Article
Soil Science
Daniel Plaza-Bonilla, Bruno Mary, Matthieu Vale, Eric Justes
Summary: The sensitivity of C and N mineralization to water potential in soil varies significantly between sites, and can be accurately predicted by specific soil properties. This suggests the potential for improving soil and soil-crop models to better predict water stress on C and N mineralization, particularly in the context of climate change.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinlin Zhang, Yu Li, Kunxue Cui, Yiwen Sun, Xu Zhang, Guangren Zheng, Meiyang Zhao, Bo Wang, Hongyu Yang
Summary: In winter, snowpack and organic compost have different effects on the succession of soil bacterial communities and important soil nutrients. The study found that temperature significantly affected Proteobacteria and fertilization increased its abundance. Snow increased the abundance of Acidobacteriota, but reduced overall bacterial community connectivity and increased association with environmental factors. This study provides new insights into soil management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eva Wambacq, Abbas Alloul, Oliver Grunert, Jasper Carrette, Pieter Vermeir, Janne Spanoghe, Myrsini Sakarika, Siegfried E. Vlaeminck, Geert Haesaert
Summary: Organic fertilizers and microbial fertilizers play an important role in the transition from conventional fertilizer-to-food chain, especially when produced on secondary resources. This study explores three promising types of microbial fertilizers and finds their potential application value, including adjusting nutrient release, promoting plant growth, and enhancing crop disease resistance.
Article
Soil Science
Jie Chen, Bin Jia, Shu Gang, Yawen Li, Fen-Can Li, Xiao Ming Mou, Yakov Kuzyakov, Xiao Gang Li
Summary: This study compares the effects of different plant communities on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus mineralization in an alpine meadow. The results show that under shrubs, the rates of nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in soil are significantly higher, while the increase in organic carbon mineralization is smaller. Furthermore, the decoupling of organic carbon and nutrient mineralization is driven by microbial stoichiometry.
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samantha R. Weintraub-Leff, Steven J. Hall, Matthew E. Craig, Debjani Sihi, Zhuonan Wang, Stephen C. Hart
Summary: Nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient in terrestrial ecosystems, but predicting and modeling soil N cycling remains challenging due to gaps in sampling. In this study, a publicly available data set collected by NEON is introduced, which can help fill these gaps. The study evaluated the data and found wide spatiotemporal variation in inorganic N pool sizes and transformation rates. The observed data did not match the simulated data, highlighting the need for improved predictive modeling.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yue Luo, Xian Wu, Ji Liu, Hengbin Xiao, Bin Liao, Ronggui Hu
Summary: The loss of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3--N) in citrus orchards is mainly caused by the large amount of nitrogen fertilizer input. The primary source of runoff NO3--N loss is soil organic nitrogen (SON) mineralization, and the potential and rate of soil N mineralization are key factors impacting NO3-N loss. Organic manure application increases NO3-N loss derived from SON, while green manure mulching effectively reduces NO3--N loss. Regulating SON mineralization plays a critical role in controlling NO3--N pollution in citrus orchard catchments.
Article
Agronomy
Qiang Zhao, Jingwei Wu, Chenyao Guo, Jifeng Zhang, Xin Wang, Yawen Liu, Hang Zhao, Rui Zhang
Summary: Nitrogen is crucial for the growth of plants and microorganisms, but its availability can be limited in soil affected by salinity and freezing-thawing processes. This study investigated the combined effects of salinity and freezing-thawing on the transformation of inorganic nitrogen in seasonally freezing salinized farmland. The results showed that freezing-thawing processes increased ammonium nitrogen content and decreased nitrate nitrogen content, with the extent of these effects depending on the soil salt content and freezing temperature. Moreover, the increase in soil water content weakened the formation of ammonium nitrogen induced by freezing temperature decrease, and this weakening effect was more pronounced with higher salinity levels.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Tiange Zhang, Hongyu Feng, Lu Xia, Jinke Liu, Hui Zhao, Wen Yang, Yongqiang Zhao, Nasreen Jeelani, Shuqing An
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal effects of coastal embankments on nitrogen storage in Phragmites australis salt marshes. The results showed that the embankment significantly enhanced belowground nitrogen storage and decreased dead aboveground nitrogen storage during both the initial and vigorous stages of plant growth. Furthermore, the embankment increased soil total and labile organic nitrogen during the initial stage and total and recalcitrant organic nitrogen during the vigorous stage of plant growth. However, the embankment had little effect on soil soluble nitrogen and greatly stimulated microbial immobilization and mineralization capacity during the vigorous stage of plant growth.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Changfu Huo, Jiayu Lu, Liming Yin, Peng Wang, Weixin Cheng
Summary: Rhizosphere effects (REs) of mature trees in natural ecosystems were investigated in this study. The study found that REs had significant positive effects on soil processes, soil microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and soil chemical properties across altitudinal sites. The magnitude of ecosystem-level REs on C-min and net N-min were relatively high and increased with altitude. The results suggest the importance of incorporating REs into land C and N models.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruzhen Wang, Bahareh Bicharanloo, Enqing Hou, Yong Jiang, Feike A. Dijkstra
Summary: The interactions between nitrogen and phosphorus play a crucial role in plant growth and carbon sequestration in ecosystems. Adding phosphorus to soil increases the total nitrogen pool and accelerates nitrogen cycling processes. Additionally, phosphorus supply enhances soil organic carbon content and promotes soil carbon sequestration.
Review
Agronomy
Nur Hidayah Hamidi, Osumanu Haruna Ahmed, Latifah Omar, Huck Ywih Ch'ng
Summary: This paper reviews the use of charcoal and wood ash as adsorbents in acid soils to improve N availability and soil fertility. The understanding of sorption mechanisms and isotherms is crucial for enhancing soil N availability, and the application of charcoal and wood ash in mineral acidic soils can potentially benefit crop productivity.
Article
Agronomy
Lixia Zhu, Mengmeng Cao, Chengchen Sang, Tingxuan Li, Yanjun Zhang, Yunxia Chang, Lili Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma bio-fertilizer on the mineralization of aggregate-associated organic carbon in a field experiment. The results showed that Trichoderma bio-fertilizer increased organic carbon stock and cumulative mineralization of aggregate-associated organic carbon. The application of bio-fertilizer also affected the microbial community structure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anita C. Koehn, David L. Bjorneberg, Rob W. Malone, April B. Leytem, Amber Moore, Liwang Ma, Pat N. S. Bartling
Summary: The study using the RZWQM2 model shows the negative impact of dairy manure applications on groundwater quality. To maintain clean groundwater, it is best to apply manure biennially and discourage high concentrations of application.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lidong Li, Julie Konkel, Virginia L. Jin, Sean M. Schaeffer
Summary: This study found that moderate use of fertilizers and vetch cover crops can significantly increase soil nitrogen concentration and microbial nitrogen transformation rate, reducing nitrogen leaching. In addition, fertilizers and tillage practices have an impact on soil nitrogen transformation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Weili Liu, Zhi Cao, Haiyan Ren, Dan Xi
Summary: The research reveals that microplastics have significant effects on the available nitrogen content in farmland soil, especially on the dissolved organic nitrogen. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for reducing nitrogen loss in soil and protecting farmland soil safety.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amanda K. Suchy, Peter M. Groffman, Lawrence E. Band, Jonathan M. Duncan, Arthur J. Gold, J. Morgan Grove, Dexter H. Locke, Laura Templeton
Summary: This study found that topographic gradients play a significant role in influencing the hydrobiogeochemistry of lawns, with effects varying among different lawn types. Fertilizer application did not affect the properties of lawns, but rather suburban front yards were identified as being at greatest risk of nitrogen mobilization due to a combination of landscape characteristics and human behaviors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Phoebe L. Zarnetske, Jessica Gurevitch, Janet Franklin, Peter M. Groffman, Cheryl S. Harrison, Jessica J. Hellmann, Forrest M. Hoffman, Shan Kothari, Alan Robock, Simone Tilmes, Daniele Visioni, Jin Wu, Lili Xia, Cheng-En Yang
Summary: Various approaches for climate intervention have been proposed as anthropogenic climate change worsens, with solar radiation modification (SRM) being one potential method. However, there is limited research on the impacts of SRM on ecological systems, which would vary based on implementation scenarios, geographic regions, and ecosystems. Collaboration between ecologists and climate scientists is essential to better understand and communicate the potential impacts and risks of SRM on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emily Stephan, Peter Groffman, Philippe Vidon, John C. Stella, Theodore Endreny
Summary: This study successfully developed a model that predicts landscape-level denitrification potential by measuring denitrification potential, soil variables, and landscape properties in urban, suburban, and forested environments. The model indicates that soil moisture, soil respiration, and total soil nitrogen are the best predictors of denitrification potential.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julie N. Weitzman, Peter M. Groffman, Paul R. Adler, Curtis J. Dell, Frank E. Johnson, Robert N. Lerch, Timothy C. Strickland
Summary: This study utilized sites within the U.S. Department of Agriculture Long-Term Agroecosystem Research Network to investigate the importance and potential drivers of denitrification in agricultural systems. By directly measuring nitrogen and N2O production, the study identified different potential drivers of denitrification at different sites and scales, highlighting the significance of denitrification as a sink for excess agricultural nitrogen that may inform future management decisions.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Gisselle A. Mejia, Peter M. Groffman, Alisen E. Downey, Elizabeth M. Cook, Sanpisa Sritrairat, Richard Karty, Matthew Palmer, Timon McPhearson
Summary: This study examined the carbon and nitrogen cycling processes in afforestation sites in New York City's parks. The results showed that successful afforestation sites had higher rates of carbon and nitrogen cycling, with no significant differences between low and high diversity treatments. Low success sites were characterized by disturbed soil profiles and human-derived debris.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Soil Science
Xiangyin Ni, Shu Liao, Fuzhong Wu, Peter M. Groffman
Summary: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of elevated and reduced soil moisture on microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN) in forest soils across dry and wet regions. It was found that the influence of altered soil moisture on MBC and MBN concentrations was greater in dry regions. The intensity of manipulation and length of experimental period were significant factors affecting the response of microbial biomass to altered moisture.
SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alisen E. Downey, Peter M. Groffman, Gisselle A. Mejia, Elizabeth M. Cook, Sanpisa Sritrairat, Richard Karty, Matthew Palmer, Timon McPhearson
Summary: This study analyzed soil carbon in experimental restoration sites of the MillionTreesNYC Afforestation Project in New York City and found that successful afforestation sites had larger carbon pools. Diversity treatments did not affect soil carbon levels. These results suggest that afforestation may enhance urban soil carbon storage capacity.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ruoyu Zhang, David Newburn, Andrew Rosenberg, Laurence Lin, Peter Groffman, Jonathan Duncan, Lawrence Band
Summary: Spatial asynchrony of environmental and economic benefits in stream restoration was found, with higher willingness to pay but lower nitrate load reduction in urban poor neighborhoods, and the opposite trend in affluent neighborhoods. This presents challenges for decision makers to balance economic efficiency, social equity, and specific environmental goals.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Kelli L. Larson, Susannah B. Lerman, Kristen C. Nelson, Desiree L. Narango, Megan M. Wheeler, Peter M. Groffman, Sharon J. Hall, J. Morgan Grove
Summary: Research shows that residential yards play a crucial role in providing habitat for urban wildlife. However, little research has focused on understanding people's decisions to adopt wildlife-supporting yards. The study found potential to increase yard complexity and vegetation diversity by adding shrubs and native plants. Hobby gardening was a significant motivator for those who have adopted wildlife yard features, while the desire for low maintenance yards was a constraint among non-adopters. Neighborhood and homeowner associations were found to promote the adoption of wildlife-supporting yards.
LANDSCAPE AND URBAN PLANNING
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rachel E. Mason, Joseph M. Craine, Nina K. Lany, Mathieu Jonard, Scott Ollinger, Peter M. Groffman, Robinson W. Fulweiler, Jay Angerer, Quentin D. Read, Peter B. Reich, Pamela H. Templer, Andrew J. Elmore
Summary: The productivity and life-supporting capacity of ecosystems depend on access to reactive nitrogen. However, long-term records show that nitrogen availability is declining in many regions of the world. Global changes, such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and rising temperatures, are affecting the balance between ecosystem nitrogen supply and demand. This decline in nitrogen availability is limiting primary productivity and reducing the quality of herbivore diets in many ecosystems. We outline the current state of knowledge about declining nitrogen availability and propose actions to address this emerging challenge.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nirmela Govinda, Peter M. Groffman, Sarah E. Durand, Chester B. Zarnoch, Willis Elkins
Summary: This study found that constructed salt marsh wetlands can support denitrification potential equivalent to rates of natural marshes. There were significant positive correlations between microbial biomass C and N content and organic matter content and denitrification potential.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noortje H. Grijseels, Elizaveta Litvak, Meghan L. Avolio, Anika R. Bratt, Jeannine Cavender-Bares, Peter M. Groffman, Sharon J. Hall, Sarah E. Hobbie, Susannah B. Lerman, Jennifer L. Morse, Desiree L. Narango, Christopher Neill, Jarlath O'Neil-Dunne, Josep Padulles Cubino, Tara L. E. Trammell, Diane E. Pataki
Summary: This study measured the evapotranspiration (ET) of residential lawns in six metropolitan areas in the United States and found that there is high uncertainty in the spatial and temporal variability of lawn ET across large scales. The study also showed that lawn management practices did not significantly affect ET, but smaller lawn areas in water-conserving and wildlife-friendly yards resulted in lower ET.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Peter M. Groffman, A. Marissa Matsler, Zbigniew J. Grabowski
Summary: The concept of green infrastructure (GI) has attracted significant interest and innovation in addressing complex environmental challenges, such as coastal resilience and control of combined sewer overflows (CSOs). GI offers cost savings compared to traditional gray infrastructure and provides multiple benefits, including biodiversity, aesthetics, and carbon sequestration. However, GI lacks detailed design and reliability specifications, hindering its widespread adoption. This paper reviews the potential applications of GI in modern environmental science and emphasizes the need to address reliability and associated uncertainties to fully realize its potential.
AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Ruoyu Zhang, Lawrence E. Band, Peter M. Groffman
Summary: Urban watersheds can experience ecosystem degradation, but can be restored through terrestrial and aquatic low impact development practices. Finding the optimal balance between green and grey infrastructure is crucial for achieving ecohydrological behavior similar to pre-urbanization conditions. Urban reforestation has been found to be the most effective in reducing stormflow and nutrient export, while bioswales and permeable pavement can unexpectedly increase in-stream nitrate loads.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Peter M. Groffman, Amanda K. Suchy, Dexter H. Locke, Robert J. Johnston, David A. Newburn, Arthur J. Gold, Lawrence E. Band, Jonathan Duncan, J. Morgan Grove, Jenny Kao-Kniffin, Hallee Meltzer, Tom Ndebele, Jarlath O'Neil-Dunne, Colin Polsky, Grant L. Thompson, Haoluan Wang, Ewa Zawojska
Summary: Residential landscapes are crucial for the sustainability of large areas in the US, but their balance is complicated by spatial and temporal variations across multiple domains. A multidisciplinary study in Baltimore, MD, USA, revealed variations in the vulnerability of individual parcels to cause environmental damage and in the practices of managers. Improvement strategies depend on whether hotspots are caused by homeowners' choices or the characteristics of parcels and neighborhoods.