Article
Environmental Sciences
Dandan Gao, Shuguang Liu, Fei Gao, Chen Ning, Xiaohong Wu, Wende Yan, Andy Smith
Summary: This study investigates the impact of forest restoration on soil physio-chemical properties and the structure and function of soil micro-food web. The findings suggest that forest restoration increases soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, as well as the abundance of soil microorganisms. The availability of soil resources plays a crucial role in regulating the composition, structure, and stability of soil food webs. Nutrient limitation, particularly phosphorus limitation, is an important factor in determining the stability of soil food webs during forest restoration.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Cecilia Laspoumaderes, Cedric L. Meunier, Amaru Magnin, Johanna Berlinghof, James J. Elser, Esteban Balseiro, Gabriela Torres, Beatriz Modenutti, Nelly Tremblay, Maarten Boersma
Summary: In this study, we analyzed the thermal response of phosphorus requirements in different aquatic invertebrate ectotherms. We found that these organisms share a non-linear cubic thermal response, with phosphorus requirements decreasing at low to intermediate temperatures, increasing at higher temperatures, and decreasing again at excessive temperatures. This common thermal response is of great importance for understanding and predicting the impact of global warming and nutrient-driven eutrophication on ectotherm communities.
Article
Agronomy
Luca Bragazza, Mario Fontana, Thomas Guillaume, Kate M. Scow, Sokrat Sinaj
Summary: The study revealed that nutrient ratios of cover crop biomass are species-specific, while the nutrient stoichiometry of soil microbes is more stable and not affected by cover crop identity or soil type. Results from nutrient comparison experiments indicate that cover crops have an impact on soil type, while soil type plays a more significant role in microbial metabolism.
Article
Soil Science
P. M. Schleuss, M. Widdig, L. A. Biederman, E. T. Borer, M. J. Crawley, K. P. Kirkman, E. W. Seabloom, P. D. Wragg, M. Spohn
Summary: The addition of nitrogen and phosphorus changes the C:N ratio of dissolved organic matter, but not of soil microbial biomass. Nitrogen addition decreases non-symbiotic N-2 fixation and increases microbial N release, while phosphorus addition has minimal effects. Changes in substrate stoichiometry drive alterations in microbial N acquisition and release in grassland ecosystems.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Bo Chen, Lyuyi Chen, Lan Jiang, Jing Zhu, Jiajia Chen, Qingrong Huang, Jinfu Liu, Daowei Xu, Zhongsheng He
Summary: The internal correlation and response to the environment of plant, litter and soil stoichiometric characteristics are important for understanding nutrient cycling mechanisms. However, little research has been done on nutrient relationships and stock along elevational gradients. In this study, we investigated the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents and stoichiometric ratios of plant, litter and soil layers at different elevations in Daiyun Mountain. The results showed significant correlations and coupling among plant, litter and soil nutrients, providing insights into nutrient cycling in the subtropical forest ecosystem of China.
Article
Ecology
Priscilla Le Mezo, Jerome Guiet, Kim Scherrer, Daniele Bianchi, Eric Galbraith
Summary: This study quantifies the cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron in the global ocean by commercially targeted marine fish, and assesses the impact of fishing activity on this cycling.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yang Xiang, Paul D. Quay, Rolf E. Sonnerup, Andrea J. Fassbender
Summary: The study finds that in the North Pacific and North Atlantic subtropical gyres, deep phosphate contributes about 60% of the total phosphorus supply. Dissolved organic matter and zooplankton excretion are important pathways for phosphorous export at these sites.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Chenjun Du, Guoying Zhou, Yongheng Gao
Summary: A manipulative experiment conducted on alpine meadow in the eastern Tibetan Plateau showed that grazing exclusion can increase soil respiration and net ecosystem exchange, leading to carbon sequestration. In sites with long-term grazing exclusion, gross ecosystem productivity also increased. The temperature sensitivity of soil and ecosystem respiration showed different patterns under different durations of grazing exclusion. Additionally, plant and soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents had significant effects on carbon flux.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
David Pessanha Siqueira, Giovanna Campos Mamede Weiss de Carvalho, Jose Gabriel de Souza Silva, Marcos Vinicius Winckler Caldeira, Deborah Guerra Barroso
Summary: Litter production and decomposition processes of two tropical legume tree species, P. reticulata and H. courbaril, in Brazil, showed variations in nutrient release and stoichiometry. P. reticulata exhibited greater nutrient release, while H. courbaril showed nutrient immobilization during decomposition. The C:N and N:P ratios differed between the species, but N:P ratio did not correlate to mass loss.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Wenqi He, Hongyan Liu, Liang Shi, Mei Zhou, Yang Qi, Feng Liu, Xinrong Zhu, Pengwu Zhao, Changlin Xiang, Yang Shu
Summary: The accumulation of nutrient elements and changes in ecological stoichiometry in Larix sibirica were influenced by climate and soil factors. Decreasing mean annual precipitation resulted in an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus contents, a decrease in C:N and C:P ratios in leaves, and a decrease in C:N ratio in branches. Branch stoichiometry showed a stronger response than leaf stoichiometry.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhiwei Yan, Qiuyue Wang, Yang Li, Ling Wu, Junnan Wang, Bin Xing, Dan Yu, Ligong Wang, Chunhua Liu
Summary: Global warming and eutrophication have negative impacts on freshwater ecosystems by inhibiting the growth of submerged plants, which may lead to decreased stability of freshwater ecosystems in winter and spring. More research is needed to further understand the combined effects on water quality and growth characteristics of submerged plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Caleb J. J. Robbins, David W. P. Manning, Halvor M. M. Halvorson, Beth C. C. Norman, Rebecca A. A. Eckert, Ada Pastor, Allyn K. K. Dodd, Jeremy Jabiol, Elliot Bastias, Alice Gossiaux, Andrew S. S. Mehring
Summary: Decomposing organic matter is a vital resource for aquatic ecosystems, providing fuel for their biogeochemical function and secondary production. However, the dynamics of detrital nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in aquatic ecosystems have been less explored compared to terrestrial ecosystems, despite their fundamental connection with microbial processes and ecosystem function. This study synthesized published time series data from stream ecosystems to analyze the nutrient dynamics of decomposing litter. The results showed that detritus contributed as a net source of N to the environment, regardless of the initial N content. On the other hand, the sink/source dynamics of P were more influenced by the initial P content, shifting from P sinks to net P mineralization after a certain level of mass loss. However, variations in N and P predictions indicated the importance of nonmicrobial factors such as invertebrate fragmentation. Overall, this analysis helps to bridge the gap between organic matter decomposition in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and provides insights for future research on detrital nutrient dynamics.
Article
Ecology
Jose M. Murua, Aurora Gaxiola
Summary: In this study, the researchers experimentally evaluated whether the capacity of decomposers to reduce elemental imbalances can explain variability in decomposition rates. They found that decomposers mainly dealt with elemental imbalances through nitrogen accumulation and extracellular enzyme allocation, as well as lower carbon use efficiency. When these strategies were insufficient, decomposition rates were slower regardless of litter quality. The effectiveness of these physiological strategies used by decomposers to reduce elemental imbalances will affect decomposition rates, which is a key ecosystem process.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Valentine Herrmann, Rebecca Banbury Morgan, Ben Bond-Lamberty, Susan C. Cook-Patton, Abigail E. Ferson, Helene C. Muller-Landau, Maria M. H. Wang
Summary: Forests play a major role in the global carbon cycle, influencing atmospheric CO2 and climate. This study used the Global Forest Carbon Database, ForC, to analyze carbon cycling in forests around the world, finding that carbon cycling rates generally decrease from tropical to temperate to boreal forests, while carbon stocks show less directional variation. Most flux variables and live biomass pools significantly increase with the logarithm of stand age.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Phillip M. Bumpers, Amy D. Rosemond, David W. P. Manning, John S. Kominoski, Jonathan P. Benstead, Lee M. Demi
Summary: Streams store nutrients in organic matter (OM) stocks, but nutrient enrichment can reduce the storage of detritus-associated nutrients. A study tested the effects of nutrient-loading on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) storage in different types of organic matter in forest streams. The results showed that enrichment increased nutrient content in all organic matter types, but reduced storage in fine benthic organic matter (FBOM) and leaves. The changes in nutrient storage have implications for downstream processes and consumer dynamics.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
P. M. Schleuss, M. Widdig, L. A. Biederman, E. T. Borer, M. J. Crawley, K. P. Kirkman, E. W. Seabloom, P. D. Wragg, M. Spohn
Summary: The addition of nitrogen and phosphorus changes the C:N ratio of dissolved organic matter, but not of soil microbial biomass. Nitrogen addition decreases non-symbiotic N-2 fixation and increases microbial N release, while phosphorus addition has minimal effects. Changes in substrate stoichiometry drive alterations in microbial N acquisition and release in grassland ecosystems.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Spohn, Stefan Holzheu
Summary: The study reveals that soil CO2 concentration increases linearly with depth in desert soil, showing a diel oscillation that decreases with soil depth as well as a hysteretic relationship between topsoil CO2 concentration and air/soil temperature. Thermal convective venting is likely responsible for the observed dynamics, suggesting a significant control of temperature differences on gas exchange within soil systems.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Spohn, Felipe Aburto, Todd A. Ehlers, Nina Farwig, Patrick J. Frings, Henrik Hartmann, Thomas Hoffmann, Annegret Larsen, Yvonne Oelmann
Summary: This study introduces a conceptual framework on buffering through storage and recycling of elements in terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting the importance of elements' storage and recycling for ecosystem resilience to environmental change.
Article
Agronomy
Ulrike Schwerdtner, Marie Spohn
Summary: The study found that intercropping can increase maize yields and nutrient uptake, with interspecific root interactions playing a substantial role in these positive effects.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Giovanni Pastore, Alfons R. Weig, Eduardo Vazquez, Marie Spohn
Summary: This study demonstrates that the weathering of calcareous bedrocks is greatly influenced by soil microorganisms, and there is likely a selective pressure towards a higher abundance of phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria in phosphorus-poor soils.
Article
Soil Science
Marie Spohn, Katerina Diakova, Felipe Aburto, Sebastian Doetterl, Jakub Borovec
Summary: The addition of phosphate led to a significant increase in DOC concentration in soils, causing desorption of medium and large molecular size organic matter, especially in Ferralsols. Compared to chloride addition, phosphate addition also decreased the subsequent sorption of DOC, indicating its impact on the stabilization of soil organic matter.
Article
Soil Science
Andrea Scheibe, Marie Spohn
Summary: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that N2 fixation by free-living microorganisms is a quantitatively important process in arid and semiarid ecosystems and that N-2 fixation per unit microbial biomass increases with increasing aridity. The study found that N2 fixation is indeed important in these ecosystems and that the fixation rate per unit microbial biomass decreases with declining aridity.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ulrike Schwerdtner, Marie Spohn
Summary: This study examines plant interactions in intercropping that contribute to the acquisition of nitrogen and phosphorus by plants, leading to higher yields. The results show that intercropping with legumes such as soy and lupin increases nitrogen and phosphorus content in maize, indicating the advantages of intercropping for nutrient acquisition. Additionally, changes in the rhizosphere, such as increased phosphatase activity by lupin and faba bean, and pH changes caused by mustard and faba bean, contribute to nutrient mobilization and promote maize growth in intercropping.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Ulrike Schwerdtner, Ulrike Lacher, Marie Spohn
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of phosphorus (P) mobilization by different plant species from organic and inorganic sources. The results showed that soy has a high potential to mobilize P from struvite and phytate, while mustard has a high potential to mobilize P from FePO4.
NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Marie Spohn, Bjorn Berg
Summary: During the initial stages of leaf and needle litter decomposition, microorganisms face nitrogen and phosphorus scarcity. The aim of the study was to explore the import and release of nutrients into and from decomposing Norway spruce and Scots pine needle litter. The results show that nutrient import into decomposing plant litter is a quantitatively important process in temperate and boreal forests, alleviating stoichiometric imbalance and contributing to microbial nutrient acquisition.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Eduardo Vazquez, Elizabeth T. Borer, Miguel N. Bugalho, Maria C. Caldeira, Rebecca L. McCulley, Anita C. Risch, Eric W. Seabloom, George R. Wheeler, Marie Spohn
Summary: The synergistic response of aboveground plant biomass production to combined nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) addition has been observed in many ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms underlying this response, including changes in biomass allocation, increased nutrient uptake by plants, and enhanced ecosystem nutrient retention.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marie Spohn, Sumanta Bagchi, Lori A. Biederman, Elizabeth T. Borer, Kari Anne Brathen, Miguel N. Bugalho, Maria C. Caldeira, Jane A. Catford, Scott L. Collins, Nico Eisenhauer, Nicole Hagenah, Sylvia Haider, Yann Hautier, Johannes M. H. Knops, Sally E. Koerner, Lauri Laanisto, Ylva Lekberg, Jason P. Martina, Holly Martinson, Rebecca L. Mcculley, Pablo L. Peri, Petr Macek, Sally A. Power, Anita C. Risch, Christiane Roscher, Eric W. Seabloom, Carly Stevens, G. F. (Ciska) Veen, Risto Virtanen, Laura Yahdjian
Summary: Our study reveals a positive correlation between plant diversity and soil organic carbon content as well as carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. This relationship is particularly strong in warm and arid climates. We found that plant diversity influences soil carbon storage through the quality rather than the quantity of organic matter inputs. Restoring plant diversity may enhance soil carbon sequestration.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Spohn, Sabina Braun, Carlos A. Sierra
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of long-term tillage on soil element dynamics. The results showed that after 80 years, phosphorus addition did not significantly affect soil phosphorus stocks, indicating plant uptake from subsoil. Crop yields increased over time, but soil organic carbon and phosphorus stocks decreased, suggesting unsustainable agricultural practices. The study emphasizes the need for chemical analyses of European cropland soils.
COMMUNICATIONS EARTH & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Andrea Scheibe, Carlos A. A. Sierra, Marie Spohn
Summary: The microbial activity in deep soil is fueled by recently fixed carbon rather than old carbon that persisted in soil for several hundred years. Understanding the carbon source of microbial activity in deep soil is important for identifying the drivers of biotic processes in the critical zone.
Article
Ecology
Marie Spohn, Johan Stendahl
Summary: This study explored the carbon, nitrogen, and organic phosphorus contents and ratios in temperate and boreal forest soils and their relationships with climate, dominant tree species, and soil texture. The results showed that the nitrogen stock and nitrogen:phosphorus ratio increased with temperature, and forests dominated by pine had higher carbon:nitrogen ratios. Additionally, the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and organic phosphorus were higher in fine-textured soils.
