Abstract
AbstractIn tropical forest ecosystems, a paradoxical relationship is commonly observed between massive biomass production and low soil fertility (low pH). The loss and deficiency of soil phosphorus (P) and bases generally constrain biomass production; however, high productivity on nutrient‐deficient soils of Bornean tropical forests is hypothesized to be maintained by plant and microorganism adaptation to an acidic soil environment. Proton budgets in the plant–soil system indicated that plants and microorganisms promote acidification to acquire bases, even in highly acidic tropical soils. The nitric and organic acids they produce contribute to the mobilization of basic cations and their uptake by plants. In response to soil P deficiency and the recalcitrance of lignin‐rich organic matter, specific trees and fungi can release organic acids and enzymes for nutrient acquisition. Organic acids exuded by roots and rhizosphere microorganisms can promote the solubilization of P bonded to aluminum and iron oxides and its uptake by plants from P‐poor soils. Lignin degradation, a rate‐limiting step in organic matter decomposition, is specifically enhanced in acidic organic layers by lignin peroxidase, produced by white‐rot fungi, which may solubilize recalcitrant lignin and release soluble aromatic substances into the soil solution. This dissolved organic matter functions in the transport of nitrogen, P, and basic cations in acidic soils without increasing leaching loss. In Bornean tropical forests, soil acidification is promoted by plants and microorganisms as a nutrient acquisition strategy, while plant roots and fungi can develop rhizosphere and enzymatic processes that promote tolerance of low pH.
Highlights
Kazumichi FujiiSoil acidification and adaptations of plants and microorganisms in Bornean tropical forests
Why can tropical forests maintain high productivity in highly weathered soils? Paradoxical relationships between high biomass productivity and low soil fertility have been reported for several tropical forest ecosystems (Whittaker 1975; Terborgh 1992)
High precipitation generally favors for high biomass production, but soil acidification induces deficiencies of nutrients, phosphorus (P), and bases as well as aluminum (Al) toxicity
Summary
Soil acidification and adaptations of plants and microorganisms in Bornean tropical forests. This article is published with open access at Springerlink.com
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.