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Effect of nitrogen deposition and management practices on fine root decomposition in Moso bamboo plantations

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Abstract

Aims

The combined effects of nitrogen (N) deposition and management practices on fine root decomposition remain unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the two factors on fine root decay in Moso bamboo plantations.

Methods

This study was performed over a three-year period and included three nitrogen treatments (30, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1 yr.−1) and two management practices (conventional and intensive).

Results

Fine root decomposition was significantly affected by N inputs and management practices both separately and in combination (P < 0.01). N inputs had a stronger effect than management practices. The low-N input (30 kg N ha−1 yr.−1) accelerated fine root decomposition and nutrient release, whereas high-N inputs (≥ 60 kg N ha−1 yr.−1) inhibited decomposition and nutrient release. Moreover, intensive management practices strengthened the inhibitory effects of the high-N inputs.

Conclusions

Moderate N deposition (< 60 kg N ha−1 yr.−1) may decrease soil carbon storage but increase Moso bamboo productivity, while excessive N deposition (≥ 90 kg N ha−1 yr.−1) may have opposing effects. The combined effects of management practices and nitrogen amendment should be considered when estimating the effects of increasing atmospheric N deposition on plantation ecosystems.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the “948” Project of the State Forestry Bureau of China (Grant No. 2013-4-55), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31270517, 31470529), and the Pandeng Project for Young & Middle-aged Discipline Leaders of Zhejiang Province (Grant No. pd2013234).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Nurturing Station for the State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Silviculture, Zhejiang A&F University, Lin’an,, 311300, China

    Xinzhang Song, Quan Li & Honghao Gu

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  1. Xinzhang Song
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  2. Quan Li
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  3. Honghao Gu
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Correspondence to Xinzhang Song.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests. All of the authors have contributed substantially to the manuscript and approved the final submission. All previous work cited in the manuscript has been fully acknowledged.

This study did not involve human participants, specimens or tissue samples, or vertebrate animals, embryos or tissues.

This manuscript has not been submitted elsewhere in whole or in part and is not currently under consideration for publication in any other journal before a decision has been made by Plant and Soil.

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Responsible Editor: Alfonso Escudero.

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Song, X., Li, Q. & Gu, H. Effect of nitrogen deposition and management practices on fine root decomposition in Moso bamboo plantations. Plant Soil 410, 207–215 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2997-8

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