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Nitrogen addition stimulated soil respiration more so than carbon addition in alpine meadows.
- Source :
-
Environmental Research . Sep2023, Vol. 233, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
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Abstract
- The soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) availability are important in the regulation of soil C cycling under climate change. Fertilizers alter soil C and N availability, which can affect C balance. However, the impact of fertilizers on C balance in grassland restoration has been equivocal and warrants more research. We determined the direct and indirect effects of the addition of three levels of C (sucrose) (0, 60, and 120 kg C ha−1 yr−1), three levels of N (urea) (0, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and a combination of C plus N at each of the levels on soil respiration (Rs) dynamics and C balance in an alpine meadow in northern Tibet (4700 m above sea level). This study was undertaken during the middle of the growing season in 2011–2012. The addition of C and/or N stimulated CO 2 emission, which was 2-fold greater in 2011 (102–144 g C m−2) than in 2012 (43–54 g C m−2). The rate of Rs increased with the addition of N, but was not affected with the addition of C plus N. Microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C and inorganic N were the main drivers of Rs. We concluded that N addition stimulated Rs to a greater extent than C addition in the short term. The application of fertilizer in the restoration of degraded grassland should be re-considered. • Soil microbial content was the main driver of soil respiration (Rs). • N availability stimulated Rs to a greater extent than C availability. • The addition of C and/or N stimulated CO 2 emission by less than 31%. • The addition of C and/or N had no effect on C sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00139351
- Volume :
- 233
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Environmental Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 170414334
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.116501