We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of three coniferous plantation species on plant‐soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi‐arid mountain ecosystems
Summary
Researchers compared how three coniferous tree species (larch, spruce, and pine) affect soil nutrients and water retention in semi-arid mountain forests, finding that larch and spruce significantly outperform pine by improving soil carbon cycling, nutrient availability, and water storage capacity. The study recommends larch and spruce as preferred species for afforestation projects in water-stressed mountain regions.
Abstract Background Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests, which are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree species affect soil nutrients and soil physicochemical properties after afforestation, and which is the best plantation species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three different plantations ( Larix principis-rupprechtii , Picea crassifolia , Pinus tabuliformis ), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interactions between soil physicochemical properties. Results The results revealed that the leaves and litter layers strongly influenced soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis had higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layers than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia , suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hindered litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved soil nutrients and clay components, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. The results of this study showed that, the strong link between plants and soil was tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there was a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties. Conclusions Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Effects of Three Plantation Coniferous Species on Plant-Soil Feedbacks and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Semi-Arid Mountain Ecosystems
This study examined how three different conifer plantation species affect soil physicochemical properties and plant-soil feedback mechanisms in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. It is an ecology and forestry study unrelated to microplastics.
Plant economic strategies in two contrasting forests
Researchers compared leaf traits of plants in two contrasting forest types — a cold boreal forest and a high-altitude alpine forest — finding that boreal plants pursue fast growth strategies while alpine plants conserve resources more carefully. Understanding these strategies helps predict how plant communities will respond to environmental changes like warming temperatures.
Variations in the quantity and chemical composition of soil dissolved organic matter along a chronosequence of wolfberry plantations in an arid area of Northwest China
Researchers studied how planting wolfberry bushes over 13 years changes the chemistry of soil organic matter in an arid region of China and found that longer-growing plantations build up richer, more complex soil carbon compounds — which helps store carbon and improve soil health in dryland farming systems.
Multiple Factors Jointly Lead to the Lower Soil Microbial Carbon Use Efficiency of Abies fanjingshanensis in a Typical Subtropical Forest in Southwest China
Researchers evaluated microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in the rhizospheric topsoil and subsoil of the endangered Abies fanjingshanensis at three elevations in a subtropical forest in southwest China, alongside physicochemical indices, enzyme activities, and microbial community composition. They found that pH was the most important factor controlling CUE, with acidic conditions forcing microorganisms to expend more energy on cellular pH maintenance rather than biomass production.
Biomass production, carbon stock and sequestration potential of prominent agroforestry systems in north-western Himalaya, India
This review assessed the biomass production potential, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration capacity of major agroforestry systems in northern India, emphasizing agroforestry as a multifunctional strategy for food security and ecological benefits.