Abstract
Purpose
Fine root decomposition plays an essential role in the nutrient cycle and energy transfer in terrestrial ecosystems, and changes in decomposition induced by nitrogen (N) deposition have become a global concern. However, patterns of fine root decomposition with N application are still scattered, and the dominant factors regulating decomposition are still controversial. Here, we aimed to explore general patterns and key drivers of decomposition in temperate forests with N application.
Methods
From 20 studies, we synthesized 123 records of fine root decomposition in temperate forests where N was applied. We explored the overall effect of decomposition with N application and the variation in decomposition among N application rates, N forms, fertilization condition of root growth and decomposition (FF, from fertilized to fertilized conditions, and UFF, from unfertilized to fertilized conditions), tree functional types and soil depth. The dominant factors of decomposition were identified using regression.
Results
Our results showed that N application decreased fine root decomposition. Specifically, decomposition decreased at the application rate of 100–150 kg N ha‒1 yr‒1, under NH4NO3 application, in broadleaf trees and in deep layers, attributable to the inhibited microbial enzyme activity. Decomposition decreased in FF, likely resulting from home-field advantage (HFA) effects. Multiple regressions showed that initial lignin content was the most important factor determining decomposition.
Conclusion
Our results suggested that inhibited microbial enzymes were associated with decreased decomposition under N application in temperate forests. Additionally, our results confirmed the importance of initial root traits, such as lignin, in regulating decomposition.
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Acknowledgements
This study is financially supported by the National Science Foundation of China (31700376), the Natural Science Key Fund for Colleges and Universities of Jiangsu Province of China (17KJA180006), the Six Talent Peaks Program of Jiangsu Province (JY-041& TD-XYDXX-006), and the “5151” Talent Program of Nanjing Forestry University.
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All authors contributed intellectual input, provided study assistance and prepared the manuscript. X.X. conceived the idea and designed the study. F. X. collected and analysed the data with help from C.X., Q. G. and X.X. F.X. wrote the manuscript with input from all authors.
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Fu, X., Xu, C., Geng, Q. et al. Effects of nitrogen application on the decomposition of fine roots in temperate forests: a meta-analysis. Plant Soil 472, 77–89 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-021-05176-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-021-05176-5