scholarly journals The linkages of plant, litter and soil C:N:P stoichiometry and nutrient stock in different secondary mixed forest types in the Qinling Mountains, China

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e9274
Author(s):  
Yue Pang ◽  
Jing Tian ◽  
Xuan Zhao ◽  
Zhi Chao ◽  
Yuchao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Plant Litter ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Qinling Mountains ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
C:N:P Stoichiometry ◽  
Plant Organs ◽  
Nutrient Stock ◽  
Stoichiometric Ratios

Background Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric ratios are important indicators of ecosystem function and productivity. However, few studies have assessed the nutrient relationship between plant, litter and soil, and the nutrient stock in different secondary mixed forest types. Methods We investigated the C, N and P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios in trees, understory plants, litter and soil layers in three different secondary mixed forest types (broadleaf mixed forests (BM), broadleaf-conifer mixed forests (BCM) and coniferous mixed forests (CM)) in the Qinling Mountains. Results The results showed that significant differences in C:N:P stoichiometry were detected in multiple organs in the vegetation layers in the different forest types. Trees, shrubs and herbs all allocated more N and P in leaves and had a higher N:P ratio in leaves than in other organs. The C concentrations, C:N ratios and C:P ratios of all tree organs showed a decreasing order: BM < BCM < CM, while the N and P concentrations showed an increasing order: BM > BCM > CM. For litter and soil, BM had generally higher N and P concentrations than those of BCM and CM. The highest N and P stock was in tree branches-not in the stem, which had the highest biomass (except for P in CM). Compared with other forest types, CM stored more nutrients in the labile litter layer, while BM stored more nutrients in the stable soil layer. The net ecosystem nutrient element stock in BM was generally higher than that in BCM and CM. The C, N and P concentrations and stoichiometry in the plant organs, litter and soil were significantly correlated. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that nutrient concentrations in plant organs, litter and soil are tightly linked in secondary mixed forests.

scholarly journals Contribution of Soil and Litter Nutrient Characteristics to Plant Nutrients in a Natural Secondary Mixed Forest in the Qinling Mountains, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Pang ◽  
Jing Tian ◽  
Lanxin Liu ◽  
Lina Han ◽  
Dexiang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Plant Functional Groups ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Functional Difference ◽  
Qinling Mountains ◽  
Study Region ◽  
Plant Organs ◽  
N:P Ratios

Abstract Soil and litter play important roles in ecosystem nutrient stroage and cycling, which both affect plant growth and ecosystem productivity. However, the potential contributions of soil and litter nutrient characteristics to the nutrient characteristics of different plant functional groups (PFGs) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of different organs of three PFGs (trees, shrubs and herbs), litter and soil in nine natural secondary mixed forests in the Qinling Mountains. The results showed that leaves had the highest N and P concentrations and N:P ratios at the organ level, whereas the C:N and C:P values were lowest in leaves. At the PFG level, the N and P concentrations of the same organs in herbaceous plants were significantly higher than those in woody species, while the N:P ratio was significantly lower in herb leaves than in tree and shrub leaves. Tree organs had significantly higher C concentrations and C:N and C:P ratios than shrub and herb organs. The leaf N:P ratios of all PFGs were less than 14, suggested that plant growth was limited by N in the study region. The nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios in plant organs had different degrees of linkages with those in litter and soil. Soil nutrient characteristics were the main factors affecting the nutrient characteristics of the different PFGs, and litter nutrient characteristics also had important contributions to the nutrient characteristics of PFGs, showing the following order: herbs > trees > shrubs. Our results indicate that the functional difference in plant organs resulted in diverse nutrient concentrations; and varied nutrient connections exist among different ecosystem components. Furthermore, nutrient characteristics of litter and soil can together affect the nutrient characteristics of PFGs.

The Spatial Heterogeneity of the Soil Bulk Density under Different Management Types of Pinus koraiensis Forests

2013 ◽  
Vol 726-731 ◽  
pp. 4315-4318
Author(s):  
Shu Li Wang ◽  
Chao Ma
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Soil Bulk Density ◽  
Field Investigation ◽  
Pinus Koraiensis ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Betula Platyphylla ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Mixed Forests

Through the manner of field investigation and room experiments, by using software SPSS 13.0, software ArcGis 9.3 and geostatistical analysis tool, the spatial heterogeneity of the soil bulk density under virgin Pinus koraiensis forest, Betula platyphylla and Pinus koraiensis mixed forest (Pinus koraiensis natural regeneration), Betulaplatyphylla and Pinus koraiensis mixed forest (Pinus koraiensis planted) and pure Pinus koraiensis plantation were studied. The characteristics of the spatial heterogeneity of the soil bulk density under different forest types were different, the spatial heterogeneity of the soil bulk density under four forest types were influenced by random factors, but the auto relationship part of the soil bulk density spatial heterogeneity under Betula platyphylla and Pinus koraiensis mixed forests were bigger, and the change distance was smaller than that under pure Pinus koraiensis plantation. The spatial distribution pattern of the soil bulk density under Betula platyphylla and Pinus koraiensis mixed forests was superior to that under pure Pinus koraiensis plantation. The results would provide a theory basis for the recovery and the sustainable management of the Pinus koraiensis forest.

scholarly journals Appropriate Removal of Forest Litter is Beneficial to Pinus tabuliformis Carr. Regeneration in a Pine and Oak Mixed Forest in the Qinling Mountains, China

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Xueying Huo ◽  
Dexiang Wang ◽  
Deye Bing ◽  
Yuanze Li ◽  
Haibin Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Seed Germination ◽  
Natural Regeneration ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Forest Litter ◽  
Pine Forest ◽  
Qinling Mountains ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
Pinus Tabuliformis ◽  
Plant Ash

Research Highlights: Natural regeneration is important in pine–oak mixed forests (Pinus armandii Franch., Pinus tabuliformis Carr., and Quercus aliena Bl. var. acuteserrata Maxim.ex Wenz.), but allelopathy as a limiting factor has not been studied. Our research provides insights into allelopathy in pine–oak mixed forest litter. Background and Objectives: Allelopathy among tree species occupying the same ecological niche in mixed forests may adversely affect regeneration. We studied allelopathy in pine and oak forest litter to determine the effect on regeneration, whether it is offset by adding activated carbon or plant ash, and what allelopathic substances are present. Materials and Methods: We used laboratory seed culture and field seeding to determine pine and oak litter regeneration effects on P. tabuliformis and P. armandii in the Qinling Mountains, China. In the laboratory, we irrigated seeds with three different litter concentrations. A fourth treatment incorporated activated carbon. The field study established small quadrats in mixed forest to study how removing or retaining litter and spreading plant ash affected sown seeds. High performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to compare differences in chemical substances in extracts with and without activated carbon. Results: Litter extracts significantly affected germination rates in both species. Seedling morphological and physiological indexes showed that litter extracts negatively affected growth in both species, but activated carbon alleviated this inhibitory effect on P. armandii. Forest stand and litter did not affect P. armandii seed germination. Pinus tabuliformis germination rates were significantly higher in plots with removed litter than when litter was retained or plant ash spread, and lower in oak than pine forest. Allelopathic substances detected in pine forest were trioctyl trimellitate, amyloid β-Peptide 10–20, and triisobutyl phosphate, potentially affecting P. armandii seed germination and growth. Conclusions: Appropriate removal of litter in mixed forests can improve the natural regeneration ability of P. tabuliformis.

scholarly journals Characteristics of coniferous and mixed forest types in the basins of Belaya and Malaya Laba rivers (North-Western Caucasus)

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 00020
Author(s):  
Yulia Sablirova ◽  
Fatimat Tembotova ◽  
Rustam Pshegusov
Keyword(s):  
Forest Regeneration ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Western Caucasus ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
High Productivity ◽  
Mixed Age ◽  
North Western

Based on the results of the studies conducted in the forest areas of the basins of the rivers Belaya and Malaya Laba, there has been compiled a typological scheme of the coniferous and mixed forests of North-Western Caucasus (NWC) which included 21 forest types, that are distributed into 12 groups. The forest stands of the studied forests types is predominantly complex in composition: mixed-age groups, multi-tiered, medium to high productivity, medium to high-density. The forest regeneration is weak or very weak, according to the scale proposed by S. M. Bebia. The data obtained during the research can be used for assessing the dynamics of the forest biogeocenoses, biodiversity, as well as successional processes.

The mixed forests of Greece

2001 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zagas ◽  
T. Tsitsoni ◽  
A. Hatzistathis
Keyword(s):  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Mediterranean Country ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Mixed Species ◽  
Mixed Forests ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Factors ◽  
Of Greece

Greece  is a mountainous Mediterranean country characterised by a variety of    microenvironments. As a result, a great number of mixed forest types  appear.    These stands are natural by unevenaged stands with a lot of ecological and  social advantages    (as resistance against biotic and abiotic factors) high biodiversity and  aesthetical beauty.    For this reason, these forests must be protected and managed in a  sustainable way, in order to    fulfil their valuable services.    This paper is dealing with the most important and representative  mixed-species stands of    Greece beginning from those existing in the lower elevations (zone of  evergreen broadleaves)    and continuing to the higher ones (zone of boreal conifers).

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