scholarly journals Decomposition and nutrient release from fresh and dried pine roots under two fertilizer regimes

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim H Ludovici ◽  
Lance W Kress
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Mass Loss Rate ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Root Decomposition ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
Root Tissues

Root decomposition and nutrient release are typically estimated from dried root tissues; however, it is unlikely that roots dehydrate prior to decomposing. Soil fertility and root diameter may also affect the rate of decomposition. This study monitored mass loss and nutrient concentrations of dried and fresh roots of two size classes (<2 and 2–5 mm) over a 12-month period in fertilized and control plots in a 13-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation. Nutrient content was calculated and used to assess the effects of fertilization, root size, and initial condition (hydration) on nutrient release rates. Roots that grew and decomposed in fertilized plots had higher concentrations and greater total release of N, P, K, and Mg than roots in control plots, but C concentrations and mass loss rate were not significantly different between roots in fertilized plots and those in control plots. Very fine roots (<2 mm) had higher concentrations of N, P, and Ca and faster release rates for C, N, and K than fine roots (2–5 mm), resulting in greater total release of C and N. Roots dried prior to decomposition decayed and released C, K, Ca, and Mg at a faster rate than fresh roots. Results indicate that using dried root tissues will overestimate fine root decomposition and nutrient cycling rates.

Modeling in-situ pine root decomposition using data from a 60-year chronosequence

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1675-1684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim H Ludovici ◽  
Stanley J Zarnoch ◽  
Daniel D Richter
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Lateral Root ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
Root Decomposition ◽  
Good Precision ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Stump Diameter

Because the root system of a mature pine tree typically accounts for 20–30% of the total tree biomass, decomposition of large lateral roots and taproots following forest harvest and re-establishment potentially impact nutrient supply and carbon sequestration in pine systems over several decades. If the relationship between stump diameter and decomposition of taproot and lateral root material, i.e., wood and bark, can be quantified, a better understanding of rates and patterns of sequestration and nutrient release can also be developed. This study estimated decomposition rates from in-situ root systems using a chronosequence approach. Nine stands of 55- to 70-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) that had been clear-cut 0, 5, 10, 20, 25, 35, 45, 55, and 60 years ago were identified on well-drained Piedmont soils. Taproot and lateral root systems were excavated, measured, and weighed. Although more than 50% of the total root mass decomposed during the first 10 years after harvest, field excavations recovered portions of large lateral roots (>5 cm diameter) and taproots that persisted for more than 35 and 60 years, respectively. Results indicate that decomposition of total root biomass, and its component parts, from mature, clear-cut loblolly pine stands, can be modeled with good precision as a function of groundline stump diameter and years since harvest.

Above- and below-stump biomass and nutrient content of a mature loblolly pine plantation

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 361-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.H. Van Lear ◽  
P.R. Kapeluck
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Lateral Roots ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Pine Plantation

Above- and below-stump biomass and nutrient content were estimated for a mature loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) plantation on an eroded site in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina. Pine above-stump biomass was 144.9 t•ha−1; below-stump biomass was 36.0 t•ha−1, 20% of total pine biomass. Total pine biomass was partitioned as 17% crown, 63% stem, and 20% roots. About 55% of below-stump biomass was in taproots and 45% in lateral roots. Dominant and codominant trees had a greater proportion of below-stump biomass in lateral roots, indicating that larger trees absorb a disproportionate quantity of the site's moisture and nutrients. Lateral roots contained 66 to 75% of below-stump nutrients. Fine roots (<0.6 cm diameter) accounted for 11% of below-stump biomass, but contained 24 to 30% of below-stump nutrients. Nutrient content (kg•ha−1) of above-stump biomass ranked as follows: N 164.7, Ca 154.2, K 78.0, and P 14.0. Nitrogen was also the most abundant nutrient in below-stump biomass (60.2 kg•ha−1), followed by Ca (48.9 kg•ha−1), K (41.2 kg•ha−1), Mg (11.1 kg•ha−1), and P (7.5 kg•ha−1). Below-stump biomass contained 27, 35, 35, and 24% of total pine N, P, K, and Ca, respectively. Fine roots and foliage, only 4% of total stand biomass, had about one-fourth of the stand's N and P.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of Mass Loss and Nutrient Release of Decomposing Fine Roots, Needle Litter and Standard Substrates in Hemiboreal Coniferous Forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaie Kriiska ◽  
Krista Lõhmus ◽  
Jane Frey ◽  
Endla Asi ◽  
Naima Kabral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Soil Chemistry ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Coniferous Forests ◽  
Nitrogen Accumulation ◽  
Needle Litter ◽  
Initial Substrate

Litter decomposition is a key process that drives carbon and nutrient cycles in forest soils. The decomposition of five different substrate types was analyzed in hemiboreal coniferous forests, focusing on the mass loss and nutrient (N, P, and K) release of fine roots (FR) and needle litter in relation to the initial substrate and soil chemistry. A litterbag incubation experiment with site-specific FR and needle litter and three standard substrates (green and rooibos tea, α-cellulose) was carried out in four Norway spruce and four Scots pine-dominated stands in Estonia. Substrate type was the primary driver of mass loss and the decay rate of different substrates did not depend on the dominant tree species of the studied stands. Alpha-cellulose lost 98 ± 1% of the mass in 2-years, while the FR mass loss was on average 23 ± 2% after 3-years of decomposition. The FR decomposition rate could be predicted using a corresponding model of green tea, although the rate of FR decomposition is approximately five times lower than the rate of green tea in the first 3-years. The annual decomposition rate of the needle litter is rather constant in hemiboreal coniferous forests in the first 3 years. The initial substrate of fine roots or needle litter and soil chemistry jointly had a significant effect on mass loss in the later stage of decomposition. The critical N concentration for N release was lower for pine FR and needle litter (0.9–1.3% and 0.7–1.1%) compared to spruce (1.2–1.6% and 1.5–1.9%, respectively). The release rate of K depended on the initial K of substrate, while the release of N and P was significantly related to the initial C:N and N:P ratios, respectively. The results show the central role of soil and substrate initial chemistry in the decomposition of fine roots and needle litter across hemiboreal forests, especially at later stage (after 2 years) of decomposition. The slower decomposition and higher retention of N in the fine roots relative to needle litter suggests that fine roots have a substantial role in the carbon and nitrogen accumulation in boreal and hemiboreal forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Fine roots stimulate nutrient release during early stages of leaf litter decomposition in a Central Amazon rainforest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathielly P. Martins ◽  
Lucia Fuchslueger ◽  
Katrin Fleischer ◽  
Kelly M. Andersen ◽  
Rafael L. Assis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Fine Roots ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Extracellular Enzyme ◽  
Amazon Rainforest ◽  
Labile Carbon ◽  
Litter Mass ◽  
Litter Mass Loss

Abstract Purpose Large parts of the Amazon rainforest grow on weathered soils depleted in phosphorus and rock-derived cations. We tested the hypothesis that in this ecosystem, fine roots stimulate decomposition and nutrient release from leaf litter biochemically by releasing enzymes, and by exuding labile carbon stimulating microbial decomposers. Methods We monitored leaf litter decomposition in a Central Amazon tropical rainforest, where fine roots were either present or excluded, over 188 days and added labile carbon substrates (glucose and citric acid) in a fully factorial design. We tracked litter mass loss, remaining carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and cation concentrations, extracellular enzyme activity and microbial carbon and nutrient concentrations. Results Fine root presence did not affect litter mass loss but significantly increased the loss of phosphorus and cations from leaf litter. In the presence of fine roots, acid phosphatase activity was 43.2% higher, while neither microbial stoichiometry, nor extracellular enzyme activities targeting carbon- and nitrogen-containing compounds changed. Glucose additions increased phosphorus loss from litter when fine roots were present, and enhanced phosphatase activity in root exclusions. Citric acid additions reduced litter mass loss, microbial biomass nitrogen and phosphorus, regardless of fine root presence or exclusion. Conclusions We conclude that plant roots release significant amounts of acid phosphatases into the litter layer and mobilize phosphorus without affecting litter mass loss. Our results further indicate that added labile carbon inputs (i.e. glucose) can stimulate acid phosphatase production by microbial decomposers, highlighting the potential importance of plant-microbial feedbacks in tropical forest ecosystems.

scholarly journals Nutrient Release Characteristics From Four Types of Controlled-release Fertilizers

HortScience ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 797A-797
Author(s):  
Donald J. Merhaut* ◽  
Joseph Albano ◽  
Eugene K. Blythe ◽  
Julie Newman
Keyword(s):  
Controlled Release ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
The Media ◽  
Iron Manganese ◽  
Controlled Release Fertilizers

Release patterns of ammonium, nitrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc were measured during an eleven month period for four types of Controlled Release Fertilizers (CRF): Apex 17-5-11, Multicote 17-5-11, Nutricote 18-6-8 and Osmocote 24-4-9. Rate of fertilizer incorporation was 2.3 kg/m3 of nitrogen. Media consisted of 50% composted forest products, 35% ¼%-3/4% pine bark and 15% washed Builder's sand. The media was also amended with 0.60 kg/m3 of dolomite. Fertilizer was incorporated into the media with a cement mixer and placed into 2.6-L black polyethylene containers. Containers were placed on benches outside. Air and media temperature were monitored throughout the 11-month period. Containers were irrigated through a ring-dripper system. Leachate was collected twice weekly. Leachate electrical conductivity, pH, and nutrient content were measured weekly. Significant differences in the nutrient release patterns were observed between fertilizer types throughout much of the experimental period. Release rates were significantly greater during the first 20 weeks of the study compared to the last 20 weeks of the study, regardless of the fertilizer type.

The effects of vegetation control and fertilization on net nutrient release from decomposing loblolly pine needles

2003 ◽  
Vol 33 (12) ◽  
pp. 2491-2502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nevzat Gurlevik ◽  
Daniel L Kelting ◽  
H Lee Allen
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Phosphorus Fertilization ◽  
Available N ◽  
Vegetation Control ◽  
Needle Litter ◽  
Pinus Taeda L

This study examined the effects of vegetation control and nitrogen + phosphorus fertilization on decomposition and nutrient release dynamics of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) needle litter. Needle litter was placed in litterbags and left to decompose on the forest floor, and changes in mass loss and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Zn, B, Cu) concentrations and contents were observed at 2- to 6-month intervals for 32 months. Fertilization had no effect on mass loss, while vegetation control resulted in a warmer and drier forest floor and led to reduced mass loss (k = 0.39 and 0.28 year–1 for fertilization and vegetation control, respectively). Concentrations of N, P, Ca, S, Zn, and Cu in the decomposing litter increased two- to three-fold over the 32 months, while concentrations of K, Mg, Mn, and B declined, increased, or did not change depending on time and treatment. Based on the release dynamics, the nutrient mobility series was as follows: Cu [Formula: see text] N [Formula: see text] S < P < Zn [Formula: see text] Ca < K [Formula: see text] Mn < Mg [Formula: see text] B. Fertilization had no effect on release dynamics; however, vegetation control reduced release of N, P, S, and Zn, and increased release of B. The mineral soil may be the main source of plant available N and P in midrotation southern pine stands based on the slow release of these elements from decomposing needle litter.

Fascicle nutrient and biomass responses of young loblolly pine to control of woody and herbaceous competitors

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 917-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
B R Zutter ◽  
J H Miller ◽  
H L Allen ◽  
S M Zedaker ◽  
M B Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Competition Study ◽  
Foliar Nutrient ◽  
K Concentration ◽  
Herbaceous Weed Control ◽  
Pinus Taeda L ◽  
Positive Effect

Individual fascicle mass and foliar nutrient content and concentration of young loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) were evaluated on 13 locations of a regionwide competition study in the southeastern United States. The study included a factorial combination of two levels of herbaceous weed control treatment (none, treated) and two levels of woody treatment (none, treated) following site preparation. At pine age 2 years, herbaceous treatment (HT) and woody treatment (WT) had a positive effect on individual fascicle biomass and content of N, P, and K at nearly all and at least half of the locations, respectively. In general, these effects mirrored responses noted for seedling diameter and height. N concentration increased and P concentration decreased at about half of the locations, while Ca and Mg concentrations decreased on nearly all locations with HT. By age 6 years, effects of HT and WT on fascicle mass and nutrient concentrations and contents became neutral or more neutral across the locations. This is attributed in part to the greater nutrient demand of larger crop pines and associated competition components. A notable exception from neutral effects at age 6, typically occurring on sites with high levels of woody vegetation, was the positive response in K concentration or content and negative response in Ca and Mg concentrations with WT.

An In Situ Substratum Fertilization Technique: Diatom Colonization on Nutrient-Enriched, Sand Substrata

1984 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1247-1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Pringle ◽  
James A. Bowers
Keyword(s):  
Current Flow ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Multiple Comparisons ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
Enrichment Method ◽  
Petri Dishes ◽  
Colonization Period ◽  
Northern Michigan

Using an in situ substratum enrichment method, we assessed the effects of nutrient release from sand substrata on the community structure of attached diatoms in a sand-bottomed, northern Michigan stream. Sand from the stream bottom was washed, sterilized, and then consolidated into small plastic petri dishes with agar solutions enriched with various concentrations of NaNO3 and KH2PO4. Laboratory estimates of nutrient release rates were performed over a 144-h period with uncolonized substrata having different agar and nutrient concentrations. Release rates decreased 10-fold in an exponential fashion with no significant differences between replicates. Agar concentrations had no significant effect on release rates, although the rates were proportional to nutrient concentrations in the substratum. Racks of substrata were installed parallel to the stream current flow and retrieved after a 6-wk colonization period. Using multiple comparisons of treatment means for both nutrients and algal taxa, we found no differences between control and NO3 enrichments; significant differences were found, however, between PO4 and NO3 + PO4 (N:P = 25:1) treatment means relative to each other and the control. Diatom biovolume was two times as great on PO4 treatments and four times greater on NO3 + PO4 treatments. Effects of PO4 and NO3 enrichment appear to be taxa specific, with PO4and NO3 + PO4 treatments favoring Navicula and Nitzschia spp. Control and NO3 treatments were dominated by Cocconeis placentula Ehr. and Achnanthes minutissima Kutz.

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