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Scientia Silvae Sinicae ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (8): 55-70.doi: 10.11707/j.1001-7488.LYKX20260063

• Research papers • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Soil Characteristics, Rhizosphere Effects and Their Influencing Factors in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica Plantations

Qiyan Li1,Peishan Zhao1,Guanglei Gao1,2,3,4,5,*(),Guodong Ding1,2,3,4,5,Ying Zhang1,4,5   

  1. 1. School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University Beijing 100083
    2. State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources Beijing 100083
    3. Yanchi Ecology Research Station of the Mu Us Desert Yanchi 751500
    4. Engineering Research Centre of Forestry Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing Forestry University Beijing 100083
    5. Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University Beijing 100083
  • Received:2026-01-27 Revised:2026-07-13 Online:2026-08-10 Published:2026-08-20
  • Contact: Guanglei Gao E-mail:gaoguanglei@bjfu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Objective: This study aims to reveal the spatiotemporal variations in soil nutrient properties and rhizosphere effects in Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations with different forest ages in different introduction sites, in order to provide a scientific basis for their sustainable management. Method: This study was conducted in P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations with different stand ages (27–28, 37–40, and 48–49 a) in Hulunbuir sandy land (HB), Horqin sandy land (HQ), and Mu Us sandy land (MU). The concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus along with their associated enzyme activities in both bulk and rhizosphere soils were comparatively analyzed to characterize the spatiotemporal variations in nutrient properties and rhizosphere effects, and to explore the primary environmental drivers. Result: 1) The soil nutrients and enzyme activities exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with similar distribution patterns observed between bulk and rhizosphere soils. HB exhibited the highest soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and available nitrogen, while HQ had the highest available phosphorus and acid phosphatase activity, and MU recorded the highest total phosphorus. The soil organic carbon and total nitrogen accumulated with stand age across all regions, and the acid phosphatase activity in bulk soil consistently increased with stand age. 2) Rhizosphere effects varied among different soil properties. In the plantations of various introduction sites, the soil organic carbon and total nitrogen consistently showed positive rhizosphere effects, indicating nutrient accumulation around roots. The activity of enzymes associated with carbon and phosphorus cycling mostly exhibited significantly negative rhizosphere effects, while the activity of nitrogen-transforming enzymes showed significantly positive rhizosphere effects, suggesting that P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations may experience stronger nitrogen limitation. 3) Geographical location and climatic conditions were the dominant factors shaping the spatiotemporal differences in soil characteristics between bulk and rhizosphere soils. The factors explained more variance in soil characteristics than the rhizosphere effects. Variations in soil properties and their rhizosphere effects were primarily driven by the combined influence of geographical and climatic factors. Conclusion: The soil properties in P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations introduced from different regions exhibit significant spatiotemporal variations. The spatiotemporal patterns of soil characteristics and rhizosphere effects are jointly influenced by geographical location, climate, and plant growth, while stand age has a relatively weaker effect.

Key words: Pinus syivestris var. mongolica, rhizosphere effects, soil nutrients, soil enzyme activity, stand age

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