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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2015, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (7): 1-8.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.20150701

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Stoichiometry Characterization of Soil C, N, and P of Chinese Fir Plantations at Three Different Ages in Huitong, Hunan Province, China

Cao Juan1, Yan Wende1,2,3, Xiang Wenhua1,2,3, Chen Xiaoyong1,2,4, Lei Pifeng1,2   

  1. 1. Central South University of Forestry and Technology Changsha 410004;
    2. National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry ＆ Ecology in South China Changsha 410004;
    3. Huitong National Field Station for Scientific Observation and Research of Chinese Fir Plantation Ecosystem in Hunan Province Huitong 418307;
    4. Governors State University Illinois 60484
  • Received:2014-06-17 Revised:2015-05-13 Online:2015-07-25 Published:2015-08-14

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Abstract:

[Objective] Soil organic C,total N ,and total P were measured in Chinese fir plantations at 3 different ages (7-, 17-, and 25-year-old) and changes of these elements along soil profile were also investigated in these plantations, in order to provide a scientific basis for sustainable management of Chinese fir plantations. [Method] The study was conducted at the National Key Field Observation Station of Central South University of Forestry and Technology, located in Huitong, Hunan Province of China. Three plantations at different ages were selected within the station and three plots in size of 20 m×20 m were set up for each of the three plantations. Based on the principle of ‘random’, ‘equal’ and ‘pooled’, soil samples were collected from 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm depths, respectively, at three sampling points with a triangle shape within each plot. Soil organic C, total N and total P were analyzed. C:N, C:P, N:P and C:N:P ratios were estimated. [Result] The contents of soil organic C,total N, and total P ranged 12.14-19.52, 1.43-1.89,and 0.32-0.40 g·kg-1 in the studied plantations, respectively. The contents of soil organic C and total N decreased with the increase of soil depths in 7-, 17-and 25-year-old stands. Total P contents did not significantly differ among soil depths in the studied stands. Soil C:N of the 3 plantations was respectively 11.73, 8.70, and 8.52, displaying a declining trend with aging.. In addition, soil C:N ratio was significantly higher in 7-year-old plantations (P<0.05) and significantly lower in 17- and 25-year-old plantations (P<0.05) when compared to the control plots (9.52) (plots with slash burning but before afforestation). Soil C:P ratios were 57.42, 36.27, and 40.54 in the studied plantations and 55.70 in the control, which were all lower than the national mean (61). Soil C:P ratios were significantly higher in 7-year-old plantations and the control plots than in 17- and 25-year old plantations. Soil N:P ratios were 4.87, 4.18 and 4.76 in the studied plantations and no significant differences from each other. But soil N:P ratios were lower in the studied plantations compared to the national mean (5.2), and significantly lower when compared to the control (5.85) (P<0.05). Soil C:N:P ratios were 56:5:1,36:4:1,41:5:1 in the three plantations and 55:6:1 in the control, all were lower than the national mean (60:5:1). [Conclusion] Soil C, N ,and P contents were gradually restored with the aging of plantations. Our study suggested that N was relatively adequate, but P was relatively lack in the studied sites. It was likely that net mineralization of soil microbial biomass P occurred in order to maintain a relative equilibrium of P in soils under low soil C:P ratio condition. Soil C:N, N:P ,and C:P ratios were in a relative steady state along soil profile in the plantations. Soil C:N and C:P ratios were mainly affected by soil total C in the study area. As a consequence, to regulate soil organic C content is a critical target in sustainable management of Chinese fir plantations.

Key words: Chinese fir plantation, soil, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, stoichiometry, plantation age

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