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Forests
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Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests
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Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Soil".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2022) | Viewed by 30005

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Zavarzina

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Guest Editor
Department of Soil Chemistry, Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
Interests: soil organic matter formation and decomposition; humic substances; phenoloxidases in soil; laccase; organic carbon stabilization
Prof. Dr. Irina N. Kurganova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Physicochemical and Biological Problems in Soil Science, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
Interests: carbon balance; soil respiration; land use effect; soil organic carbon; data base analyses
Prof. Dr. Yakov Kuzyakov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Soil Science of Temperate Ecosystems, University of Göttingen, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
Interests: priming effects; stable and radioactive isotopes; climate change and land use effect
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Francisco Matus

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Conservation and Dynamics of Volcanic Soils, Department of Chemical Sciences and Natural Resources, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, P.O. Box 54-D, Temuco 01145, Chile
Interests: temperate rainforests; andosols; C and N cycling; fire affected ecosystems; Fenton chemistry
Prof. Dr. Agustin Merino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Forestry Faculty, Escuela Politécnica Superior, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-27002 Lugo, Spain
Interests: soil conservation; soil fertility; carbon sequestration; global change; organic matter
Prof. Dr. Wenhua Xiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
Interests: subtropical forests; forest plantation management; C and N cycling; mycorrhizal associations; land use
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forest ecosystems hold 50% of terrestrial carbon reserves, and 70% of this carbon is stored in soils. As the global carbon sink, forest ecosystems play a key role in climate change mitigation. Forest fires, deforestation, and current climatic trends affect the ecological functions of forests, including nutrient cycles, soil organic matter formation, and transformation processes. This Special Issue aims to bring the understanding of impacts of human activities and climate change on carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems, as well as of drivers underlying SOM formation, stabilization, and mineralization. For example, forest management for soil carbon storage requires 10% variation to be an effective carbon sink. We invite submissions of integrative studies on soil organic matter and nutrient cycling in forests, which include but are not limited to the following topics:

  • Pools and fluxes of carbon and nutrients in forest soils
  • Organomineral interactions under forests
  • Specifics of C stabilization in forest soils
  • Dissolved organic matter fluxes in forest soils
  • Microbiota for soil organic matter formation and transformation
  • Microbial functions in forest soils
  • Modeling of soil organic matter dynamics in forests

Experimental and modeling studies, reviews, and meta-analyses on biotic, abiotic, and management effects on forest soils and the consequences of forest fires for carbon and nutrient cycling are highly welcome. Integrated studies on global change effects on forest soils and nutrient cycling are also greatly encouraged. The Special Issue aims to highlight the interactions of natural and human drivers on organic matter in forest soils at global and regional scales.

Dr. Anna Zavarzina
Prof. Dr. Irina N. Kurganova
Prof. Dr. Yakov Kuzyakov
Prof. Dr. Francisco Matus
Prof. Dr. Agustin Merino
Prof. Dr. Wenhua Xiang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • carbon and nutrient cycling in forests
  • soil organic matter formation
  • soil organic matter transformation
  • carbon stabilization
  • dissolved organic carbon
  • microbial processes
  • SOM dynamics
  • forest plantations
  • fire-affected forests
  • pyrogenic carbon

Published Papers (13 papers)

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22 pages, 2555 KiB  
Article
Albic Podzols of Boreal Pine Forests of Russia: Soil Organic Matter, Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties across Pyrogenic History
by Alexey A. Dymov, Irina D. Grodnitskaya, Evgenia V. Yakovleva, Yuri A. Dubrovskiy, Ivan N. Kutyavin, Viktor V. Startsev, Evgeni Yu. Milanovsky and Anatoly S. Prokushkin
Forests 2022, 13(11), 1831; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13111831 - 03 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2318
Abstract
Albic podzols under pine forests are more prone to fires on the planet. The influence of fire extends to all soil components, including chemical properties, microbiological characteristics, and the composition and structure of soil organic matter, which persists for a long time. Here, [...] Read more.
Albic podzols under pine forests are more prone to fires on the planet. The influence of fire extends to all soil components, including chemical properties, microbiological characteristics, and the composition and structure of soil organic matter, which persists for a long time. Here, we present the results of a study of the morphological, physicochemical, and microbiological properties and features of soil organic matter (SOM) in the albic podzols of pine forests (Pinus sylvestris L.) not exposed to fires for a long time (from 45 to 131 years). The study areas are characterized by different numbers of old fires (from four to five) that occurred over the previous several centuries in various territories of the Russian Federation such as Central Siberia (CS) and the European North (EN). In general, the albic podzols developing in CS and EN are characterized by similar morphological and physicochemical properties, with high acidity and poor mineral horizons. In terms of the lower vegetation layer and stand parameters, forest communities at the CS sites have a lower density and species diversity than those in EN. The ground cover is almost completely restored 45 years after the surface fire. The upper mineral horizon of albic podzols in EN contains higher PAHs in comparison with similar horizons of the CS sites. In the soil of EN pine forests, the MB content in the mineral horizons is, on average, three times higher than those in CS. Differences were also found in the qualitative composition of the studied soils’ microbiomes. The EN soil communities are represented by a wide variety of bacteria and fungi. The presented soil parameters can be used as a reference in assessing the increasing impact of fires on pine forests and podzols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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17 pages, 3073 KiB  
Article
Effects of Fertilizers and Litter Treatment on Soil Nutrients in Korean Pine Plantation and its Natural Forest of Northeast China
by Anwaar Hussain, Muhammad Atif Jamil, Kulsoom Abid, Wenbiao Duan, Lixin Chen and Changzhun Li
Forests 2022, 13(10), 1560; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13101560 - 24 Sep 2022
Viewed by 1359
Abstract
Organic and inorganic soil fertilizer addition or removal pose significant effects on soil nutrients. As climate change and other anthropogenic factors are causing deprivation in soil nutrient profiles and altering its proper functioning, complete insight into fertilizer modification and its consequences is required [...] Read more.
Organic and inorganic soil fertilizer addition or removal pose significant effects on soil nutrients. As climate change and other anthropogenic factors are causing deprivation in soil nutrient profiles and altering its proper functioning, complete insight into fertilizer modification and its consequences is required for understanding the sustenance of forest ecosystems. In this regard, an experiment was conducted at Liangshui National Nature Reserve, northeast China, in which two forest soil types (i.e., Korean pine plantation and natural Korean pine forest) were evaluated for their response to external fertilizer applications and litter treatments. The litter treatments were litter application as Ck (undisturbed litter), RL (removed litter) and AL (Alter/double litter i.e., litter removed from RL was added in double litter plots), whereas the synthetic fertilizer treatments were Control (No added N and P), Low (5 g N m−2 a−1 + 5 g P m−2 a−1), Medium (15 g N m−2 a−1 + 10 g P m−2 a−1) and High (30 g N m−2 a−1 + 20 g P m−2 a−1). The outcome showed that soil organic carbon (SOC) was directly proportionate to forest litter amounts. Synthetic fertilizers affected soil total nitrogen (STN) and maximum amounts were recorded in plots with H: 30 g N m−2 a−1 + 20 g P m−2 a−1, as 3.03 ± 0.35 g kg−1 in AL. Similarly, altered litter/double was most effective in enhancing the quantity of soil total phosphorus (STP) (0.75 ± 0.04 g kg−1). Soil sampling carried out during the start and end of the experiment showed decreases in the sixth sampling of: SOC (4–23%), STN (7.5-10.8%) and STP (8.51–13.9%). A positive correlation was observed between SOC and total nitrogen; C:N ratio also increased with SOC. Principal component analysis (PCA) on captured a total of 62.1% variability, on the x-axis (35.1%) and on the y-axis (27%). It was concluded that combined application of N and P at the level of 30 g N m−2 a−1 + 20 g P m−2 a−1 under AL (Alter/double litter) treatment level improved soil total N and P content. The results clearly depicted that forest litter is an important source for building up of soil organic matter, however for attaining maximum sustenance capabilities in soil, the continuity of fertilizer application in either form is a prerequisite. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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9 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Effects of Tourism Trampling on Soil Nitrogen Mineralization in Quercus variabilis Blume Forests Varies with Altitudes in the Climate Transition Zone
by Qing Shang, Yanchun Liu and Qinglin Li
Forests 2022, 13(9), 1467; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13091467 - 12 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4977
Abstract
Tourism trampling is one of the critical disturbance factors affecting forest structure and function apart from forest management activities. However, how tourism trampling affects soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rate at different altitudes in scenic forest spots is still unclear. To determine whether the [...] Read more.
Tourism trampling is one of the critical disturbance factors affecting forest structure and function apart from forest management activities. However, how tourism trampling affects soil nitrogen (N) mineralization rate at different altitudes in scenic forest spots is still unclear. To determine whether the responses of soil net N mineralization rate to tourism trampling varies with altitudes, we incubated soils using a field buried pipe method and analyzed soil ammonium N (NH4+-N) and nitrate N (NO3−-N) content at three altitudes (810 m, 1030 m, and 1240 m) at the Baotianman forest scenic spot in Henan Province. The results showed that tourism trampling significantly increased the soil bulk density and soil pH value but substantially reduced soil organic carbon (C) and total N content at all altitudes. Tourism trampling also resulted in a significant decrease in NO3−-N in the soil before and after incubation at all altitudes. The effects of tourism trampling on soil net N mineralization varied with latitudes, showing positive effects at 1030 m altitude (+51.4%), but negative effects at 1240 m altitude (−43.5%). For the soil net N nitrification rate, however, tourism trampling resulted in an increased rate (+141.1%) only at the 810 m altitude. Across all altitudes, soil microbial biomass C is primarily responsible for the variation in the soil net N mineralization rate. This study indicates that the effect of tourism trampling on soil net N mineralization rate varies with altitudes, which is related to the intensity of tourist disturbance and the synthetic effects of vegetation and soil microbes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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24 pages, 6477 KiB  
Article
Temperature Sensitivity of Soil Respiration in Two Temperate Forest Ecosystems: The Synthesis of a 24-Year Continuous Observation
by Irina Kurganova, Valentin Lopes de Gerenyu, Dmitry Khoroshaev, Tatiana Myakshina, Dmitry Sapronov and Vasily Zhmurin
Forests 2022, 13(9), 1374; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13091374 - 28 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1835
Abstract
Soil respiration (SR) is one of the largest fluxes in the global carbon cycle. The temperature sensitivity of SR (often termed as Q10) is a principal parameter for evaluating the feedback intensity between soil carbon efflux and global warming. The present [...] Read more.
Soil respiration (SR) is one of the largest fluxes in the global carbon cycle. The temperature sensitivity of SR (often termed as Q10) is a principal parameter for evaluating the feedback intensity between soil carbon efflux and global warming. The present study aimed to estimate the seasonal and interannual dynamics of the temperature sensitivity of SR based on a long-term 24-year series of measurements in two temperate forest ecosystems in European Russia. The study was conducted in a mature mixed forest with sandy Entic Podzol and in a secondary deciduous forest with loamy Haplic Luvisol. The SR rate was measured continuously from December 1997 to November 2021 at 7–10-day intervals using the closed chamber method. Sandy Entic Podzol demonstrated a higher temperature sensitivity of SR in comparison with loamy Entic Luvisol. The Q10 values for both soils in dry years were 1.3–1.4 times lower than they were in the years with normal levels of humidity. For both types of soil, we observed a significant positive correlation between the Q10 values and wetness indexes. The interannual variability of Q10 values for SR in forest soils was 18%–40% depending on the calculation approach and levels of aridity/humidity over the growing season. The heterogeneous Q10 values should be integrated into SR and C balance models for better predictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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14 pages, 4520 KiB  
Article
Organic Mulching Increases Microbial Activity in Urban Forest Soil
by Xiaodan Sun, Yuqian Ye, Jiahui Liao, Andrey V. Soromotin, Pavel V. Smirnov and Yakov Kuzyakov
Forests 2022, 13(9), 1352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13091352 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1605
Abstract
Interactions between C accumulation, resulting from plant residue mulching, and the accelerated decomposition of litter and soil organic matter due to higher enzyme activities remain poorly understood, particularly in urban forests. Here, the activities of four enzymes associated with carbon (C) and nitrogen [...] Read more.
Interactions between C accumulation, resulting from plant residue mulching, and the accelerated decomposition of litter and soil organic matter due to higher enzyme activities remain poorly understood, particularly in urban forests. Here, the activities of four enzymes associated with carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling after organic mulching were investigated in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of a 15-year-old Ligustrum lucidum urban forest. The enzymatic activities in the rhizosphere were closely correlated to those in bulk soil, however, they were more strongly affected by organic mulching and exhibited faster C and nutrient cycling. Moreover, the activity of urease in the rhizosphere and peroxidase in the bulk soil in autumn, as well as invertase in the rhizosphere in spring, decreased. Microbial C and N were most responsible for the observed increase in invertase activity in spring, during which microorganisms exhibited rapid growth and the highest activities, whereas soil organic C regulated urease activity in winter. Additionally, the activity of dehydrogenase increased by up to 75%; the degree of increase was typically dependent on the mulching amount. Generally, invertase and dehydrogenase activity increased with the abundance of dissolved organic matter and microbial biomass, whereas peroxidase exhibited the opposite trend. Taken together, these findings indicate that organic mulching efficiently increases enzymatic activity, particularly within the rhizosphere, thus accelerating soil C and N cycling. Hence, mulching may represent an effective measure for urban forest management and soil conservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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20 pages, 3585 KiB  
Article
Fire Impact on Carbon Pools and Basic Properties of Retisols in Native Spruce Forests of the European North and Central Siberia of Russia
by Viktor V. Startsev, Evgenia V. Yakovleva, Ivan N. Kutyavin and Alexey A. Dymov
Forests 2022, 13(7), 1135; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13071135 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1563
Abstract
Fires play an important role in the modern dynamics of boreal ecosystems. The article presents the results of studying the effect of old fires on soils and soil organic matter (SOM) of native spruce forests that were last affected by fires in the [...] Read more.
Fires play an important role in the modern dynamics of boreal ecosystems. The article presents the results of studying the effect of old fires on soils and soil organic matter (SOM) of native spruce forests that were last affected by fires in the previous 100 to 200 years. The studies were carried out in the European north-east of Russia (Komi Republic) and Central Siberia (Krasnoyarsk region). The objects of the study were typical Glossic Stagnic Retisol (Siltic, Cutanic). The time after the fire was determined by dendrochronological methods. Data on the content of water-soluble organic matter and densimetric fractions of soils were obtained; carbon and nitrogen stocks were calculated. The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was established to characterize the effect of fires. Pyrogenic carbonaceous inclusions were morphologically diagnosed 200 years after the fire. In this regard, it is proposed to distinguish a “pyrogenic” subtype for soils with pronounced signs of pyrogenesis. Carbon stocks in soils of the Komi Republic varied from 5.7 to 15.7 kg C m−2, and soils of the Krasnoyarsk region had an accumulation of 6.9–12.5 kg C m−2. The contribution of the pyrogenic horizon Epyr to the total carbon and nitrogen stocks was 9–45%. It is suggested that pyrogenic carbon (PyC) can accumulate in light densimetric fractions (fPOM<1.6 and oPOM<1.6). The analysis of PAH content showed their high concentrations in the organic and upper mineral horizons of the studied soils (24 to 605 ng g−1). The coefficient FLA (fluoranthene)/(FLA+PYR(pyrene)) was the most useful to diagnose the pyrogenic origin of PAHs in the studied Retisols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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15 pages, 3321 KiB  
Article
Understory Plant Abundance Is More Important than Species Richness in Explaining Soil Nutrient Variation Following Afforestation on the Eastern Loess Plateau, China
by Yao Zhao, Meng Li and Baitian Wang
Forests 2022, 13(7), 1083; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13071083 - 10 Jul 2022
Viewed by 1629
Abstract
Afforestation plays an important role in controlling soil erosion and nutrient loss on the Loess Plateau in China. However, previous studies on soil nutrient changes have mainly focused on the effects of tree species, whereas little is known about how changes in shrubs [...] Read more.
Afforestation plays an important role in controlling soil erosion and nutrient loss on the Loess Plateau in China. However, previous studies on soil nutrient changes have mainly focused on the effects of tree species, whereas little is known about how changes in shrubs and herbs caused by afforestation drive soil nutrient changes. In this study, we examined the variation characteristics of understory vegetation and soil nutrients for different vegetation types. The results showed that compared to abandoned farmland, plantations significantly increased soil organic carbon and total nitrogen but had no significant effect on total phosphorus. Robinia pseudoacacia L. forests were more effective than Pinus tabuliformis Carr. forests in increasing soil nutrient content. In addition, herbaceous vegetation in the R. pseudoacacia forest better explained the soil nutrient variation, and herb abundance was the best explanatory variable; however, shrub vegetation contributed more to soil nutrient variation in the P. tabuliformis forest, and shrub abundance contributed the most. Accordingly, we determined that understory plant abundance, rather than species richness, may be the most important factor driving soil nutrient changes. Specifically, herb abundance in the R. pseudoacacia forest may drive soil nutrient changes mainly by regulating herb biomass and litter biomass. By contrast, shrub abundance in the P. tabuliformis forest indirectly affected soil organic carbon mainly by altering shrub biomass. Furthermore, although the phylogenetic relationships had less effect on soil nutrients than species composition, they also made important contributions. Therefore, the phylogenetic relationships should also be considered in addition to species composition when assessing the impact of vegetation on soil properties in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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21 pages, 3380 KiB  
Article
Response of Spruce Forest Ecosystem CO2 Fluxes to Inter-Annual Climate Anomalies in the Southern Taiga
by Vadim Mamkin, Andrej Varlagin, Irina Yaseneva and Julia Kurbatova
Forests 2022, 13(7), 1019; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13071019 - 29 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Climate extremes and anomalies modify the CO2 ecosystem–atmosphere exchange of the boreal forests and consequently alter the terrestrial carbon stocks and the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The effects of the anomalous weather conditions on the CO2 net ecosystem exchange (NEE), total [...] Read more.
Climate extremes and anomalies modify the CO2 ecosystem–atmosphere exchange of the boreal forests and consequently alter the terrestrial carbon stocks and the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The effects of the anomalous weather conditions on the CO2 net ecosystem exchange (NEE), total ecosystem respiration (TER), and gross primary production (GPP) of the typical southern taiga nemorose spruce forest were analyzed using continuous eddy covariance flux measurements in the 2015–2020 period. The forest was found to be a source of atmospheric CO2 in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020 (the mean annual GPP/TER ratio was between 0.87 and 0.97). In 2018, the forest was found to act as a CO2 sink (GPP/TER = 1.47) when a positive temperature anomaly in the growing season was accompanied by a negative precipitation anomaly and increased global radiation. The early start of the CO2 uptake in the anomalously warm winter of 2019/2020 did not result in an increase in the annual GPP/TER ratio (0.90). The comparison of the flux data obtained from the nemorose spruce forest on the well-drained soils with the data obtained from paludified spruce forest in the same landscape showed that the mean annual GPP/TER ratio of the sites alternatively responded to the mentioned anomalies. This study suggests that a variety of soil moisture regimes across the southern taiga spruce forests provide a non-uniformity in the response reactions of the CO2 ecosystem–atmosphere exchange on the climate anomalies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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15 pages, 1664 KiB  
Article
Ecosystem Carbon Stocks and Their Annual Sequestration Rate in Mature Forest Stands on the Mineral Soils of Estonia
by Raimo Kõlli, Karin Kauer, Tõnu Tõnutare and Reimo Lutter
Forests 2022, 13(5), 784; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13050784 - 18 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1449
Abstract
Mature forest ecosystems are the most considerable reservoir of organic carbon (OC) among terrestrial ecosystems. The effect of soil type on aboveground OC stocks and their annual increases (AI) of overstorey tree, understorey tree and ground vegetation layers in Estonian forest phytocoenoses with [...] Read more.
Mature forest ecosystems are the most considerable reservoir of organic carbon (OC) among terrestrial ecosystems. The effect of soil type on aboveground OC stocks and their annual increases (AI) of overstorey tree, understorey tree and ground vegetation layers in Estonian forest phytocoenoses with mature stands on mineral soils were studied. The study enfolds nine mineral soil groups, which are characterized by their phytocoenoses composition, soil cover properties and tree stands’ taxation data. An assemblage of soil and plant cover or plant–soil system is the main focus point in explaining causal and quantitative sides of ecosystems functioning. Surface densities of OC stocks in aboveground phytomass of forests varied significantly in the range of 52–100 Mg OC ha−1. High AI or productivity (4.8–5.5 Mg OC ha−1 year−1) is a characteristic of forest ecosystems formed on leached, eluviated and pseudopodzolic soils. Forest ecosystem ground vegetation, which is an important ecological indicator, fulfils vacant ecological niches with herbs and/or mosses (up to 0.50 Mg OC ha−1). The variation of ecosystem OC stocks and their AI by soil type should be taken into account in regional OC stocks and its annual increase estimations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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16 pages, 3764 KiB  
Article
Effect of Simulated Combined N and P on Soil Acidity within Soil Aggregates in Natural and Planted Korean Pine Forest in Northeast China
by Muhammad Atif Jamil, Anwaar Hussain, Wenbiao Duan, Lixin Chen, Kashif Khan, Kulsoom Abid, Changzhun Li, Qiwen Guo, Nowsherwan Zarif, Meixue Qu, Yafei Wang and Attaullah Khan
Forests 2022, 13(4), 529; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13040529 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2112
Abstract
Globally, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is rising, adversely impacting soil health, i.e., increasing soil acidity. While phosphorus (P) is the limiting element in the temperate environment and plays a key role in making the ecosystem more vulnerable to N-derived acidification. The impact of [...] Read more.
Globally, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is rising, adversely impacting soil health, i.e., increasing soil acidity. While phosphorus (P) is the limiting element in the temperate environment and plays a key role in making the ecosystem more vulnerable to N-derived acidification. The impact of elevated N and P inputs on soil acidity and exchangeable base cations have been extensively studied; however, few studies have focused on these parameters, especially within various soil aggregate fractions in the temperate forest. In 2017, a field experiment was conducted under N and P additions with four soil aggregate fractions (>5 mm, 2–5 mm, 0.25–2 mm, and <0.25 mm) in two forests, i.e., the broad leave Korean pine forest (BKPF) and Korean pine plantation (KPP) in the Liangshui National Natural Reserves in Northeast China. Results showed that high NP addition decreases pH, base cations, Mg2+ Ca2+, and BS% and increases in Fe3+, Al3+, and E.A (effective acidity) in all four aggregate fractions, in descending order; overall concentration of the base cations is ranked as BKPF > KPP. Thus, soil acidification is primarily caused by a decrease in base cations, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, and increase in exchangeable Fe3+ and Al3+ ions in large macro-aggregates and macro-aggregates, which leads to the depletion of soil nutrients. The initial pH value (5.69) in >5 mm soil aggregate was decreased to (5.4) under high fertilizer application, while a minimum value of 5.36 was observed in 0.25–2 mm aggregates under high fertilizer application. The same trend was observed in all aggregates because of decrease in base cations, which, in turn, affects the vitality and health of the forests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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13 pages, 2476 KiB  
Article
Changes in the Soil Labile Organic Carbon Fractions following Bedrock Exposure Rate in a Karst Context
by Wei Zheng, Chengjiao Rao, Qian Wu, Enwen Wang, Xingjian Jiang, Yichen Xu, Lei Hu, Yazhen Chen, Xiaocui Liang and Wende Yan
Forests 2022, 13(4), 516; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13040516 - 27 Mar 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1869 | Correction
Abstract
Soil labile organic carbon fractions (SLOCFs) mainly include microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) and light fraction organic carbon (LFOC). The link between bedrock exposure rates with SLOCFs and the carbon pool management index under karst [...] Read more.
Soil labile organic carbon fractions (SLOCFs) mainly include microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC) and light fraction organic carbon (LFOC). The link between bedrock exposure rates with SLOCFs and the carbon pool management index under karst rocky desertification has not been well understood. We selected the bedrock exposure rate and vegetation coverage of 30–50% (light bedrock exposure, LBE), 50–70% (moderate bedrock exposure, MBE) and >70% (intense bedrock exposure, IBE) as the experimental sample plots according to the classification standard of karst rocky desertification, and then selected a sample plot of 0–30% (secondary forest, SF) as the control. This study compared the concentrations and stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC) and SLOCFs and analyzed the relevant carbon pool management index on karst landforms at Anshun, S.W. China. The aims were to determine the relationship between bedrock exposure rates and SLOCFs and to identify the most limiting factors for SLOCFs in karst rocky desertification areas. We found that (1) the concentrations and stocks of SLOCFs declined with increasing soil depth. SOC, DOC and MBC showed IBE > LBE > MBE > SF; LFOC decreased with increasing bedrock exposure rate, and EOC did not show obvious regularity. (2) The carbon pool management index and sensitivity index had significant differences under different bedrock exposure rates. Redundancy analysis and linear regression showed that the increase in bedrock exposure rate had a great impact on MBC, DOC, EOC and SOC. In conclusion, the increase of bedrock exposure rate has no side impact on the DOC, EOC and MBC of the soil, but side effects are exhibited by LFOC. Secondary forest improves the integrity of karst landscapes, and does not change the soil properties as well as the concentrations and stocks of SLOCFs in karst rocky desertification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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22 pages, 2902 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Hydromorphism on Soils and Soil Organic Matter during the Primary Succession Processes of Forest Vegetation on Ancient Alluvial Sands of the European North-East of Russia
by Irina A. Likhanova, Svetlana V. Deneva, Yuriy V. Kholopov, Elena G. Kuznetsova, Olga V. Shakhtarova and Elena M. Lapteva
Forests 2022, 13(2), 230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13020230 - 03 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2254
Abstract
The article considers the role of hydromorphism in the soil formation processes on ancient alluvial sandy deposits at the primary succession period. Soil organic matter was given special attention. The studies were carried out in the European north-east of Russia (the Komi Republic) [...] Read more.
The article considers the role of hydromorphism in the soil formation processes on ancient alluvial sandy deposits at the primary succession period. Soil organic matter was given special attention. The studies were carried out in the European north-east of Russia (the Komi Republic) in the middle taiga subzone in the territory of a building-sand quarry (61°57′35″ N, 50°36′22″ E) and background sites near the quarry. The authors analyzed the morphological structure of soil profiles, and the principal physical-chemical properties of mature and young soils forming under pine forests. Formation of forest litter and humus-accumulative horizons, as well as soil organic matter accumulation were thoroughly studied. Already in the fourth–fifth succession decades, the soils in a series of increasing hydromorphism actively demonstrated regularities that are normally characteristic of background soils, for example, increase in acidity, silt fraction, carbon and nitrogen reserves. Against moisture deficiency, the accumulation rate of organic carbon became slow and amounted to 0.07–0.11 t ha−1 year−1. The excessive soil moisture content increased the rate up to 0.38–0.58 t ha−1 year−1 due to the conservation of plant material in the form of peat. The upper 50-cm profile layer of young soil contains Corg stock 3–5 times less than that of background soils. The major soil-forming processes are litter formation and podzolization in drained conditions, litter formation in conditions of high moisture, and peat formation and gleization against excessive moisture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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Soil Degradation Due to Conversion from Natural to Plantation Forests in Indonesia
by Enny Widyati, Hani Sitti Nuroniah, Hesti Lestari Tata, Nina Mindawati, Yunita Lisnawati, Darwo, Lutfy Abdulah, Neo Endra Lelana, Mawazin, Dona Octavia, Diana Prameswari, Henti Hendalastuti Rachmat, Sutiyono, Wida Darwiati, Marfuah Wardani, Titi Kalima, Yulianti and Meine van Noordwijk
Forests 2022, 13(11), 1913; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/f13111913 - 14 Nov 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3645
Abstract
Soil organic matter (SOM) is a crucial component of soil, through which physical, chemical, and biological characteristics interact in a local context. Within the forest category, the conversion of natural forests to monoculture plantations has raised concerns in Indonesia over the loss of [...] Read more.
Soil organic matter (SOM) is a crucial component of soil, through which physical, chemical, and biological characteristics interact in a local context. Within the forest category, the conversion of natural forests to monoculture plantations has raised concerns in Indonesia over the loss of soil functions, similar to conversion to agriculture. In natural forests, SOM can accumulate as part of a closed nutrient cycle with minimal nutrient losses; in plantation forestry, SOM decline and recovery can alternate over time, associated with larger nutrient losses. We reviewed existing studies to quantify how shifts from natural forests to short-rotation plantation forests (SRPF) affect SOM dynamics, soil nutrient contents, and soil-borne pathogens that cause disease. The review combines descriptive and quantitative methods (meta-analysis). The results show that conversion affects the soil C balance, soil structure and water balance, soil nutrient balance, and soil-borne diseases. Contributing factors include the reduced diversity of plant and rhizosphere communities, lower annual litter production, more uniform litter quality, and nutrient removal at the harvest cycle. Conversion from natural to plantation forest conditions also increases plant disease incidence by changing biological control mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling in Forests)
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