Plant Species and Defoliation Effects on Soil Nitrogen Mineralization in a Semiarid Rangeland of Argentina

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate defoliation and grass species on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization in a semiarid grassland of northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. Studied species were Poa ligularis and Nassella tenuis (desirable/preferred by cattle) and Amelichloa ambigua (undesirable/non preferred). Two defoliations were made to a 5 cm stubble height during the growing season. Hypotheses were that (1) net N mineralization and N availability in the soil are increased by a moderate defoliation and greater species forage quality, and (2) potential N mineralization is higher in the soil beneath the desirable than undesirable species. In 2013 and 2014, in situ net N mineralization was estimated using the tube incubation technique under field conditions. Potential N mineralization was estimated by long-term laboratory incubations. Defoliation treatments did not affect the soil inorganic N dynamics. The soil under A. ambigua showed a greater in situ net N mineralization than other species, but only in 2013. Poa ligularis presented the highest initial inorganic N and potentially mineralizable N values. However, the opposite was recorded in this specie for the mineralization constant rate. These results demonstrated that moderate defoliations did not affect soil N availability, and presence of the desirable perennial grasses increased the potential N mineralization pool. Sustainable management practices that promote the persistence of these species in plant community are important to maintain soil fertility on semiarid grasslands.