Different nutrient use strategies of expansive grasses Calamagrostis epigejos and Arrhenatherum elatius

Biologia ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petr Holub ◽  
Ivan Tůma ◽  
Jaroslav Záhora ◽  
Karel Fiala
Keyword(s):  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
Calamagrostis Epigejos ◽  
Arrhenatherum Elatius

AbstractEnhanced nitrogen (N) levels accelerate expansion of Calamagrostis epigejos and Arrhenatherum elatius, highly aggressive expanders displacing original dry acidophilous grassland vegetation in the Podyjí National Park (Czech Republic). We compared the capability of Calamagrostis and Arrhenatherum under control and N enhanced treatments to (i) accumulate N and phosphorus (P) in plant tissues, (ii) remove N and P from above-ground biomass during senescence and (iii) release N and P from plant material during decomposition of fresh formed litter. In control treatment, significantly higher amounts of total biomass and fresh aboveground litter were observed in Calamagrostis than in Arrhenatherum. Contrariwise, nutrient concentrations were significantly higher (11.6–14.3 mg N g−1 and 2.3 mg P g−1) in Arrhenatherum peak aboveground biomass than in Calamagrostis (8.4–10.3 mg N g−1 and 1.6–1.7 mg P g−1). Substantial differences between species were found in resorption of nutrients, mainly P, at the ends of growing seasons. While P concentrations in Arrhenatherum fresh litter were twice and three times higher (1.6–2.5 mg P g−1) than in Calamagrostis (0.7–0.8 mg P g−1), N concentrations were nearly doubled in Arrhenatherum (13.1–15.6 mg N g−1) in comparison with Calamagrostis (7.4–8.7 mg N g−1). Thus, the nutrients (N and mainly P) were retranslocated from the aboveground biomass of Calamagrostis probably more effectively in comparison with Arrhenatherum at the end of the growing season. On the other hand, Arrhenatherum litter was decomposed faster and consequently nutrient release (mainly N and P) was higher in comparison with Calamagrostis which pointed to different growth and nutrient use strategies of studied grass species.

Soil nutrient heterogeneity and competitive ability of three grass species (Festuca ovina, Arrhenatherum elatius and Calamagrostis epigejos) in experimental conditions

Biologia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Tůma ◽  
Petr Holub ◽  
Karel Fiala
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Above Ground Biomass ◽  
Festuca Ovina ◽  
Nutrient Pool ◽  
Ground Biomass ◽  
Calamagrostis Epigejos ◽  
Arrhenatherum Elatius

AbstractWe studied the effects of differences in root growth and nutrient pool on the competitive ability of Festuca ovina (short grass), Arrhenatherum elatius and Calamagrostis epigejos (tall grasses) grown in monocultures and in mixtures of homogeneous and heterogeneous environments during two growing seasons. Analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of plant species on nutrient concentrations in above-ground biomass and of substrate type on contents of N, K, Ca, Mg in biomass. The ANOVA also confirmed the significant effect of competitive environment on the concentration of N, K in above-ground biomass. In heterogeneous environments, both tall grasses (in competition with F. ovina) were able to produce more roots in the nutrient-rich patches and to accumulate more nitrogen in plant tissues, which was associated with higher yield of their above-ground biomass. Thus, the relative competitive ability for nutrients of both tall grasses was higher than that of F. ovina. This competitive ability of A. elatius to C. epigejos increased in heterogeneous treatments.

scholarly journals Cluster-root bearing Proteaceae species show a competitive advantage over non-cluster root species

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Fajardo ◽  
Frida I Piper
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Cluster Roots ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Cluster Root ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Relative Interaction Index

Abstract Background and aims Cluster roots (CRs) constitute a special root adaptation that enables plants to take up nutrients, especially phosphorus (P), from soils with low nutrient availability, including recent volcanic deposits. It is unclear, however, how CR species interact with non-cluster root (NCR) species, and how substrates’ fertility modulates potential interactions. Methods We experimentally assessed the net interaction between CR and NCR species using two substrates of contrasting fertility: nutrient-rich nursery mix and tephra (low P availability). We planted seedlings of two southern South America (SSA) Proteaceae species and two NCR Nothofagus species in pairs (conspecifics and heterospecifics) and as singles. We analysed the effect of seedling neighbours on survival, growth performance (e.g. total biomass and leaf area), and leaf and substrate nutrient concentrations (including manganese [Mn], a proxy for P-acquisition efficiency through CR activity) using the relative interaction index (RII). Key Results After three growing seasons, we found that 1) Proteaceae species had fewer CRs, lower CR biomass, and grew less in the tephra than in the nursery substrate; 2) Nothofagus species did not improve their survival and growth in the presence of Proteaceae species in any substrate; 3) contrary to Nothofagus, Proteaceae species improved their growth more when planted with any neighbour (including conspecifics) than when planted alone, which was accompanied by a significant accretion of leaf P; and 4) the presence of a neighbour increased the final N and P concentrations in the nursery substrate, regardless of species identity. Conclusions CRs provide Proteaceae a competitive advantage over NCR species at the seedling stage, which may have important consequences for species coexistence and community structuring. The investigated SSA Proteaceae, which have not evolved in nutrient-impoverished soils as their relatives in southwestern Australia and South Africa, improve their growth when cultivated in pairs, especially in nutrient-rich substrates.

Effects of fire regimes on herbaceous biomass and nutrient dynamics in the Brazilian savanna

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Immaculada Oliveras ◽  
Sergio T. Meirelles ◽  
Valter L. Hirakuri ◽  
Cenira R. Freitas ◽  
Heloisa S. Miranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Community Dynamics ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Brazilian Savanna ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Wet Season

This study explores the long-term effects of fire treatments on biomass and nutrient pools in an open savanna from Central Brazil. Treatments included early, middle and late dry season burns every 2 years, a middle dry season burn every 4 years, and protection from fire on five 4-ha plots. We quantified aboveground biomass of graminoids and forbs/sub-shurbs, and their nutrient concentrations and stocks in both dry and wet seasons, and below-ground biomass down to 30-cm depth. We found strong differences between wet and dry season, with biomass and nutrient concentrations being highest in the wet season, across all fire treatments. Fire treatments had significant effects on plant nutrient stocks and root distribution, although total biomass was not affected. Concentrations of the most volatile nutrients (N, S, K and P) were higher in the herbaceous aboveground biomass of the quadrennial and the unburnt plots, suggesting that increases in fire frequency would reduce the amount of nutrients in aboveground biomass and increase the concentration of fine roots at the soil surface. Results highlight the role of fire in maintaining community dynamics in the Brazilian savanna. Overall, the quadrennial burn appears to be the optimal fire regime in open Cerrado vegetation.

Development of a water temperature-ecological model to stimulate global warming effects on lake ecosystem

1996 ◽  
Vol 34 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 237-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaaki Hosomi ◽  
Tetsu Saigusa ◽  
Kenichi Yabunaka ◽  
Takuya Okubo ◽  
Akihiko Murakami
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Water Temperature ◽  
Thermal Stratification ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Eddy Diffusion ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Lake Ecosystem ◽  
Phytoplankton Species ◽  
Freezing And Thawing

This paper describes a newly developed combined water temperature-ecological (WT-ECO) model which is employed to simulate the effects of global warming on lake and reservoir ecosystems. The WT model includes (i) variations in the eddy diffusion coefficient based on the degree of thermal stratification and the velocity of wind, and (ii) a sub-model for simulating the freezing and thawing processes of surface water, water temperatures, and the mixing rates between two adjacent layers of water. The ECO model then uses these results to calculate the resultant effect on a lake's ecological dynamics, e.g., composition of phytoplankton species, their respective concentrations, and nutrient concentrations. When the model was benchmarked against Lake Yunoko, a dimictic lake, fairly good agreement was obtained over a 4-yr period; thereby indicating it is suitably calibrated. In addition, to assess the effects of global warming on a lake ecosystem, changes in Lake Yunoko's water temperature/quality were simulated in response to an increase in air temperature of 2 - 4°C. Results indicate that such an increase will (i) increase thermal stratification in summer, which increases the nutrient concentrations in bottom water due to nutrient release from bottom sediment, (ii) increase the concentration of phytoplankton at the beginning of the autumn circulation period, and (iii) change the composition of phytoplankton species.

Effects of CO2 enrichment and nutrition on growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient concentration of Alaskan tundra plant species

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (12) ◽  
pp. 2993-2998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven F. Oberbauer ◽  
Nasser Sionit ◽  
Steven J. Hastings ◽  
Walter C. Oechel
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Co2 Enrichment ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Ledum Palustre ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Concentrations ◽  
Alaskan Tundra

Three Alaskan tundra species, Carex bigelowii Torr., Betula nana L., and Ledum palustre L., were grown in controlled-environment chambers at two nutrition levels with two concentrations of atmospheric CO2 to assess the interactive effects of these factors on growth, photosynthesis, and tissue nutrient content. Carbon dioxide concentrations were maintained at 350 and 675 μL L−1 under photosynthetic photon flux densities of 450 μmol m−2 s−1 and temperatures of 20:15 °C (light:dark). Nutrient treatments were obtained by watering daily with 1/60- or 1/8- strength Hoagland's solution. Leaf, root, and total biomass were strongly enhanced by nutrient enrichment regardless of the CO2 concentration. In contrast, enriched atmospheric CO2 did not significantly affect plant biomass and there was no interaction between nutrition and CO2 concentration during growth. Leaf photosynthesis was increased by better nutrition in two species but was unchanged by CO2 enrichment during growth in all three species. The effects of nutrient addition and CO2 enrichment on tissue nutrient concentrations were complex and differed among the three species. The data suggest that CO2 enrichment with or without nutrient limitation has little effect on the biomass production of these three tundra species.

Water Stress Effects on Growth, Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Hemarthria Compressa

2012 ◽  
Vol 212-213 ◽  
pp. 578-585
Author(s):  
Zhong Wen Yang ◽  
Jun Ying Jin ◽  
Xin Yi Xu
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Growth Yield ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Sensitive Period ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Hemarthria Compressa

Water stress is an important approach to use water resources efficiently and remit the agricultural water shortage. Hemarthria compressa is one of perennial grasses, a pasture of high quality, which has abundant species resources in China. To explore the response of the growth, yield and water use efficiency(WUE) of Hemarthria compressa under water stress, this study, adapting pot experiment, imposed three water stress degree (LD, MD and SD) treatments and a control treatment on Hemarthria compressa. The data of growth indicators during control period, yield and total water consumption were obtained. The results show a noticeable inhibitory action of water stress on the growth of Hemarthria compressa. Along with the intensifying of water stress, plant height increment, leaf area, total biomass, dry matter of each organ and yield decreased, and the root-shoot ratio increased firstly and inclined to slump finally. Plants under the middle water stress treatment achieved the greatest WUE of 38.25 kg/m3. The first 10d in the water control period was the most sensitive period of the pasture responding to water stress.

scholarly journals In situ nitrogen mineralization and nutrient release by soil amended with black soldier fly frass fertilizer

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dennis Beesigamukama ◽  
Benson Mochoge ◽  
Nicholas Korir ◽  
Changeh J. Ghemoh ◽  
Sevgan Subramanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Acidity ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Amended Soils ◽  
Cropping Seasons ◽  
Bacteria And Fungi

AbstractAlthough black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is effective on crop performance, information on nitrogen (N) mineralization and nutrient release capacity of soils amended with BSFFF is lacking. This study utilized field incubation experiments to investigate the ammonification, nitrification, microbial populations, and quantities of nutrients released by soils amended with BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) for a period equivalent to two maize cropping seasons. For the control treatment, no BSFFF or SAFI was added. Results indicated that most of the N in BSFFF amended soils was available in the ammonium form, while soils treated with SAFI had higher nitrate concentration. The BSFFF amended soils experienced shorter net immobilization periods of N (30–60 days) compared to SAFI treated soils (60–95 days). Increased rates of mineralization (3–10 times) and nitrification (2–4 times) were observed in soils treated with BSFFF during the second season of application. The BSFFF treated soils showed significantly higher N, phosphorus, and magnesium release than the control. Repeated application of BSFFF led to increased N release by three-folds in the soil. Furthermore, soil amendment with BSFFF increased the populations of bacteria and fungi, reduced soil acidity, and increased phosphorus (two-folds) and magnesium (two–four-folds) release than SAFI treated soils. Our findings highlight the crucial role of BSFFF in improving soil health by addressing the challenges of soil acidity, phosphorus fixation and nutrient mining, which is characteristic of most tropical soils.

Application of Gliricidia sepium Tree Leaves and Nitrogen Fertilizer to Improve Tomato Production and Soil Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87
Author(s):  
SS Keya ◽  
MG Miah ◽  
MA Rahman ◽  
MT Islam
Keyword(s):  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Gliricidia Sepium ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
N Fertilizer ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Tree Leaves ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Soil Fertility Improvement

Excess use of agrochemicals for intensive cultivation affects crop quality and destroys agro-ecosystems, and eventually creates health hazards. The study aims to investigate the effect of Gliricidia sepium (GS) tree leaf as suitable green manures for supplementing nutrient supply along with nitrogen (N) fertilizer to produce quality tomato and soil fertility improvement. A field experiment was conducted at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh, from November 2016 to March 2017. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (two factors) with three replications. There were nine treatment combinations with three levels of GS tree leaves (5, 10 and 15 t ha−1) and three doses of N (0, 50 and 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer). The highest tomato yield was recorded in GS15×N100 treatment combination, which was 41.68% higher compared to the control treatment. Decreasing C: N ratio in increasing dose of GS and N treated plot indicated the quality of tree leaves that ensures faster decomposition and high nutrient release pattern of this species. Increasing rate of soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in different treatments as compared to initial soil showed soil fertility improvement. Overall, the results indicated that quality tomato could be grown successfully by the application of G. sepium tree leaves along with an appropriate amount of N fertilizer. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(1) : 77-87

scholarly journals Efficiency of Rice Husk Biochar with Poultry Litter Co-Composts in Oxisols for Improving Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Enhancing Maize Performance

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2409
Author(s):  
Hamed Alarefee ◽  
Che Fauziah Ishak ◽  
Daljit Singh Karam ◽  
Radziah Othman
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Poultry Litter ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Mineral Fertilizer ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Organic Manure ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Higher Plant

Efficient use of co-composted organic manure with biochar is one of the sustainable management practices in an agriculture system to increase soil fertility and crop yield. The objectives of this research are to evaluate the use of co-composted biochar, biochar in formulation with poultry litter (PL), and PL compost on soil properties and maize growth. Organic amendments were applied at 10 Mg ha−1, and synthetic fertilizer was applied at the recommended rate of maize (N: P2O5: K2O at 60:60:40 kg ha−1). The results showed that addition of organic amendment significantly increased the total biomass parameter compared to the control, which ranged from 23.2% to 988.5%. The pure biochar treatment yielded lower biomass than the control by 27.1%, which was attributed to its low nutrient content. Consequently, the application of the co-composted biochar achieved higher plant height and aerial portion, which ranged from 46.86% to 25.74% and 7.8% to 108.2%, respectively, in comparison to the recommended fertilizer rate. In addition, the soil amended with co-composted biochar had a significant increase in soil organic matter and had significantly higher chlorophyll and nutrient concentrations in plants, which increased with an increase in the biochar ratio of the co-composts. This was probably attributed to the release of the nutrients retained during composting, thereby possibly making the co-composted biochar act as a slow-release fertilizer. In conclusion, the addition of organic manure with biochar enhanced the nutrient supply by gradual release in comparison to the mineral fertilizer.

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