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Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2022) | Viewed by 18975

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Prof. Dr. Jianping Wu

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Guest Editor

College of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Interests: carbon cycle; N deposition; plant–soil interaction; soil biology and function
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Jie Zhao

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Guest Editor

Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
Interests: soil biodiversity; micro-food web structure and functions (soil microbes and nematodes); ecosystem restoration and sustainable management; ecosystem multifunctionality; soil micro-food web; plant–soil interaction; ecosystem restoration
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Dr. Songze Wan

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Guest Editor

College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
Interests: plant–soil interaction; forest ecology; forest management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

On the Earth’s land surface, forests have been estimated to occupy 4.1 billion hectares. Forests contain 80% of all aboveground C and approximately 40% of all belowground C, which plays an important role in terrestrial functions. In addition, a large amount of mineral nutrients in forest soils sustain forest growth and regeneration. Since above- and belowground components of ecosystems are tightly linked and their interactions greatly affect ecosystem processes and properties, mineral nutrients are transferred and retranslocated by a series of chemical and biogeochemical cycles between aboveground and belowground components. We have acknowledged how mineral nutrients are released from rock weathering and litter decomposition, how plants absorb mineral nutrients from the soil, and how environmental change factors affect the biogeochemistry of key nutrients. However, there are still some gaps in our understanding of how soil chemistry and biochemistry affect processes and functions in global forest ecosystems. For example, the roles of stoichiometric properties, soil colloids, water dynamics, and interactions between macro- and micro-nutrients in growth and carbon sequestration need more studies. We encourage studies on soil chemical processes and related biotic and abiotic mechanisms in forest ecosystems, including case studies, meta-analysis studies, and model studies, to contribute to this Special Issue in order to promote knowledge and management strategies of forest ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Jianping Wu
Dr. Jie Zhao
Dr. Songze Wan
Guest Editors

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Keywords

soil chemistry
soil colloid
soil food web
soil function
soil nutrients
soil water
soil biology
decomposition

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Soil Organic Carbon Stock to Bryophyte Removal Is Regulated by Forest Types in Southwest China

by Deyun Chen, Mutian Cai, Debao Li, Shiming Yang and Jianping Wu

Forests 2022, 13(12), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13122125 - 11 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1266

Abstract

Bryophytes play an important role in biogeochemical cycles and functions in forest ecosystems. Global climate changes have led to the population decline of bryophytes; however, the effects of bryophyte loss on the soil organic carbon stock and microbial dynamic remain poorly understood. Here, bryophytes were artificially removed to simulate the loss of bryophytes in two forests in Southwest China, i.e., evergreen broad-leaved forest and temperate coniferous forest. Soil physicochemical properties, microorganisms, and soil organic carbon stocks were analyzed and factors regulating soil organic carbon stocks were explored. Results showed that bryophyte removal significantly decreased soil organic carbon in the coniferous forest but had a negligible effect on the evergreen broad-leaved forest. Bryophyte removal had an insignificant effect on soil properties and microbial PLFAs except that soil nitrogen significantly increased in the 0–10 cm layer in the evergreen broad-leaved forest, while soil temperature and bulk density increased in the coniferous forest in the 0–10 and 10–20 soil layers, respectively. Soil organic carbon stocks increased by 14.06% in the evergreen forest and decreased by 14.39% in the coniferous forest. In the evergreen forest, most soil properties and microorganisms contributed to the change of soil organic carbon stocks, however, only soil organic carbon and depth had significant effects in the coniferous forest. Our findings suggest that soil physiochemical properties and microorganisms regulated the different responses of soil organic carbon stocks after bryophyte removal in the two forests. More research is needed to better understand the effects of understory plants on soil organic carbon stocks in various forest ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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10 pages, 1731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting Effect of Thinning and Understory Removal on Soil Microbial Communities in a Subtropical Moso Bamboo Plantation

by Yi Xiao, Jianhong Xu, Bo Zhou, Kai Li, Juan Liu, Linping Zhang and Songze Wan

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1574; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101574 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1073

Abstract

Thinning and understory clearance are among the two most popular forest management practices carried out to improve stand productivity in subtropical plantations. Unfortunately, studies have not fully explored the single and combination effect of thinning and understory clearance on soil microbial properties. By conducting a field manipulation experiment in a subtropical moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) plantation in Southern China, we assessed the effects of thinning, understory clearance, and their combination on soil microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) three years after treatments were first applied. We also examined the changes in soil properties after thinning and/or understory clearance. Thinning decreased soil fungal and bacterial PLFAs, and consequently soil total microbial PLFAs due to the increased soil NH₄⁺-N, and NO₃⁻N concentrations. Understory clearance decreased soil pH and soil water content resulting in increased soil fungal PLFAs and the ratio of soil fungal to bacterial (F:B). In addition, thinning and understory clearance caused apparent interactive effects on soil total microbial PLFAs and bacterial PLFAs, and the negative influence of thinning on soil total microbial and bacterial PLFAs were partly compensated by understory clearance. These results suggest the contrasting and interactive effect of thinning and understory clearance should be considered to assess the changes of soil microbial community and ecological processes in subtropical moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) plantations in southern China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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13 pages, 3044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geologic Soil Parent Material Influence on Forest Surface Soil Chemical Characteristics in the Inland Northwest, USA

by James A. Moore, Mark J. Kimsey, Mariann Garrison-Johnston, Terry M. Shaw, Peter Mika and Jaslam Poolakkal

Forests 2022, 13(9), 1363; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091363 - 27 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1323

Abstract

Successful fertilization treatments targeted to improve stand productivity while reducing operational complexities and cost depend on a clear understanding of soil nutrient availability under varying environmental conditions. Soil nutrient data collected from 154 forest sites throughout the Inland Northwest, USA were analyzed to examine soil nutrient characteristics on different geologic soil parent materials and to rank soil fertility. Results show that soil parent material explains significant differences in soil nutrient availability. Soils developed from volcanic rocks have the highest cation exchange capacity (CEC) and are relatively high in phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), and copper (Cu), but generally poor in mineralizable nitrogen (MinN). Forest soils developed from plutonic rocks exhibit the lowest CEC and are low in MinN, K, Ca, Mg, S, and Cu, but higher in P. Some soils located on mixed glacially derived soils are low only in K, Ca, Mg, and Cu, but many mixed glacial soils are relatively rich in other nutrients, albeit the second lowest CEC. Soils developed from metasedimentary and sedimentary rocks are among those with lowest soil nutrient availability for P and B. Sulfur was found to have the highest concentrations in metasedimentary influenced soils and the least in sedimentary derived soils. Our results should be useful in designing site-specific fertilizer and nutrient management prescriptions for forest stands growing on soils developed from these major geologies within the Inland Northwest region of the United States. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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11 pages, 2584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Herbicide Clopyralid and Imazamox on Dehydrogenase Enzyme in Soil of Regenerated Pedunculate Oak Forests

by Verica Vasic, Timea Hajnal-Jafari, Simonida Djuric, Branislav Kovacevic, Srdjan Stojnic, Sreten Vasic, Vladislava Galovic and Sasa Orlovic

Forests 2022, 13(6), 926; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13060926 - 13 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2181

Abstract

Clopyralid and imazamox are successfully used for weed control during the first years of regeneration of pedunculate oak forests. Hence, the question that arises is how these herbicides affect microorganisms, especially the activity of dehydrogenase enzyme, when they reach the soil. Two study sites were selected in regenerated pedunculate oak forests, and the two herbicides were applied in two doses that are used for weed control (clopyralid, 100 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and 120 g a.i. ha⁻¹; imazamox, 40 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and 48 g a.i. ha⁻¹). The effect of the herbicides was evaluated 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 days after application. A significant reduction in dehydrogenase activity was found on days 7 and 14 at both sites. However, after 14 days there was a recovery of dehydrogenase activity for all treatments such that the values obtained on day 21 did not differ from the control values. The effect of clopyralid and imazamox on dehydrogenase activity was not dose-dependent. Dehydrogenase activity also depended on soil properties, soil sampling time and climatic conditions during the investigation years. The results show that clopyralid and imazamox can reduce soil dehydrogenase activity, but this effect is transient. This can be attributed to the ability of microorganisms to overcome the stress caused by the herbicide by developing the capability to utilize herbicides as a nutrient source and proliferating in such an environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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14 pages, 6024 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Risk of Forest Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in Western Guangdong Province, China

by Jian Kang, Xiaogang Ding, Hongyan Ma, Zhiming Dai, Xiaochuan Li and Jianguo Huang

Forests 2022, 13(6), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13060884 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1995

Abstract

West Guangdong is an important ecological barrier in Guangdong province, so understanding the spatial patterns and sources of heavy metal pollution of forest soil in this region is of great significance for ecological protection. In this study, the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in forest soil were determined. Geostatistics, single-factor pollution index (PI), potential ecological risk index (RI), principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used to evaluate and analyze the characteristics of heavy metal pollution of forest soil. The results showed that the average concentration did not exceed the critical value. Cd, Pb, and Cu were enriched in southwest Xinxing County, while Zn and Ni were enriched in most areas of the Yunan and Yuncheng districts. Two groups of heavy metals from different sources were identified by PCA and a correlation analysis. Cd, Pb, and Cu in their respective enrichment areas were mainly from marble and cement production, whereas Zn and Ni were primarily from transportation and chemical fertilizer. Most of the study area was safe or slightly polluted while the heavy metal-enriched areas were moderately to severely polluted. The potential ecological risk was at a lower level in the study area but moderate in southwest Xinxing County. In summary, human factors impact the spatial patterns and ecological risks of heavy metals in forest soil. This study provides a scientific basis for forest soil pollution control and ecological protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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17 pages, 3745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry in Natural and Plantation Forests in China

by Lin Li, Lei Liu, Zhen Yu, Josep Peñuelas, Jordi Sardans, Qifei Chen, Jiangbing Xu and Guoyi Zhou

Forests 2022, 13(5), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13050755 - 13 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

Ecological stoichiometry is essential for understanding the biogeochemical cycle in forest ecosystems. However, previous studies of ecological stoichiometry have rarely considered the impacts of forest origins, which could help explain why to date so much uncertainty has been reported on this subject. In this study, we tried to reduce this uncertainty by examining carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in roots, litter and soil in both natural and plantation forests throughout China. The sampled forest sites were divided into three groups according to the identified succession stages: early (ES), middle (MS) and late (LS) stages. Our results show that soil C, N and P concentrations were significantly higher in natural (NF) than in plantation (PL) forests. As succession/growth proceeded, P concentrations significantly increased in litter, roots and soil in NF, while the opposite occurred in PL. These results indicate that NF are able to use P more efficiently than PL, especially in the LS. Furthermore, the higher root N:P ratio indicates that the growth of PL was limited by P in both MS and LS. Our results also suggest that geographical and climatic factors are not the dominant factors in the differences in P between NF and PL, and, even more clearly and importantly, that native forests with native species are more capable of conserving P than planted forests, which are frequently less diverse and dominated by fast-growing non-site native species. These results will help improve biogeochemical models and forest management throughout the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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12 pages, 2723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Anatomical Plasticity of Phyllostachys glauca McClure in Limestone Mountains Was Associated with Both Soil Water and Soil Nutrients

by Hongyan Wu, Yan Fan, Fen Yu, Zhan Shen, Qingni Song, Zhenye Zhang, Shuzhen Hu, Yongzhen Chen and Jianmin Shi

Forests 2022, 13(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13040493 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2512

Abstract

Little is known on how karst plants adapt to highly heterogeneous habitats via adjusting leaf anatomical structures. Phyllostachys glauca McClure is a dominant species that grow across different microhabitats in the limestone mountains of Jiangxi Province, China. We investigated the leaf anatomical structures, plant biomass, soil water content, soil total nitrogen (TN), and soil total phosphorus (TP) from three habitats characterized by different rock exposure, including high rock exposure (HRE), medium rock exposure (MRE) and low rock exposure (LRE), and aimed to discern the relationships between the leaf anatomical plasticity and edaphic factors. The leaves of P. glauca in different habitats showed significant anatomical plasticity in two aspects. First, the leaves adjusted cuticle thickness, papillae length, bulliform cell size and mesophyll thickness to lower water loss and then adapt to the water-deficient habitats (HRE). Second, the leaves enlarged vessels and vascular bundles (first-order and second-order parallel veins) to improve water and nutrient transportation and then enhance plant growth in nitrogen-rich habitats (HRE). Soil water and soil nutrients purely explained the total variation of leaf anatomical traits by 21.7% and 15.7%, respectively, and had a shared proportion of 15.8%. Our results indicated that the leaf anatomical variations in different habitats were associated with both soil water and soil nutrients. Moreover, we found that leaf anatomical structures were more affected by TN than TP. The present study advanced the current understanding of the strategies employed by karst plants to cope with highly heterogeneous habitats via leaf anatomical plasticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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11 pages, 6659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Urbanization Intensity on the Distribution of Black Carbon in Urban Surface Soil in South China

by Min Wang, Xiaodong Liu, Wenkun Wu, Huixian Zeng, Mengyun Liu and Guoliang Xu

Forests 2022, 13(3), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13030406 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2386

Abstract

Rapid urbanization causes the accumulation of large amounts of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic pollutants, and black carbon (BC). BC is the carbonaceous residue generated from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. It plays an important role on the migration of heavy metals and organic pollutants, as well as soil carbon sequestration. BC accumulation due to human activities greatly affects the global carbon budget, helps to drive climate change, and damages human health. To date, few studies have examined how the intensity of urbanization affects the distribution of BC in soils in urban areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effects of urbanization intensity on the spatial distribution and content of BC in urban surface soil. We collected samples from 55 sites in South China and used a multi-scale geographical regression model to evaluate the impact of the interference intensity of urbanization on the amount and distribution of BC. Our results showed that the BC content was significantly higher in urban areas (9.74 ± 1.18 g kg⁻¹) than in rural areas (2.94 ± 0.89 g kg⁻¹) and that several urban parks with a higher interference intensity were hotspots of BC accumulation, suggesting that urbanization promoted BC accumulation. Our model revealed that road density was significantly and positively correlated with BC accumulation. Because there are more cars driving in areas with high road density, vehicle emissions may be one of the causes of BC accumulation. Our results also indicated that the impact of urbanization intensity on the BC distribution was sensitive to sampling density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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11 pages, 16673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Scion Variety on the Phosphorus Efficiency of Grafted Camellia oleifera Seedlings

by Jin Zeng, Juan Liu, Lunan Lian, Aowen Xu, Xiaomin Guo, Ling Zhang, Wenyuan Zhang and Dongnan Hu

Forests 2022, 13(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13020203 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2614

Abstract

Grafting provides a way to improve tolerance to low phosphorus (P) stress for plants, and has been extensively applied in commercial cultivars grafted onto appropriate rootstocks. However, little literature is available concerning the scion-mediated effect on P efficiency in grafted plants. In this study, three different Camellia oleifera Abel. scion cultivars (G8, G83-1, and W2) were grafted onto the same rootstock (W2) under controls (0.5 mM) and low-P (0 mM) availability for eight months. The results showed that the scions significantly affected root-to-shoot weight ratios, the root morphology with a diameter larger than 1 mm, P accumulation, and the P utilization efficiency (PUE) of the root. A higher increase in the root-to-shoot weight ratio under the low-P supply was observed in the G83-1/W2 (26.15%) than in the G8/W2 (0%) and the W2/W2 (5.32%). Root PUE of the scion G8, G83-1, and W2 was improved by up to 113.73%, 45.46%, and 20.97% under the low-P supply. Moreover, G8/W2 exhibited higher shoot P accumulation and the highest root PUE under the low-P supply, indicating a high capability to tolerate P deficiency by maximizing the cost-effectiveness of P remobilization to photosynthetic organs. This suggested the vigorous variety of G8 could be a promising scion to improve grafted C. oleifera tolerance to low-P stress. Our results would have important implications for exploration and identification of a superior scion variety to enhance the ability of resistance concerning P deficiency stress in C. oleifera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Chemistry and Biochemistry in Forests)

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