Abstract
Different physiognomies across the Cerrado could influence the microbial C:N:P ratio in the soil since these physiognomies present different abundance and diversity of plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial C:N:P ratio in soil across three different physiognomies of Cerrado in the Northeast, Brazil, namely campo graminóide (dominance of grasses), cerrado stricto sensu (dominance of grasses, shrubs, low trees, and woody stratum), and cerradão (dominance of woody stratum). Campo graminóide was characterized by lower values of total organic C, N, microbial C:P, N:P, and soil C:N. Cerrado stricto sensu presented average values for most of the measured parameters, while cerradão presented higher values of microbial C, N, P, organic C, N and soil C:P and C:N ratios. The principal component analysis showed that the samples grouped according to the sites, with a clear gradient from campo graminóide to cerradão. Therefore, the differences of vegetation across physiognomies of Cerrado influenced the soil microbial C:N:P ratio, where cerradão showed highest microbial C:N:P ratio than soil under campo graminóide.
Highlights
Soil organic matter (SOM) and microbial biomass (SMB) are suitable indicators of soil fertility in both native and managed ecosystems (Andrews et al 2004, Jiménez et al 2011)
Soil pH, K content and temperature did not vary between sites, while soil moisture and P content increased from campo graminóide to cerradão
The values of total organic C (TOC), total N (TN), microbial biomass C (MBC), microbial biomass N (MBN) and microbial biomass P (MBP) increased from campo graminóide to cerradão
Summary
Soil organic matter (SOM) and microbial biomass (SMB) are suitable indicators of soil fertility in both native and managed ecosystems (Andrews et al 2004, Jiménez et al 2011). SMB is SMB presents importance on the biological process in soil, such as immobilization and mineralization of nutrients (Marinari et al 2006). It means that SMB can act as the sink (immobilization) or the source (mineralization) of nutrients and it Agrarian Sciences. The C:N:P ratios are important for the understanding of microbial nutrient limitations in soils, since the microbial C:N:P ratio is a good indicator of nutrient status in soil. The knowledge about the microbial C:N:P ratios in native ecosystem is important to assess the soil nutrient status and ecological implications for vegetation
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.
