Abstract
The effects of adding larch (Larix kaempferi) leaf litter and nitrogen (N) on microbial activity and phosphorus (P) fractions in forest soil were examined in a short-term (28-d) laboratory incubation study. The soil was analyzed using a modified Hedley sequential extraction procedure and an acid phosphatase assay. The addition of larch litter and N increased the acid phosphatase activity and decreased the labile P (H2O-P + NaHCO3-P) concentration. Compared with addition of larch litter only, addition of both inputs decreased the proportion of inorganic P (Pi) and increased that of organic P (Po) in the NaOH fraction, bound to aluminum and iron oxides. The results of nutrient (carbon, N, or P) addition indicated that acid phosphatase was synthesized to acquire P. This study suggests that, in this forest soil, P in the H2O-P + NaHCO3-P and in the NaOH-Pi fractions was available for soil microorganisms to decompose leaf litter and that increase in microbial activity eventually translated in an increase in the proportion of Po found in the NaOH fraction in this forest soil.
Highlights
In forest ecosystem, soil microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and cycling of P
We evaluated the effects of larch leaf litter and N inputs on P transformation and acid phosphatase activity in forest soil in a short-term laboratory incubation study
Acid phosphatase activity increased after adding the larch litter (Figure 1(A); Table 1), suggesting that this addition stimulated microbial activity
Summary
In forest ecosystem, soil microorganisms play a critical role in the transformation and cycling of P. Organic P in soil organic matter (including plant litter and dead microorganisms) is mineralized to Pi through the action of phosphatases primarily produced by microorganisms, and Pi is taken up by plants and microorganisms [1]. Microorganisms secrete organic acids to solubilize P bound to oxides via ligand exchange as well as by ligand-enhanced dissolution of the oxides [2]. Large amounts of organic matter are added to forest soils by litterfall [5], little is known about the effects of newly added plant litter on microbial activity and the distribution of P in soils. We evaluated the effects of larch leaf litter and N inputs on P transformation and acid phosphatase activity in forest soil in a short-term laboratory incubation study
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