Plant species and season influence soil physicochemical properties and microbial function in a semi-arid woodland ecosystem

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.

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Effect of tree canopy on species composition, diversity and biomass of herbaceous vegetation and soil characteristics in semi-arid forests of the Aravalli hills

10.21203/rs.3.rs-96664/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Shriya Garg ◽

Rajendra Kr. Joshi ◽

Satish Chandra Garkoti

Keyword(s):

Species Composition ◽

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Canopy Gaps ◽

Herbaceous Species ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Herbaceous Vegetation ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Physico Chemical ◽

Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Herbaceous vegetation is of great ecological importance and responds quickly to environmental changes. Present study was aimed to understand the variation in herbaceous species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physicochemical properties in canopy gaps and under the canopy of semi-arid forests in the Aravalli hills. Methods: Four permanent plots consisting of canopy gaps and under canopy were established. To study herbs phytosociological attributes and biomass, 10 quadrats of 0.5 x 0.5 m size were laid in each plot. For soil physico-chemical properties, 5 soil samples were collected randomly at 0-10 cm depth from each plot. Relationship between biodiversity indices, herbs biomass and soil physicochemical properties was determined using Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and correlation analyses. Results: The sites differed in terms of herbaceous species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physico-chemical properties. Canopy gaps were dominated by grasses while forbs were higher under the canopy. Across the sites, poaceae was the dominant family. All species showed contagious distribution pattern. Oplismenus burmannii reported highest IVI (138.0; 230.5) under the canopy while Achyranthes aspera (56.15) and Eragrostis ciliaris (53.1) had highest IVI in canopy gaps. Diversity indices were higher in canopy gaps. Herbaceous community biomass in canopy gaps ranged from 700-900 gm-2 while under the canopy it ranged from 30-70 gm-2. Cenchrus ciliaris (597.97 gm-2) and Chrysopogon sp. (391.2 gm-2) constituted major proportion of biomass in canopy gaps. The soil of under canopy regions had lower pH and bulk density, but higher soil moisture (%), electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (TN), SOC stock and soil TN stock than the canopy gaps. Linear positive relationship between species diversity and biomass; negative relationship between soil chemical properties and herbaceous biomass was found in study area. Even though canopy had positive effects on soil physico-chemical properties, overall negative effect on herbaceous diversity and biomass was seen. Conclusions: Reduced light for photosynthesis and tree root competition for soil resources may be the major factors negatively affecting herbaceous diversity and biomass. Canopy had a significant impact and herbs species composition, diversity, biomass and soil physico-chemical properties showed distinct differences in relation to it.

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Effects of three plantation coniferous species on plant-soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi-arid mountain ecosystems

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55005/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chun Han ◽

Yongjing Liu ◽

Cankun Zhang ◽

Yage Li ◽

Tairan Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Soil Fertility ◽

Tree Species ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Soil Nutrient ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Plantation Forest ◽

Plant Soil ◽

Semi Arid

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 are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree growth affect soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation and which is the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three plantations with different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influence soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has 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 layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay components than 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 than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had 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.

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Effects of Three Plantation Coniferous Species on Plant-Soil Feedbacks and Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Semi-Arid Mountain Ecosystems

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55005/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chun Han ◽

Yongjing Liu ◽

Cankun Zhang ◽

Yage Li ◽

Tairan Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Soil Fertility ◽

Tree Species ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Soil Nutrient ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Litter Layer ◽

Plantation Forest ◽

Plant Soil ◽

Semi Arid

Abstract Background: Large-scale afforestation can significantly change ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation function of artificial forest is very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. To better understand the effects of different tree growth on soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation to determine the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents for three different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influences soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has higher organic carbon, C:N and C:P in the leaves and litter layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay component than P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the 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 than P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study show that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had strong 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.

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Short-Term Effects of Tillage Intensity and Fertilization on Sunflower Yield, Achene Quality, and Soil Physicochemical Properties under Semi-Arid Conditions

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9245482 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (24) ◽

pp. 5482 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Mojtaba Nouraein ◽

Goran Skataric ◽

Velibor Spalevic ◽

Branislav Dudic ◽

Michal Gregus

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Management Practices ◽

Seed Quality ◽

Farmyard Manure ◽

Fertilizer Application ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Erosion Processes ◽

Semi Arid

Inappropriate soil management practices and specific climatic conditions in semi-arid region cause loss of soil organic matter (SOM), decline soil fertility, and trigger soil erosion processes and desertification. A two-year field study was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage intensity and fertilizer regime treatments on the productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) and soil physicochemical properties in the semi-arid highland region in northwest Iran (37°31′ north (N), 46°53′ east (E)). Five fertilizer treatments were included under conventional (CT) or reduced tillage systems (RT): F1, no fertilizer application; F2, 20 t∙ha−1 farmyard manure (FYM); F3, 40 t∙ha−1 FYM; F4: 20 t∙ha−1 FYM + 50% of the recommended dose of nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) chemical fertilizer; F5: full dose of the recommended chemical NPK fertilizer. Results showed that utilization of FYM decreased bulk density (BD); its effects were more evident under the highest SOM content for the F2 and F3 treatments, whereas application of mineral fertilizer had no significant effect upon SOM content, and elevated levels of FYM preserved higher organic carbon contents in topsoil. The highest N, P, and K contents of the soil were obtained with FYM plus inorganic fertilizer application in the RT system. Hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content were significantly improved by RT and FYM application. The highest root growth was observed for F3 and F4 under the RT system. The effect of fertilizer and tillage treatments was more pronounced during the second year. Traits related to growth and seed quality such as achene oil content, leaf area, and harvest index were enhanced by chemical fertilization in the CT system. The highest achene yield and oil percentage were recorded for plants grown with F3 and F4. The best option for enhancing sunflower productivity and quality in semi-arid, high-altitude environments is the application of organic fertilizers amended with reduced amounts of chemical fertilizers.

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Differential influence of four invasive plant species on soil physicochemical properties in a pot experiment

Journal of Soils and Sediments ◽

10.1007/s11368-017-1873-3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1409-1423 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Anna M. Stefanowicz ◽

Marta L. Majewska ◽

Małgorzata Stanek ◽

Marcin Nobis ◽

Szymon Zubek

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Plant Species ◽

Invasive Plant ◽

Pot Experiment ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Invasive Plant Species

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Effects of three plantation coniferous species on plant-soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi-arid mountain ecosystems

10.21203/rs.3.rs-55005/v3 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chun Han ◽

Yongjing Liu ◽

Cankun Zhang ◽

Yage Li ◽

Tairan Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Soil Fertility ◽

Tree Species ◽

Water Conservation ◽

Soil Nutrient ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Plantation Forest ◽

Plant Soil ◽

Semi Arid

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 are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree growth affect soil nutrient and soil physicochemical properties following afforestation and which is the best plantation tree species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown. Methods: This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three plantations with different tree species (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interaction between soil physicochemical properties. Results: The results revealed that the leaf and litter layer strongly influence soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis has 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 layer than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hinder litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improve soil nutrients and clay components than 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 than the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that the strong link between plants and soil is tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there had 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.

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Influence of Groundcover Vegetation, Soil Physicochemical Properties, and Irrigation Practices on Soil Fungi in Semi-arid Vineyards

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution ◽

10.3389/fevo.2019.00118 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Eric Vukicevich ◽

D. Thomas Lowery ◽

Jonathan A. Bennett ◽

Miranda Hart

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Soil Fungi ◽

Soil Physicochemical Properties ◽

Semi Arid ◽

Irrigation Practices

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Recent Nano-based Therapeutic Intervention of Bioactive Sesquiterpenes: Prospects in Cancer Therapeutics

Current Pharmaceutical Design ◽

10.2174/1381612826666200116151522 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 1138-1144 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mohammad A. Ansari ◽

Khan F. Badrealam ◽

Asrar Alam ◽

Saba Tufail ◽

Gulshan Khalique ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Plant Species ◽

Bioactive Compounds ◽

Therapeutic Intervention ◽

Cancer Therapeutics ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Pharmacological Intervention ◽

Clinical Applicability ◽

Near Future

: In the recent scenario, nanotechnology-based therapeutics intervention has gained tremendous impetus all across the globe. Nano-based pharmacological intervention of various bioactive compounds has been explored on an increasing scale. Sesquiterpenes are major constituents of essential oils (EOs) present in various plant species which possess intriguing therapeutic potentials. However, owing to their poor physicochemical properties; they have pharmacological limitations. Recent advances in nano-based therapeutic interventions offer various avenues to improve their therapeutic applicability. Reckoning with these, the present review collates various nano-based therapeutic intervention of sesquiterpenes with prospective potential against various debilitating diseases especially cancer. In our viewpoint, considering the burgeoning advancement in the field of nanomedicine; in the near future, the clinical applicability of these nano-formulated sesquiterpenes can be foreseen with great enthusiasm.

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