Abstract
Purpose
The levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) are rapidly increasing. Understanding carbon (C) dynamics in soil is important for assessing the soil C sequestration potential under elevated [CO2]. Nitrogen (N) is often regarded as a limiting factor in the soil C sequestration under future CO2 enrichment environment. However, few studies have been carried out to examine what would happen in the subtropical or tropical areas where the ambient N deposition is high. In this study, we used open-top chambers to study the effect of elevated atmospheric [CO2] alone and together with N addition on the soil C dynamics in the first 4 years of the treatments applied in southern China.
Materials and methods
Above- and below-ground C input (tree biomass) into soil, soil respiration, soil organic C, and total N as well as dissolved organic C (DOC) were measured periodically in each of the open-top chambers. Soil samples were collected randomly in each chamber from each of the soil layers (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) using a standard soil sampling tube (2.5-cm inside diameter). Soil leachates were collected at the bottom of the chamber below-ground walls in stainless steel boxes.
Results and discussion
The highest above- and below-ground C input into soil was found in the high CO2 and high N treatment (CN), followed by the only high N treatment (N+), the only high CO2 treatment (C+), and then the control (CK) without any CO2 enrichment or N addition. DOC in the leachates was small for all the treatments. Export of DOC played a minor role in C cycling in our experiment. Generally, soil respiration rate in the chambers followed the order: CN treatment > C + treatment > N + treatment > the control. Except for the C+ treatment, there were no significant differences in soil total N among the CN treatment, N + treatment, and the control. Overall, soil organic C (SOC) was significantly affected by the treatments (p < 0.0001). SOC for all the soil layers in the treatments followed the order: CN treatment > N + treatment > C + treatment = CK treatment. Compared with the control, the higher SOC in the CN and N+ treatment was due to the greater above- and below-ground C input. The increased soil respiration in the C+ treatment led to the lower SOC.
Conclusions
Elevated atmospheric [CO2] in the subtropical China accelerated soil C sequestration in this area; however, this increase would still need additional N input. The increased soil C pool was due to the enhanced tree growth. Special climatic condition in this area and the high density of tree planting might further accelerate soil C sequestration in this area.
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Acknowledgements
This work was jointly funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (40730102, 30725006, and 30700112), Guangdong Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (7006918), and the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry. Zhihong Xu also acknowledged the funding support from the Australian Research Council.
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Liu, J.X., Zhou, G.Y., Zhang, D.Q. et al. Carbon dynamics in subtropical forest soil: effects of atmospheric carbon dioxide enrichment and nitrogen addition. J Soils Sediments 10, 730–738 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-009-0178-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-009-0178-6