Rapid Clay Weathering in the Rhizosphere of Norway Spruce and Oak in an Acid Forest Ecosystem

Abstract

The mineralogy of bulk and rhizosphere soils was compared to assess the effect of roots on mineral weathering in a Typic Dystrochrept supporting Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) and oak (Quercus sessiliflora Smith). In an experimental forest site (Breuil‐Chenue, France), systematic soil sampling was performed in forty pits. The soil adhering to the roots was considered as rhizosphere soil. The remaining material was regarded as bulk soil. The mineralogy of the clay‐sized particles of both fractions was determined by x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Amorphous solid phases were estimated by extracting Fe and Al with hot Na‐citrate and dithionite‐citrate‐bicarbonate. Total chemical analyzes were performed on the clay‐sized particles via BaCl2–saturation and an iso‐zirconium weathering balance was calculated. The XRD demonstrated an increase of illite‐like minerals in the rhizosphere of both species and the selective extractions revealed a decrease in the amorphous phases. The total chemical analyzes showed that the rhizosphere clay‐sized fraction contained significantly more Si and K (for oak only) and less Fe and Al than the bulk soil. By way of the iso‐zirconium weathering balance, these losses of Fe and Al in the rhizosphere were estimated at several tens of kilograms by hectare for the surface horizon (0–3 cm). This study demonstrates that, despite the short duration of the contact between the active part of a root and the solid mineral phase, the intensity of the processes occurring in the rhizosphere significantly increases mineral weathering.