Abstract
Knowledge about soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, stocks, and stoichiometric ratios is crucial for understanding the biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem function in arid mountainous forests. However, the corresponding information is scarce, particularly in arid mountainous forests. To fill this gap, we investigated the depth and elevational patterns of the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios in a Picea schrenkiana forest using data from soil profiles collected during 2012–2017. Our results showed that the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios varied from 0.15 g kg−1 to 0.56 g kg−1 (average of 0.31 g kg−1), from 0.09 g kg−1 to 0.16 g kg−1 (average of 0.12 g kg−1), and from 2.42 g kg−1 to 4.36 g kg−1 (average of 3.42 g kg−1), respectively; additionally, values significantly and linearly decreased with soil depth. We did not observe a significant variation in the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios with the elevational gradient. In contrast, our results revealed that the mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation exhibited a more significant influence on the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios than did elevation. This finding indicated that climatic variables might have a more direct impact on soil nutrient status than elevation. The observed relationship among the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios demonstrated that the soil N was closely coupled with the soil P in the P. schrenkiana forest.
Highlights
The theoretical relationship between foliar nutrient patterns and soil nutrients has been a cornerstone of ecosystem science for years [1,2,3,4]
The N and P concentrations and the N: P ratios varied from 0.15 g kg−1 to 0.56 g kg−1, from 0.09 g kg−1 to 0.16 g kg−1, and from 2.42 g kg−1 to 4.36 g kg−1, respectively (Table 1)
We examined the soil N and P concentrations and the N: P stoichiometric ratios in Schrenk’s spruce forest of Northwest China using data from soil profiles collected from eight sites during field work conducted from 2012 to 2017
Summary
The theoretical relationship between foliar nutrient patterns and soil nutrients has been a cornerstone of ecosystem science for years [1,2,3,4]. Multiple studies have shown that soil macronutrients, N and P, play vital roles in plant functioning and are among the most important limiting nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems [9,10,11]. Their concentrations and mass ratios (N: P) are currently viewed as indices of the nutrient status that may provide insights into several processes, such as soil microbial activities, leaching, denitrification, and nutrient mineralization [12,13,14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
