Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Changes in the chemical composition of the organic carbon in Spartina alterniflora litter during decomposition in saltmarsh sediments

  • Sediment Environment and Pollution Control 2020
  • Published:
Journal of Soils and Sediments Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, 1-year decomposition experiments were conducted to measure the litter carbon decomposition dynamics in saltmarsh and to determine the changes in the chemical structure of litter carbon during the litter decomposition process.

Methods

Litterbags containing a mixture of Spartina alterniflora litter and burned sediment were buried at four S. alterniflora saltmarshes and one S. alterniflora–Suaeda salsa co-existing saltmarsh. The contents of total organic carbon (TOC) and recalcitrant carbon (RC) were determined by a Sercon Integra CN isotope ratio mass spectrometer, while the content of labile carbon (LC) was estimated by calculation. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was conducted to characterise the chemical structures of the organic carbon compounds in the S. alterniflora litter during decomposition. Solid-state 13C–CPMAS-NMR spectra were obtained using an AVANCE III 400 MHz (Bruker) spectrometer.

Results

The results indicated that more RC than LC remained in the litterbag during decomposition. The organic carbon content of the S. alterniflora litter was largely composed of alcoxyl-C compounds (78.9%), the decomposition products of which dominated the litter organic carbon fractions, including the TOC, RC, and LC. In contrast, alkyl-C, aromatic-C, and carboxyl-C products contributed mostly to RC. Differences in the negative correlations between the litter carbon fractions and alkyl-C, aromatic-C, and carboxyl-C were found among the developing saltmarshes. Humus generated by the S. alterniflora litter was mainly composed of macromolecular organic compounds containing functional groups such as methyl, methylene, methine, methoxyl, aromatic rings, phenolic hydroxyl, and carboxyl.

Conclusions

During decomposition, the organic carbon in the S. alterniflora litter was found to be dominated by O-alkyl-C, followed by aromatic-C, alkyl-C, and carboxyl-C. O-alkyl-C plays a major role in the LC proportion of organic carbon, while aromatic-C, alkyl-C, and carboxyl-C contribute more to the RC proportion. Alkyl-C was found to be more easily decomposed than aromatic-C in the S. alterniflora litter. During litter decomposition, the molecular structure complexity, humification degree, and decomposition degree of organic carbon exhibited seasonal variations. In the 3-year saltmarsh, more decomposition of the organic carbon in the S. alterniflora litter was observed as compared to other sites.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The data sets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

References

  • Adair EC, Parton WJ, Grosso SJD, Silver WL, Hart SC (2008) Simple three-pool model accurately describes patterns of long-term litter decomposition in diverse climates. Glob Chang Biol 14(11):2636–2660

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arshad MA, Ripmeester JA, Schnitzer M (1988) Attempts to improve solid state 13C NMR spectra of whole mineral soils. Can J Soil Sci 68:593–602

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baldock JA, Preston CM (1995) Chemistry of carbon decomposition processes in forests as revealed by solid-state carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. In: McFee WW, Kelly JM (eds) Carbon Forms and Functions in Forest Soils. SSSA Inc, Wisconsin, pp 89–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton DHR, Schnitzer M (1963) A new experimental approach to the humic acid problem. Nature 198:217–218

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bonanomi G, Incerti G, Giannino F, Mingo A, Lanzotti V, Mazzoleni S (2013) Litter quality assessed by solid state 13C NMR spectroscopy predicts decay rate better than C/N and Lignin/N ratios. Soil Biol Biochem 56:40–48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen HL, Li YJ, Li B, Chen JK, Wu JH (2005) Impacts of exotic plant invasions on soil biodiversity and ecosystem processes. Sheng Wu Duo Yang Xing 13:555–565

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Coates JD, Cole KA, Chakraborty R, O’Connor SM, Achenbach LA (2002) Diversity and ubiquity of bacteria capable of utilizing humic substances as electron donors for anaerobic respiration. Appl Environ Microbiol 68:2445–2452

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cuchietti A, Marcotti E, Gurvich DE, Cingolani AM, Harguindeguy NP (2014) Leaf litter mixtures and neighbour effects: low-nitrogen and high-lignin species increase decomposition rate of high-nitrogen and low-lignin neighbours. Appl Soil Ecol 82:44–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai KOH, Johnson CE, Driscoll CT (2001) Organic matter chemistry and dynamics in clear-cut and unmanaged hardwood forest ecosystems. Biogeochemistry 54:51–83

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dodla SK, Wang JJ, Delaune RD (2012) Characterization of labile organic carbon in coastal wetland soils of the Mississippi River deltaic plain: relationships to carbon functionalities. Sci Total Environ 435–436:151–158

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grandy AS, Neff JC (2008) Molecular C dynamics downstream: the biochemical decomposition sequence and its impact on soil organic matter structure and function. Sci Total Environ 404:297–307

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hättenschwiler S, Coq S, Barantal S, Handa IT (2011) Leaf traits and decomposition in tropical rainforests: revisiting some commonly held views and towards a new hypothesis. New Phytol 189:950–965

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hedges JI, Oades JM (1997) Comparative organic geochemistries of soils and marine sediments. Org Geochem 27:319–361

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jiang PK, Xu QF, Xu ZH, Cao ZH (2006) Seasonal changes in soil labile organic carbon pools within a Phyllostachys praecox stand under high rate fertilization and winter mulch in subtropical China. For Ecol Manag 236:30–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kramer MG, Sollins P, Sletten RS, Swart PK (2003) N isotope fractionation and measures of organic matter alteration during decomposition. Ecology 84:2021–2025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuehn KA, Steiner D, Gessner MO (2004) Diel mineralization patterns of standing-dead plant litter: implications for CO2 flux from wetlands. Ecology 85:2504–2518

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lemma B, Nilsson I, Dan BK, Olsson M, Knicker H (2007) Decomposition and substrate quality of leaf litters and fine roots from three exotic plantations and a native forest in the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Soil Biol Biochem 39:2317–2328

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li GD, Liu GQ, Zhuang SY, Gui RY (2010) Changes of organic matter in soils planted Lei Bamboo with different years. Chin J Soil Sci 41(4):845–849

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liang CS, Dang Z (2001) Application of NMR spectroscopy in research of humic materials. Agro-Environ Prot 20(04):277–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Liao C, Luo Y, Jiang L, Zhou X, Wu X, Fang C, Chen J, Li B (2007) Invasion of Spartina alterniflora enhanced ecosystem carbon and nitrogen stocks in the Yangtze Estuary, China. Ecosystems 10:1351–1361

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Zhou H, Pei Q, Zhou J (2007) Effects of Spartina alterniflora salt marshes on organic carbon acquisition in intertidal zones of Jiangsu Province, China. Ecol Eng 30:240–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lupwayi NZ, Haque I (1999) Leucaena hedgerow intercropping and cattle manure application in the Ethiopian highlands III. Nutrient Balances Biol Fertil Soils 28:204–211

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathers NJ, Xu Z, Berners-Price SJ, Perera MCS, Saffigna PG (2002) Hydrofluoric acid pre-treatment for improving 13C CPMAS NMR spectra quality of forest soils in southeast Queensland, Australia. Soil Res 40:665–674

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mioko T, Nishanth T (2014) Plant litter chemistry and microbial priming regulate the accrual, composition and stability of soil carbon in invaded ecosystems. New Phytol 203:110–124

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newell SY (1993) Decomposition of shoots of a salt-marsh grass. Adv Microb Ecol 13:301–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Neyroud JA, Schnitzer M (1974) The chemistry of high molecular weight fulvic acid fractions. Can J Chem 52:4123–4132

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nugroho JD (1994) Litterfall and soil characteristics under plantations of five tree species in Irian Jaya. Sci N Guinea 23:17–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Ono K, Hiradate S, Morita S, Ohse K, Hirai K (2011) Humification processes of needle litters on forest floors in Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria Japonica) and Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis Obtusa) plantations in Japan. Plant Soil 338(1/2):171–181

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ono K, Hiradate S, Morita S, Hirai K (2013) Fate of organic carbon during decomposition of different litter types in Japan. Biogeochemistry 112:7–21

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osono T (2005) Colonization and succession of fungi during decomposition of Swida controversa leaf litter. Mycologia 97:589–597

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osono T, Takeda H, Azuma J (2008) Carbon isotope dynamics during leaf litter decomposition with reference to lignin fractions. Ecol Res 23:51–55

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qin P, Xie M, Jiang Y, Chung CH (1997) Estimation of the ecological-economic benefits of two Spartina alterniflora plantations in North Jiangsu, China. Ecol Eng 8:5–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Preston CM, Nault JR, Trofymow JA (2009) Chemical changes during 6 years of decomposition of 11 litters in some Canadian forest sites. Part 2. 13 C abundance, solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy and the meaning of “lignin.” Ecosystems 12:1078–1102

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Quideau SA, Graham RC, Oh SW, Hendrix PF, Wasylishen RE (2005) Leaf litter decomposition in a chaparral ecosystem, Southern California. Soil Biol Biochem 37:1988–1998

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ros GH, Tschudy C, Chardon WJ, Temminghoff EJM, Salm CVD, Koopmans GF (2010) Speciation of water-extractable organic nutrients in grassland soils. Soil Sci 175:15–26

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sabine CL (2006) Global Carbon Cycle. eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester

  • Salah YMS, Scholes MC (2011) Effect of temperature and litter quality on decomposition rate of Pinus patula needle litter. Procedia Environ Sci 6:180–193

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schubauer JP, Hopkinson CS (1984) Above- and below-ground emergent macrophyte production and turnover in a coastal marsh ecosystem, Georgia. Limnol Oceanogr 29:1052–1065

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun H, Tang Y, Zhao QG, Zhang YZ (2002) Organic carbon decomposition patterns of hedgerow prunings under contour hedgerow system. Acta Pedol Sin 39(3):361–367

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vancampenhout K, Wouters K, Vos BD, Buurman P, Swennen R, Deckers J (2009) Differences in chemical composition of soil organic matter in natural ecosystems from different climatic regions—a pyrolysis–GC/MS study. Soil Biol Biochem 41:568–579

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wan SW, Qin P, Liu J, Zhou H (2009) The positive and negative effects of exotic Spartina alterniflora in China. Ecolo Eng 35:444–452

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xue JF, Gao YM, Wang JK, Fu SF, Zhu FC (2007) Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen as an indicator for evaluation of soil fertility. Chin J Soil Sci 38(02):247–250

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yan ZP, Tong C (2008) Impacts of exotic plant invasions on terrestrial ecosystem below-ground carbon cycling and carbon pool. Acta Ecol Sin 28(9):4440–4450

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang W, Zhao H, Chen X, Yin S, Cheng X, An S (2013) Consequences of short-term C4 plant Spartina alterniflora invasions for soil organic carbon dynamics in a coastal wetland of Eastern China. Ecol Eng 61:50–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank Xiao Sheng-juan for elaborating Fig. 1 with ArcGIS 9.2 (School of Geography Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China). We thank Wu Ya-Ping, Yu Pei-pei, and Xu Jie for their assistance in sample measurements and field trip; also, thanks to Xu Lei, Ma Jie, and Ye Fei for their help in field sampling. We also thank Han Rui-ming for manuscript improvement (Environment School, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China).

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41773077, 41877336, 41273082), the state key basic research development plan (973 Plan) (2014CB953801) of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environment, Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China

    Jin-e Liu, Zihao Shu, Yan-ping Zhao, Dailan Deng, Caiyu Zou, Yue Xin & Limin Zhang

  2. Green Economy Development Institute, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, 210023, Nanjing, China

    Limin Zhang

  3. Jiangsu Engineering Lab of Water and Soil Eco-Remediation, Nanjing, 210023, China

    Jin-e Liu, Zihao Shu, Yan-ping Zhao, Dailan Deng, Caiyu Zou, Yue Xin & Limin Zhang

Authors
  1. Jin-e Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Zihao Shu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yan-ping Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Dailan Deng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Caiyu Zou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Yue Xin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Limin Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

J. L. conceived and designed the experiments, project, and supervised the study. Z. S. and J. L. performed the experiments. Y. Z. contributed to the manuscript writing and figure editing. C. Z., Y. X, and D. D. contributed to the fieldwork, sampling treatments, and data analysis. L. Z. contributed to manuscript writing.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jin-e Liu.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible editor: Peifang Wang

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Highlights

• Organic compounds in Spartina alterniflora litter are dominated by the labile carbon (LC) proportion of O-alkyl-C

• O-alkyl-C plays a major role in the proportion of LC, while aromatic-C, alkyl-C, and carboxyl-C contribute more to the proportion of recalcitrant carbon (RC)

• Alkyl-C is more easily decomposed than aromatic-C in S. alterniflora litter

• The S. alterniflora litter decomposition process exhibits seasonal variation

• The decomposition of more organic carbon in the S. alterniflora litter was observed in the 3-year developing saltmarsh as compared to other sites

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liu, Je., Shu, Z., Zhao, Yp. et al. Changes in the chemical composition of the organic carbon in Spartina alterniflora litter during decomposition in saltmarsh sediments. J Soils Sediments 21, 3438–3450 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-021-02975-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-021-02975-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation