Effects of additional nitrogen on litter decomposition in Stipa baicalensis grassland

doi:10.11686/cyxb20140506

Abstract

Abstract:

In grassland sites dominated by Stipa baicalensis grassland, we imposed six nitrogen levels: N₀, N₁₅, N₃₀, N₅₀, N₁₀₀ and N₁₅₀, respectively. At the various levels of nitrogen deposition, we placed litterbag with leaf, stalk and root litter of S. baicalensis (Sb), Leymus chinensis (Lc), Artemisia frigida (Af) on the experiment plots. Plots were sprayed NH₄NO₃ in the middle of June and July. The dynamics of C and N during litter decomposition were different. Different decomposition and nitrogen exchange patterns were observed among the three dominant plants studied. The current paradigm suggests close relationships between decomposition rates, C and N content and , C/N ratio. The results contrasted with that. Decomposition time for 95% degradation of litter was 3.79-5.75 years for Sb, 3.12-6.34 years for Lc, and 2.69-6.82 years for Af. The initial nutrient element concentration of litter determined the nutrient release pattern and the amount of the final net element release ratio. Through correlation analysis of litter decomposition and soil physical and chemical properties, we found: litter decomposition to be weakly correlated with NH₄^--N , NO₃^--N and soil moisture content. The carbon and nitrogen content of soil microbial biomass was significantly correlated with litter decomposition rate of Af. Thus, microorganisms are the key factor controlling litter decomposition rate of Af. Therefore, in the short term, nitrogen deposition had no significant effect on litter decomposition, only individual level of nitrogen promoting or inhibiting effect on different litter decomposition rate and nutrient releasing. It implied that the effects of N addition on litter decomposition depended on time, organs, and also N addition levels.

CLC Number:

S812.29

YU Wen-chao,SONG Xiao-long,XIU Wei-ming,ZHANG Gui-long,ZHAO Jian-ning,YANG Dian-lin. Effects of additional nitrogen on litter decomposition in Stipa baicalensis grassland[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2014, 23(5): 49-60.

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