Influence of species identity and charring conditions on fire-derived charcoal traits

Fire is a major disturbance worldwide, and it produces significant amounts of wood-derived charcoal. There is increasing evidence that the key properties (“traits”) of charcoal vary greatly, with consequences for ecosystem processes, but how the key factors drive variability of charcoal traits, i.e., species identity and charring conditions, remain poorly understood. Here, we experimentally produced charcoal from three common boreal tree species under six charring conditions representing those encountered during boreal fires and then analyzed their structural and chemical traits. Overall, we found that species identity affected charcoal traits more than did charring conditions. Among the structural traits, density and microporosity varied among tree species, and density decreased with increasing temperature. Among the chemical traits, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents, and phosphate concentration differed among species, whereas pH, total N content, and ammonium concentration responded to charring conditions. No traits except nitrate concentration responded to the interactive effect of species identity and charring condition. Our results reveal that traits of charcoal, and potentially its ecological functions, are driven by a combination of fire behavior and tree species identity; such information is relevant for understanding ecological consequences of altered fire regimes due to the changing climate and to forest management.

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Soil carbon and nutrient stocks under Scots pine plantations in comparison to European beech forests: a paired-plot study across forests with different management history and precipitation regimes

Forest Ecosystems ◽

10.1186/s40663-021-00330-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marco Diers ◽

Robert Weigel ◽

Heike Culmsee ◽

Christoph Leuschner

Keyword(s):

Scots Pine ◽

Tree Species ◽

European Beech ◽

Organic Layer ◽

Species Identity ◽

Data Set ◽

Nutrient Pools ◽

Total N ◽

Precipitation Regimes ◽

Pine Stands

Abstract Background Organic carbon stored in forest soils (SOC) represents an important element of the global C cycle. It is thought that the C storage capacity of the stable pool can be enhanced by increasing forest productivity, but empirical evidence in support of this assumption from forests differing in tree species and productivity, while stocking on similar substrate, is scarce. Methods We determined the stocks of SOC and macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium) in nine paired European beech/Scots pine stands on similar Pleistocene sandy substrates across a precipitation gradient (560–820 mm∙yr− 1) in northern Germany and explored the influence of tree species, forest history, climate, and soil pH on SOC and nutrient pools. Results While the organic layer stored on average about 80% more C under pine than beech, the pools of SOC and total N in the total profile (organic layer plus mineral soil measured to 60 cm and extrapolated to 100 cm) were greater under pine by about 40% and 20%, respectively. This contrasts with a higher annual production of foliar litter and a much higher fine root biomass in beech stands, indicating that soil C sequestration is unrelated to the production of leaf litter and fine roots in these stands on Pleistocene sandy soils. The pools of available P and basic cations tended to be higher under beech. Neither precipitation nor temperature influenced the SOC pool, whereas tree species was a key driver. An extended data set (which included additional pine stands established more recently on former agricultural soil) revealed that, besides tree species identity, forest continuity is an important factor determining the SOC and nutrient pools of these stands. Conclusion We conclude that tree species identity can exert a considerable influence on the stocks of SOC and macronutrients, which may be unrelated to productivity but closely linked to species-specific forest management histories, thus masking weaker climate and soil chemistry effects on pool sizes.

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Quanti-Qualitative Response of Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cycla) to Soil Amendment with Biochar-Compost Mixtures

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11020307 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 307

Author(s):

Angela Libutti ◽

Anna Rita Rivelli

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Beta Vulgaris ◽

Interactive Effect ◽

Organic Amendments ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Total N ◽

Qualitative Response ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Swiss Chard ◽

Two Factors

In recent years, soil addition with organic amendments, such as biochar and compost, has gained attention as an effective agronomic practice to sustain soil fertility, enhance plant growth and crop yield. Well known are the positive effects of compost on yield of a wide crop varieties, while both positive and negative responses are reported for biochar Therefore, the aim of the study was to verify the effect of biochar mixed with three types of compost on quanti-qualitative response of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. cycla), a leafy green vegetable rich in dietary antioxidants, largely consumed worldwide. A factorial experiment in pots with two factors, including biochar (without biochar and with biochar from vine pruning residues) and compost (without compost, with compost from olive pomace, with vermicompost from cattle manure, and with compost from cattle anaerobic digestate), was setup. Two growth cycles were considered, and a set of quantitative (height of plants, number, area and fresh weight of leaves) and qualitative parameters (carotenoids, chlorophyll, total N, and NO3−content of leaves) were analyzed. Biochar decreased plant growth and NO3− leaf content; on the contrary, it increased total N leaf content, while compost improved all the considered parameters. The interactive effect of biochar and compost was evident only on total N and NO3− leaf content. In our experimental conditions, the compost showed to be the best option to improve Swiss chard growth and increase the content of phytopigments, while the biochar-compost mixtures did not produce the expected effect.

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Effect of tree species identity and related habitat parameters on understorey bryophytes – interrelationships between bryophyte, soil and tree factors in a 50-year-old experimental forest

Plant and Soil ◽

10.1007/s11104-021-05074-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kaja Rola ◽

Vítězslav Plášek ◽

Katarzyna Rożek ◽

Szymon Zubek

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Tree Species ◽

Forest Floor ◽

Vascular Plant ◽

Soil Parameters ◽

Species Identity ◽

Habitat Factors ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

Old Trees ◽

Habitat Parameters

Abstract Aim Overstorey tree species influence both soil properties and microclimate conditions in the forest floor, which in turn can induce changes in ground bryophyte communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tree species identity and the most important habitat factors influencing understorey bryophytes. Methods We assessed the effect of 14 tree species and related habitat parameters, including soil parameters, vascular plant presence and light intensity on bryophytes in monospecific plots covered by nearly fifty-year-old trees in the Siemianice Experimental Forest (Poland). Results The canopy tree species determined bryophyte species richness and cover. The strongest differences were observed between plots with deciduous and coniferous trees. Soils with a more acidic pH and lower content of macronutrients supported larger bryophyte coverage. We also found a positive correlations between vascular plants and availability of light as well as bryophyte species richness. Conclusion Tree species identity and differences in habitat conditions in the forest floor lead to changes of ground bryophyte richness, cover and species composition. Consequently, the changes in the dominant tree species in the stand may result in significant repercussions on ground bryophyte communities. We indicated that the introduction of alien tree species, i.e. Quercus rubra, has an adverse effect on bryophyte communities and suggested that the selection of tree species that contribute to the community consistent with the potential natural vegetation is highly beneficial for maintaining ground bryophyte biodiversity.

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Soil greenhouse gas fluxes from different tree species on Taihang Mountain, North China

Biogeosciences ◽

10.5194/bg-11-1649-2014 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 1649-1666 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

X. P. Liu ◽

W. J. Zhang ◽

C. S. Hu ◽

X. G. Tang

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Temperature ◽

Soil Ph ◽

Tree Species ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Total N ◽

Gas Fluxes ◽

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to investigate seasonal variation of greenhouse gas fluxes from soils on sites dominated by plantation (Robinia pseudoacacia, Punica granatum, and Ziziphus jujube) and natural regenerated forests (Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Leptodermis oblonga, and Bothriochloa ischcemum), and to identify how tree species, litter exclusion, and soil properties (soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, total N, soil bulk density, and soil pH) explained the temporal and spatial variation in soil greenhouse gas fluxes. Fluxes of greenhouse gases were measured using static chamber and gas chromatography techniques. Six static chambers were randomly installed in each tree species. Three chambers were randomly designated to measure the impacts of surface litter exclusion, and the remaining three were used as a control. Field measurements were conducted biweekly from May 2010 to April 2012. Soil CO2 emissions from all tree species were significantly affected by soil temperature, soil moisture, and their interaction. Driven by the seasonality of temperature and precipitation, soil CO2 emissions demonstrated a clear seasonal pattern, with fluxes significantly higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. Soil CH4 and N2O fluxes were not significantly correlated with soil temperature, soil moisture, or their interaction, and no significant seasonal differences were detected. Soil organic carbon and total N were significantly positively correlated with CO2 and N2O fluxes. Soil bulk density was significantly negatively correlated with CO2 and N2O fluxes. Soil pH was not correlated with CO2 and N2O emissions. Soil CH4 fluxes did not display pronounced dependency on soil organic carbon, total N, soil bulk density, and soil pH. Removal of surface litter significantly decreased in CO2 emissions and CH4 uptakes. Soils in six tree species acted as sinks for atmospheric CH4. With the exception of Ziziphus jujube, soils in all tree species acted as sinks for atmospheric N2O. Tree species had a significant effect on CO2 and N2O releases but not on CH4 uptake. The lower net global warming potential in natural regenerated vegetation suggested that natural regenerated vegetation were more desirable plant species in reducing global warming.

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Soil greenhouse gas fluxes from different tree species on Taihang Mountain, North China

Biogeosciences Discussions ◽

10.5194/bgd-10-11037-2013 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 11037-11076 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

X. P. Liu ◽

W. J. Zhang ◽

C. S. Hu ◽

X. G. Tang

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Temperature ◽

Tree Species ◽

Soil Bulk Density ◽

Soil Co2 ◽

Total N ◽

Gas Fluxes ◽

Greenhouse Gas Fluxes ◽

N2o Fluxes

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to investigate seasonal variation of greenhouse gas fluxes from soils on sites dominated by plantation (Robinia pseudoacacia, Punica granatum, and Ziziphus jujube) and natural regenerated forests (Vitex negundo var. heterophylla, Leptodermis oblonga, and Bothriochloa ischcemum), and to identify how tree species, litter exclusion, and soil properties (soil temperature, soil moisture, soil organic carbon, total N, soil bulk density, and soil pH) explained the temporal and spatial variance in soil greenhouse gas fluxes. Fluxes of greenhouse gases were measured using static chamber and gas chromatography techniques. Six static chambers were randomly installed in each tree species. Three chambers were randomly designated to measure the impacts of surface litter exclusion, and the remaining three were used as a control. Field measurements were conducted biweekly from May 2010 through April 2012. Soil CO2 emissions from all tree species were significantly affected by soil temperature, soil moisture, and their interaction. Driven by the seasonality of temperature and precipitation, soil CO2 emissions demonstrated a clear seasonal pattern, with fluxes significantly higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. Soil CH4 and N2O fluxes were not significantly correlated with soil temperature, soil moisture, or their interaction, and no significant seasonal differences were detected. Soil CO2 and N2O fluxes were significantly correlated with soil organic carbon, total N, and soil bulk density, while soil pH was not correlated with CO2 and N2O emissions. Soil CH4 fluxes did not display pronounced dependency on soil organic carbon, total N, soil bulk density, and soil pH. Removal of surface litter resulted in significant decreases in CO2 emissions and CH4 uptakes, but had no significant influence on N2O fluxes. Soils in six tree species acted as sinks for atmospheric CH4. With the exception of Ziziphus jujube, Soils in all sites acted as sinks for atmospheric N2O. Tree species had a significant effect on CO2 and N2O fluxes but not on CH4 uptake. The lower net global warming potential in natural regenerated vegetation suggested that natural regenerated vegetation were more desirable plant species in reducing global warming.

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Plant, fungal, bacterial, and nitrogen interactions in the litter layer of a native Patagonian forest

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.4754 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e4754 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Lucía Vivanco ◽

Nicolás Rascovan ◽

Amy T. Austin

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Community ◽

Litter Decomposition ◽

Plant Species ◽

Tree Species ◽

Microbial Interactions ◽

N Addition ◽

Litter Layer ◽

Species Identity ◽

Single Tree ◽

Stimulation Of

Plant–microbial interactions in the litter layer represent one of the most relevant interactions for biogeochemical cycling as litter decomposition is a key first step in carbon and nitrogen turnover. However, our understanding of these interactions in the litter layer remains elusive. In an old-growth mixed Nothofagus forest in Patagonia, we studied the effects of single tree species identity and the mixture of three tree species on the fungal and bacterial composition in the litter layer. We also evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) addition on these plant–microbial interactions. In addition, we compared the magnitude of stimulation of litter decomposition due to home field advantage (HFA, decomposition occurs more rapidly when litter is placed beneath the plant species from which it had been derived than beneath a different plant species) and N addition that we previously demonstrated in this same forest, and used microbial information to interpret these results. Tree species identity had a strong and significant effect on the composition of fungal communities but not on the bacterial community of the litter layer. The microbial composition of the litter layer under the tree species mixture show an averaged contribution of each single tree species. N addition did not erase the plant species footprint on the fungal community, and neither altered the bacterial community. N addition stimulated litter decomposition as much as HFA for certain tree species, but the mechanisms behind N and HFA stimulation may have differed. Our results suggest that stimulation of decomposition from N addition might have occurred due to increased microbial activity without large changes in microbial community composition, while HFA may have resulted principally from plant species’ effects on the litter fungal community. Together, our results suggest that plant–microbial interactions can be an unconsidered driver of litter decomposition in temperate forests.

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Shooting the messenger: Identifying the mycorrhizal species transferring carbon between neighboring trees

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-10644 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Stav Livne- Luzon ◽

Rotem Cahanovitc ◽

Tamir Klein

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

Resource Sharing ◽

Pinus Halepensis ◽

Stable Isotope Probing ◽

Root Tips ◽

Species Identity ◽

Mycorrhizal Networks ◽

Carbon Transfer ◽

Root Tissues ◽

Control Resource

EMF play an important role in forests around the globe, by improving tree nutrition and water supply, as well as connecting different tree species through common mycorrhizal networks (CMN's). However, the extent to which EMF control resource sharing within these networks has not yet been thoroughly addressed. We constructed a simple network of tree-fungus-tree and monitored carbon flow from a 13CO2 labeled donor tree to the final recipient. &#160;DNA Stable Isotope Probing (DNA-SIP) of ectomycorrhizal root tips was used to identify the main fungal symbionts involved in carbon transfer among trees. We used pairs of inter and intra-specie Pinus halepensis and Quercus calliprinos saplings, and examined the carbon dynamics for 40 days within the leaf, stem and root tissues. The peak of 13C in the roots of the donor trees was around day 4 post labeling, while the recipient roots peaked at day 9 with observed differences between pairs. The intrinsic tree carbon pool, and not the tree species identity, was the main factor governing carbon transfer between trees. Finally, we were able to identify the main fungal symbionts enriched with 13C. Our results add the "missing piece of the puzzle" by linking specific mycorrhizal species to carbon transfer within CMN's.

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Disentangling tree species identity and richness effects on the herb layer: first results from a German tree diversity experiment

Journal of Vegetation Science ◽

10.1111/jvs.12281 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 26 (4) ◽

pp. 742-755 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Evy Ampoorter ◽

Lander Baeten ◽

Margot Vanhellemont ◽

Helge Bruelheide ◽

Michael Scherer-Lorenzen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tree Species ◽

Tree Diversity ◽

Herb Layer ◽

Species Identity ◽

First Results

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Is Tree Species Diversity or Species Identity the More Important Driver of Soil Carbon Stocks, C/N Ratio, and pH?

Ecosystems ◽

10.1007/s10021-016-9958-1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 645-660 ◽

Cited By ~ 51

Author(s):

Seid Muhie Dawud ◽

Karsten Raulund-Rasmussen ◽

Timo Domisch ◽

Leena Finér ◽

Bogdan Jaroszewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Species Diversity ◽

Soil Carbon ◽

Tree Species ◽

Carbon Stocks ◽

Tree Species Diversity ◽

Species Identity ◽

Soil Carbon Stocks

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Relationships between Plant Biodiversity and Soil Fertility in a Mature Tropical Forest, Costa Rica

International Journal of Forestry Research ◽

10.1155/2015/732946 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-13 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Martin B. Nadeau ◽

Thomas P. Sullivan

Keyword(s):

Species Richness ◽

Costa Rica ◽

Soil Fertility ◽

Tropical Forest ◽

Tree Species ◽

Plant Biodiversity ◽

Total N ◽

Fertility Index ◽

Tree Species Richness ◽

Soil Fertility Index

We aimed to study relationships between plant biodiversity and soil chemical fertility in a mature tropical forest of Costa Rica. Soil samples were collected in nine sampling plots (5 m by 25 m) in order to identify P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and Al and total N contents, soil fertility index, CEC, pH, and C/N ratio. Furthermore, species richness, Shannon-Wiener and Simpson’s species diversities, structural richness, and structural diversity were calculated for each plot. Simple linear regression analyses were conducted. Tree species richness was inversely related to concentration levels of K, Ca, and P, CEC, and soil fertility index. Therefore, higher tree species richness tended to be found on sites with lower soil fertility, which is the complete opposite of temperate forests. As a result, tropical and temperate forest ecology should be considered separately. Shannon-Wiener tree species diversity was positively correlated to C/N ratio. Herb structural richness was positively correlated with soil fertility index and P concentration. Therefore, herb structural richness may be a good indicator of soil fertility. This study gives important insights on ecological relationships between plant biodiversity and soil chemical fertility in a primary tropical forest.

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