Degradation of litter quality and decline of soil nitrogen mineralization after moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubscens) expansion to neighboring broadleaved forest in subtropical China

• Published in: Plant and soil Vol. 404; no. 1/2; pp. 113 - 124
• Main Authors: Song, Qing-ni, Ouyang, Ming, Yang, Qing-pei, Lu, Hui, Yang, Guang-yao, Chen, Fu-sheng, Shi, Jian-Min
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer 01.07.2016; Springer International Publishing; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agricultural soils; Bamboo; Bamboos; Biodegradation; Biomass; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Broadleaved evergreen forests; Ecology; Environmental aspects; Forest ecology; Forest ecosystems; Forest litter; Forest soils; Forests; Life Sciences; Mineralization; Nitrification; Nitrogen content; Observations; Phyllostachys; Phyllostachys pubescens; Plant litter; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Properties; Regular Article; Soil quality; Soil Science & Conservation; Soils; China; China, People's Rep; Moso bamboo expansion; Evergreen broadleaved forest; N resorption efficiency; Subtropical China; Soil N mineralization; Litter quality
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-016-2835-z

Aims Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) is a typical native invasive plant imposing serious threats on ecosystem processes and functions. A primary concern is alterations of litter and soil N mineralization in evergreen broadleaved forests coupled with bamboo population expansion. Methods We conducted a field study to determine the litter production, quality, N resorption efficiency, and soil N mineralization rates in bamboo-dominated forest (BDF) and adjacent uninvaded evergreen broadleaved forest (EBF) in subtropical China. Results The mean annual litter production for BDF was 5.82 Mg ha⁻¹, 36.0 % lower than that for EBF (9.09 Mg ha⁻¹). Litter N concentration was also lower, but C: N was higher after bamboo expansion, coupled with higher N resorption efficiency for Moso bamboo and lower litterfall, resulting in potential N return decreasing as much as 60.41 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ to the soil. The soil N net nitrification and mineralization rates exhibited lower values in BDF than in EBF. In addition, annual soil N mineralization rate was positively correlated with litter production but negatively with C: N ratio of litter. Conclusions Expansion of bamboo into neighboring EBF decreased litter production and quality, reduced soil N mineralization rate, and ultimately retarded N cycling. These effects should be carefully considered in the design of restoration strategies for ecosystems impacted by bamboo species.