Impact of plant species on the formation of carbon and nitrogen stock in soils under semi-desert conditions

Abstract

The unique forest ecosystems investigated were created on the place of natural steppe biogeocoenoses 60 years ago. The aim of the study was to elucidate the effect of plant species on the formation of organic C and N stocks in soils and to estimate nitrogen availability for artificial wood plantation. For this purpose, 290 soil samples were taken from four forest monocultures (Quercus robur L., Pinus sylvestris L., Cotinus coggygria Scop., and Acer tataricum L.) and from virgin steppe ecosystem. The amounts and stocks of organic C, total and readily nitrified N, and seasonal dynamics of NO3 − and NH4 + ions activities were determined. It was shown that the species composition of the stands influenced the stock of organic C and N in soils. The storages of C and total N differed by 74 and 4.4 Mg/ha−1, respectively, in the litter and upper horizons (0–40-cm layer) in the stands studied. The differences in distribution of stocks of these elements in virgin steppe and artificial forest ecosystems were found. Organic C and N stocks increased 1.6–6.6 times in the forest litter compared to the steppe one, while in 5–40-cm layer, the storages of C and N decreased by 20–35% compared to the virgin soil. The impact of litter on total N content in arid climate was limited in 0–5-cm layer. The deficit of mineral N compounds was observed in autumn in soil with low stock of total N.