Regional-scale ecological stoichiometric characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of key elements in surface soils in the Junggar desert, Chin

doi:10.11686/cyxb2016009

Abstract

Abstract:

Ecological stoichiometry focuses on the element equilibrium and coupling relations, and it has been widely used in study of plant growth, limiting element determination, and ecosystem stability, among others. Desert ecosystems are an important component of terrestrial ecosystems, and are characterized by low precipitation, poor soil development and low floral and faunal biodiversity. Study of the ecological stoichiometry of desert soils enhances understanding of the nutrient supply capability and its effect on biodiversity and ecosystem stability. In this study, surface soil samples (0-10 cm) and environmental factors (including climate and geographical factors) in 79 sites in the Junggar desert were investigated, and then the stoichiometric characteristics of soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P) contents, their distribution patterns and factors influencing them were systematically studied using one-way ANOVA, a Kriging technique and correlation analysis. Soil C, N and P contents were (5.73±0.49), (0.207±0.009) and (0.347±0.004) g/kg respectively; and the soil C∶N, C∶P, and N∶P ratios were (29.92±2.55), (15.97±1.23) and (0.498±0.024) respectively. Soil P showed the highest stability (CV=0.098), whereas C, C∶N and C∶P exhibited relatively strong variability (CV=0.687-0.758). Soil C, P, C∶N and C∶P varied among different habitats (sandy desert, Gobi desert and saline-alkali desert) and different communities (Haloxylon ammodendron, H. persicum and small shrubs). Compared with national and global averages, the soil C, N and P contents, and C∶P and N∶P ratios in the Junggar desert were lower, but the C∶N was higher. The degree of deficiency of soil nutrient elements ranked in order: N>C>P. The soil nutrients and their stoichiometric ratios typically exhibited quadratic relationships with other nutrients, and the stoichiometric ratios were dominated by C and N. At a regional scale, all stoichiometric traits displayed obvious spatial heterogeneity. Soil C, and C∶N and C∶P ratios showed similar distribution patterns and were influenced by mean annual precipitation, latitude and longitude. Soil N and N∶P ratio displayed similar distribution patterns and were influenced by longitude, elevation and mean annual temperature.

TAO Ye, LIU Yao-Bin, WU Gan-Lin, ZHANG Yuan-Ming. Regional-scale ecological stoichiometric characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of key elements in surface soils in the Junggar desert, Chin[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2016, 25(7): 13-23.

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