Premium
Nitrogen deposition slows down the litter decomposition induced by soil macrofauna in the soil of subtropical forests in China
Author(s) -
Jia Yanyan,
Gu Dalu,
Wu Chuanwan,
Yang Wenfei,
Du Xiaofeng,
Wen Tinggang,
Lv Yanna,
Kong Xiangshi,
Tian Xingjun
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1111/1440-1703.1277
Subject(s) - plant litter , litter , pinus massoniana , soil biology , tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests , agronomy , nitrogen cycle , microcosm , chemistry , deposition (geology) , chemical process of decomposition , biomass (ecology) , incubation , nutrient cycle , cycling , ecosystem , nitrogen , environmental chemistry , decomposition , ecology , biology , botany , soil water , subtropics , history , paleontology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , archaeology , sediment
Abstract As atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition elevates, extensive researches into the consequences of N deposition on litter decomposition process have been triggered; yet, responses of aboveground macro‐detritivores to atmospheric N deposition and their interactive effects on saprotrophic microorganisms and litter decomposition process are not thoroughly understood. By soil incubation, we assessed the influence of N deposition on the decomposition process of broad leaf ( Quercus acutissima ) and needle ( Pinus massoniana ) litter mediated by macro‐detritivore isopods ( Armadillidium vulgare ) and soil microorganisms. Changes in litter chemical composition (total carbohydrate and N), litter mass loss, soil pH values, soil microbial biomass and the activities of degradative enzymes were determined during a 6‐month laboratory incubation. Results showed that N addition enhanced Q. acutissima litter decomposition in the absence of A. vulgare , but decreased that when A. vulgare presence. N addition had no significant effect on P. massoniana litter decomposition regardless of A. vulgare presence or absence. However, N addition decreased isopod feeding contributions, with litter mass loss of 1.83–2.92 times lower than those of only isopod addition treatments in the two litter types. N addition inhibited soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activities related to N and phenolic metabolism of needle litter when isopods presence. Our findings suggest that N addition likely weakens the feeding activity of soil fauna and slows down the litter decomposition in broad‐leaved forests. This implies that a long‐term consequence of N deposition may induce the soil C accumulation and affect the balance of ecosystem nutrient flux in subtropical broad‐leaved forests.