rice straighthead disease by reducing dimethylarsinic acid accumulation","authors":"Yang Yang, Zhong Tang, AXiang Gao, Chuan Chen, Peng Wang, Fang-Jie Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07478-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07478-4","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and aims</h3><p>Rice is prone to accumulating both inorganic arsenic (iAs) and organic arsenic species, such as dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). DMA is the primary causative agent of rice straighthead disease, a physiological disorder that leads to substantial yield losses. In this study, we investigated whether rice straw-derived biochar with different silicon (Si) contents and Si fertilizer can alleviate rice straighthead disease and decrease DMA accumulation in rice grains.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Low- and high-Si biochars were produced from straw of a low-silica rice mutant <i>lsi2</i> and its wild type (WT), respectively, by carbonization at a temperature of 450 °C. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of rice straw-derived biochar and a powdered Si fertilizer on As speciation in soil porewater at different rice growth stages and DMA accumulation in rice grains.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>The Si content of the high- and low-Si biochars differed substantially (127.4 g kg⁻<sup>1</sup> for WT and 47.8 g kg⁻<sup>1</sup> for <i>lsi2</i> biochar), with approximately 18% Si bioavailability following biochar application. Both biochar and Si fertilizer application alleviated straighthead disease and decreased DMA levels in grain by 24–58.2%, with the high-Si biochar outperforming other treatments.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p>The beneficial effects of the biochar on mitigating straighthead disease were primarily attributed to their Si content and the capacity to maintain prolonged Si availability in soil porewater. Additionally, supplementation with Si during the booting stage of rice proved particularly effective in maintaining Si availability, reducing DMA uptake, and alleviating straighthead disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143857209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07453-z
João Antônio Paraginski, Mariana Poll Moraes, Filipe Selau Carlos, Newton Alex Mayer, Valmor João Bianchi
Aims
Trichoderma asperellum is notable for promoting growth and enhancing the health of rootstocks, presenting a promising strategy for optimizing seedling development and orchard productivity. Identifying such strategies is essential for producing high-quality seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of T. asperellum application, in combination with different types and doses of fertilizer, on the chlorophyll content and growth of the Prunus persica rootstock selection “NR0170302”.
Methods
A completely randomized bifactorial design was used with fertilizer sources [Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) and Nutrient Solution (NS)] either with or without T. asperellum (CRF, CRF + T. asperellum, NS and NS + T. asperellum) and at varying fertilizer doses (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g dm−3). Growth parameters assessed included plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll a, b and a + b content.
Results
Significant increases in leaf number and leaf area were observed at doses of 4 to 8 g dm−3, with the combination of T. asperellum and NS proving most effective. Chlorophyll a, b, and a + b contents were enhanced by fertilizer doses, particularly with NS and CRF combined with T. asperellum at doses 2 to 8 g dm−3.
Conclusions
T. asperellum inoculation allowed a reduction in the CRF dose from 6.67 to 5.33 g dm−3 without compromising growth in peach rootstocks until grafting. Nutrient supply through NS (5 to 6 g dm−3), with or without T. asperellum, proved more effective than CRF in enhancing the production of rootstocks, contributing to improved morphological quality and standardization in pre-grafting.
{"title":"Trichoderma asperellum and mineral fertilization improve chlorophyll content and growth of Prunus persica L. Batsch rootstocks","authors":"João Antônio Paraginski, Mariana Poll Moraes, Filipe Selau Carlos, Newton Alex Mayer, Valmor João Bianchi","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07453-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07453-z","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Aims</h3><p><i>Trichoderma asperellum</i> is notable for promoting growth and enhancing the health of rootstocks, presenting a promising strategy for optimizing seedling development and orchard productivity. Identifying such strategies is essential for producing high-quality seedlings. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of <i>T. asperellum</i> application, in combination with different types and doses of fertilizer, on the chlorophyll content and growth of the <i>Prunus persica</i> rootstock selection “NR0170302”.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>A completely randomized bifactorial design was used with fertilizer sources [Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF) and Nutrient Solution (NS)] either with or without <i>T. asperellum</i> (CRF, CRF + <i>T. asperellum</i>, NS and NS + <i>T. asperellum</i>) and at varying fertilizer doses (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g dm<sup>−3</sup>). Growth parameters assessed included plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, chlorophyll <i>a</i>, <i>b</i> and <i>a</i> + <i>b</i> content.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Significant increases in leaf number and leaf area were observed at doses of 4 to 8 g dm<sup>−3</sup>, with the combination of <i>T. asperellum</i> and NS proving most effective. Chlorophyll <i>a</i>, <i>b</i>, and <i>a</i> + <i>b</i> contents were enhanced by fertilizer doses, particularly with NS and CRF combined with <i>T. asperellum</i> at doses 2 to 8 g dm<sup>−3</sup>.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusions</h3><p><i>T. asperellum</i> inoculation allowed a reduction in the CRF dose from 6.67 to 5.33 g dm<sup>−3</sup> without compromising growth in peach rootstocks until grafting. Nutrient supply through NS (5 to 6 g dm<sup>−3</sup>), with or without <i>T. asperellum</i>, proved more effective than CRF in enhancing the production of rootstocks, contributing to improved morphological quality and standardization in pre-grafting.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"24 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143857207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1007/s11104-025-07456-w
Franziska A. Steiner, Shu-Yin Tung, Andreas J. Wild, Tina Köhler, Nicolas Tyborski, Andrea Carminati, Johanna Pausch, Tillmann Lüders, Sebastian Wolfrum, Carsten W. Mueller, Alix Vidal
Background and Aims
Biophysicochemical soil properties in the rhizosheath are pivotal for crop yields and drive organic carbon cycling in agricultural soils. Yet, it remains uncertain how moderate soil drought may alter and interfere with rhizosheath properties in diverse soil types, and whether specific rhizosheath traits benefit crop yields under different water availability in heterogeneous field environments.
Methods
Maize (Zea mays L.) was grown under ambient precipitation and moderate drought (60% precipitation exclusion) at two field sites differing in physicochemical soil properties, such as texture and amounts of soil organic matter (SOM). Rhizosheath properties, namely soil aggregation as well as content and distribution of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), were analyzed and, in conjunction with root traits, related to maize yields.
Results
Under moderate soil drought, net rhizosheath-C concentrated spatially within the smaller rhizosheath in the form of more carbon-rich rhizodeposits. These effects were mediated by native soil properties, with rhizosheath structural stability decreasing stronger under drought in the finer-textured soil, allocating greater proportions of C and N to microaggregates. Rhizosheath and root properties were associated with maize yields. Yet, the influence and importance of belowground traits for crop yields varied with environmental conditions (soil x precipitation).
Conclusion
The responsiveness of rhizosheath properties to moderate soil drought may influence the fate and turnover of root-derived C, and thus the overall drought resilience of SOM in agricultural soils. Moreover, our findings underscore the importance of rhizosheath properties for crop yields, yet highlighting that these relationships differ among environmental scenarios.
{"title":"Soil drying shapes rhizosheath properties and their link with maize yields across different soils","authors":"Franziska A. Steiner, Shu-Yin Tung, Andreas J. Wild, Tina Köhler, Nicolas Tyborski, Andrea Carminati, Johanna Pausch, Tillmann Lüders, Sebastian Wolfrum, Carsten W. Mueller, Alix Vidal","doi":"10.1007/s11104-025-07456-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-025-07456-w","url":null,"abstract":"<h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Background and Aims</h3><p>Biophysicochemical soil properties in the rhizosheath are pivotal for crop yields and drive organic carbon cycling in agricultural soils. Yet, it remains uncertain how moderate soil drought may alter and interfere with rhizosheath properties in diverse soil types, and whether specific rhizosheath traits benefit crop yields under different water availability in heterogeneous field environments.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Methods</h3><p>Maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) was grown under ambient precipitation and moderate drought (60% precipitation exclusion) at two field sites differing in physicochemical soil properties, such as texture and amounts of soil organic matter (SOM). Rhizosheath properties, namely soil aggregation as well as content and distribution of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), were analyzed and, in conjunction with root traits, related to maize yields.</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Results</h3><p>Under moderate soil drought, net rhizosheath-C concentrated spatially within the smaller rhizosheath in the form of more carbon-rich rhizodeposits. These effects were mediated by native soil properties, with rhizosheath structural stability decreasing stronger under drought in the finer-textured soil, allocating greater proportions of C and N to microaggregates. Rhizosheath and root properties were associated with maize yields. Yet, the influence and importance of belowground traits for crop yields varied with environmental conditions (soil x precipitation).</p><h3 data-test=\"abstract-sub-heading\">Conclusion</h3><p>The responsiveness of rhizosheath properties to moderate soil drought may influence the fate and turnover of root-derived C, and thus the overall drought resilience of SOM in agricultural soils. Moreover, our findings underscore the importance of rhizosheath properties for crop yields, yet highlighting that these relationships differ among environmental scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":20223,"journal":{"name":"Plant and Soil","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143853370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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