Use of Flyash as Environmental and Agronomic Amendments

Coal combustion power plant flyash materials have been reported as useful soil amendments with agronomic and environmental benefits. This paper reports the efficacy of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) byproducts, when amended with dairy, swine, and broiler litter manures, in reducing phosphorus (P) solubility and potential impact on water quality. At a rate of 400 g/kg, FBC reduced water soluble P by 60% for dairy and swine and 50% for broiler litter, as compared to un-treated control samples. Byproduct FGD had little effect when amended into dairy manure, but reduced water soluble P by nearly 80% when amended into swine and broiler manure at a rate of 250 g/kg. The amount of Ca added in the amendments together with pH of the mixture is the major contributing factor in soluble P reduction. Sequential extraction results showed that the flyash treatments shifted water soluble P into mainly bicarbonate extractable P. The latter is still considered available for crop uptake but less vulnerable for environmental losses. Coal combustion byproducts, when amended into manure and used properly, can provide a useful and viable option for improving nutrient management on animal farms.     

Soil pollution by trace metals derived from animal feed and manure in the Bursa region of Turkey

The Bursa region of Turkey has important agricultural production areas. Animal producers use agricultural fields in this region for disposal of manure. Therefore, in this study the concentrations of the seven trace metals Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd in 324 animal feed and manure samples from three dairy cattle, three laying hens farms, and three broiler farms have been determined. The average concentrations in dairy cattle manure were 130 (Zn), 150 (Mn), 4.2 (Cu), 6.8 (Ni), 44 (Cr), 0.8 (Pb), and 0.09 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight; for laying hens manure 240 (Zn), 190 (Mn), 0.63 (Cu), 3.8 (Ni), 30 (Cr), 0.55 (Pb), and 0.12 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight; and for broiler manure 240 (Zn), 280 (Mn), 1.4 (Cu), 3.8 (Ni), 35 (Cr), 3.4 (Pb), and 0.16 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight. The calculated trace metal loading rate indicated that manure application might pose a potential risk to agricultural fields according to the current soil protection regulations of Turkey.     

桉树人工林生态系统养分循环和平衡研究Ⅲ. 桉树人工林生态系统的养分平衡

在当地现行的生产技术规程和营林措施的条件下，刚果W5桉树人工林生态系统中，N和K的收支帐为亏损，P、Ca、Mg为盈余。在一个轮伐期内，每公顷养分质量的收入中，N为327．13kg／hm^2，P为110．48kg／hm^2，K为206．13kg／hm^2。，Ca为679．53kg／hm^2，Mg为173．72kg／hm^2；每公顷养分质量的支出中，N为366．59kg／hm^2，P为35_3lkg／hm^2，K为212．22kg／hm^2，Ca为452．77kg／hm^2，Mg为79．52kg／hm^2。但这仅仅是一种表观数字。桉树人工林生态系统养分不平衡的主要原因，是桉树凋落物和采伐剩余物不能回归土壤，以及严重的水土流失。解决问题的关键是转变思想认识，制定有效的措施，使桉树凋落物和采伐剩余物回归土壤，同时在桉树行间间种豆科绿肥牧草。     

Phosphates for Pb immobilization in soils: a review

In its soluble ionic forms, lead (Pb) is a toxic element occurring in waters and soils mainly as the result of human activities. The bioavailability of lead ions can be decreased by complexation with various materials in order to decrease their toxicity. Pb chemical immobilization using phosphate addition is a widely accepted technique to immobilize Pb from aqueous solution and contaminated soils. The application of different P amendments cause Pb in soils to shift from forms with high availability to the most strongly bound Pb fractions. The increase of Pb in the residual or insoluble fraction results from formation of pyromorphite Pb₅(PO₄)₃X where X = F, Cl, Br, OH, the most stable environmental Pb compounds under a wide range of pH and Eh natural conditions. Accidental pyromorphite ingestion does not yield bioavailable lead, because pyromorphite is insoluble in the intestinal tract. Numerous natural and synthetic phosphates materials have been used to immobilize Pb: apatite and hydroxyapatite, biological apatite, rock phosphate, soluble phosphate fertilizers such as monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, phosphoric acid, biosolids rich in P, phosphatic clay and mixtures. The identification of pyromorphite in phosphate amended soils has been carried out by different non destructive techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure, transmission electron microscopy and electron microprobe analysis. The effectiveness of in situ Pb immobilization has also been evaluated by selective sequential extraction, by the toxicity leaching procedure and by a physiologically based extraction procedure simulating metal ingestion and gastrointestinal bioavailability to humans. Efficient Pb immobilization using P amendments requires increasing the solubility of the phosphate phase and of the Pb species phase by inducing acid conditions. Although phosphorus addition seems to be highly effective, excess P in soil and its potential effect on eutrophication of surface water, and the possibility of As enhanced leaching remains a concern. The use of mixed treatments may be a useful strategy to improve their effectiveness in reducing lead phyto- and bioavailability.     

Response of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) to heavy metals contamination in soils with different organic fertilisations

The response of green roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) to Cu/Pb contamination and manure application in soil was investigated using pot experiments. Subsamples of a mineral soil were treated with increasing doses (0–500 mg kg^?1) of Cu/Pb only and/or amended (at 10% w/w) with poultry or swine manure. Roselle plants were grown, monitored for changes in growth rate and post-harvest aboveground dry biomass and tissue Cu/Pb concentrations were determined. The plants were typically greenish with linear growth profiles at all metal doses, indicating some level of tolerance. Dry biomass yields decreased as metal dose increased. Poultry manure enhanced roselle biomass yields better than swine manure. Tissue Cu/Pb concentrations increased linearly as metal doses increased in unamended soils; whereas nonlinear responses were observed in manure-amended soils. Soil-to-plant transfer factors, T _f (%) indicated that Cu (13≤T _f (% )≤60) was more phytoavailable to roselle than Pb (11≤T _f (% )≤20). Tissue metal concentrations were modelled from soil pH, organic matter, plant available and pseudototal metal; but the models appeared more reliable with plant available metal as a covariate than with pseudototal metal content. These observations may become useful whenever phytoextraction is the remedial option for soils moderately contaminated by toxic metals.     

Impact of organic manure on the phytoremediation potential of Vetiveria zizanioides in chromium-contaminated soil

Chromium is a pollutant present in electroplating waste water and its removal is necessary for the protection of the environment. Vetiveria zizanioides (VZ) was grown in chromium effluent concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 mg kg ^?1 soil amended with organic manure and the potential for phytoremediation was determined. The amounts of Cr in plant tissues (root and shoot), soil and percentage electrolyte leakage of VZ roots were analysed. From the results, VZ amended with organic manure showed the greatest potential for Cr removal because of its faster growth and larger biomass achieved over the whole length of the experiment. In this study, 92.25% Cr removal efficiency was obtained with a Cr concentration of 50 mg kg ^?1 soil and removal efficiencies of 90.5% and 85% were obtained with 100 and 200 mg kg^?1, respectively after a period of two months of VZ growth.     

A method for scaling biological response of soil microcosms

An extensive series of laboratory experiments was conducted in soil microcosms to study the respiratory response of microorganisms to toxicant amendments within different types of soils. Our analysis of test results demonstrates that coupled biological and environmental factors within soil can be scaled (i.e., commensurably and analogously grouped) by means of two rate constants, one characterizing the diffusion of CO₂ in the soil matrix and another the biological production of CO₂. The two rate constants were used to classify the impact of metal compounds on diverse soil types and to predict the loss or gain of total respiratory CO₂ of amended soils relative to intact soils. This method exemplifies a more general approach, potentially useful for scaling complex physical and biological interactions in environmental assessments.     

Influence of organic wastes and seasonal environmental factors on growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida

Epigeic earthworms (E. fetida) were cultured on variety of organic wastes amended with cattle manure to determine the influence of diets and the seasonal environmental factors on growth and reproduction. The results showed that growth and reproductive strategies of E. fetida varied with different diets and seasons. Growth and reproduction of worms in all wastes were significantly more in winter and monsoon than in summer season. Hence winter and monsoon seasons could be considered congenial for vermiculture. During all seasons, worm activities were more in cattle manure followed by amended Bengal gram grain husk and Mixed Organic waste by E. fetida. Parthenin containing diet had deleterious effects on cocoon production.     

4种改良剂对土壤-黑麦草系统中镉行为的影响

以黑麦草（Lolium perenne L.）作为修复植物,开展了石灰、磷灰石、木炭、猪粪4种改良剂对重金属Cd污染土壤的田间原位修复试验研究。结果表明：改良剂提高了土壤pH值并促进土壤Cd从生物可利用性高的形态向迟效态转化,降低对生物和环境的直接毒害作用,促进黑麦草的生长。以黑麦草生物量和Cd富集量的增加作为评价指标,4种改良剂修复Cd污染土壤效果依次为：石灰〉磷灰石〉木炭〉猪粪。石灰处理中黑麦草Cd富集量为13.11 mg,与其他处理均呈现显著差异。污染土壤重金属Cd的化学形态与黑麦草对Cd的吸收密切相关。黑麦草地上部分Cd质量分数,与土壤B-2态Cd呈极显著正相关关系,相关系数为0.730。黑麦草地下部分Cd质量分数,与B-2、B-3态Cd均呈极显著正相关关系,相关系数分别为0.756、0.786;黑麦草地上部分和地下部分Cd质量分数均与B-4态Cd呈极显著负相关关系,相关系数分别为0.757和0.708。     

An Investigation Into the Mechanism by Which Synthetic Zeolites Reduce Labile Metal Concentrations in Soils

The addition of synthetic zeolites and similar materials to metal contaminated soils has been shown to reduce soil phytotoxicity and to improve the quality of plant growth on such amended soils. To gain an understanding of the mechanism by which the phytotoxicity of contaminated soils is reduced when treated with synthetic zeolites, sequential extraction procedures and soil solution techniques have been used to identify changes associated with metal speciation in amended soils. Sequential extraction data and changes in soil solution composition are presented for three different contaminated soils, amended with three synthetic zeolites (P, 4A and Y) at concentrations of 0.5%, 1% and 5% w/w, or lime at 1%. The soils were collected from the site of a metal refinery, an old lead zinc mine spoil tip and from a field which had been treated with sewage sludge. After incubation of the zeolite treated soils for between one and three months, results showed a reduction in the metal content of the ammonium acetate fraction between 42% and 70%, depending on soil, zeolite and rate of addition, compared with the unamended soils. In addition, soil solution experiments indicated that synthetic zeolite amendments were more efficient at reducing metal content than comparable lime treatment. The mechanism by which synthetic zeolites reduce metal bioavailability in contaminated soils is discussed and compared to other amendments.     

佛山市畜禽粪便排放量与农田负荷量分析

在确定畜禽粪便年排放量的估算方法和畜禽粪便排泄系数的基础上,根据2009年佛山市畜禽养殖数据,估算佛山市畜禽粪便产生量及其主要养分含量,并对畜禽粪便的环境效应进行评价。结果表明,2009年佛山市畜禽粪便总排放量约为332.35万t,其中以商品肉猪和鸡排放量较高,分别占总量的60.85%和14.10%。畜禽粪便中COD、BOD、NH3-N、TP和TN含量分别为97 004.17、92 782.79、7 929.77、7 850.56和18 382.88 t。农田畜禽粪便负荷量（以猪粪当量计）为74.07 t.hm-2,N、P养分负荷量分别为436.83和186.55 kg.hm-2,畜禽粪便产生的环境问题已不容忽视。     

Degradation of sulfonamides during anaerobic composting of swine manure

Residual antibiotics in manure pose a potential threat to public and ecological health as a result of the application of manure from animals treated with antibiotics to land. The environmental fate of sulfonamides (SAs) in swine manure after composting and field application remains largely unknown. We studied the degradation of the antibiotics sulfadiazine (SD), sulfathiazole (ST), and sulfamethazine (SM2) during anaerobic composting. We tested the effects of temperature and antibiotic concentration on degradation rates. We also evaluated the changes in pH, moisture, and biological degradation material in manure spiked with SAs and in a control. Results showed that the 3 SAs decreased by between 52.31% and 90.30% in all 9 treatments following 14 days of anaerobic composting, and the highest removal efficiencies were observed at a temperature of 35°C and initial concentrations of 6.03, 6.48, and 6.32?µg/g of SD, ST, and SM2, respectively, which were degraded by 90.30%, 85.78%, and 75.18%. Removal efficiencies for all SAs correlated well with moisture and biological degradation material of the manure. These results indicate that composting may be a practical and effective way to reduce concentrations of these three SAs in swine manure prior to its land application.     

马尾松纯林及其与阔叶树混交林的凋落量与养分通量

在25a生马尾松林下分别套种1a生火力楠、闽粤栲、苦槠、格氏栲、青栲和拉氏栲等阔叶树种的幼苗,16a后形成郁闭的针阔混交异龄林.通过定位监测和化学分析,对上述6种混交林类型及林下未套种阔叶树的马尾松纯林的森林凋落量及养分通量进行了研究.统计结果显示,6个混交群落的年凋落量分别为7137.3kghm-2、6741.1kghm-2、8041.7kghm-2、7151.3kghm-2、7533.2kghm-2和6149.1kghm-2,而马尾松纯林的年凋落量仅3442.8kghm-2.在所有林分的凋落物组成中,枯叶占绝对优势,占凋落物总量的49.7%~71.5%,其余依次为枯枝(5.7%~26.1%)、其它组分(5.5%~17.1%)、树皮(7.7%~18.9%)和果实(0.7%~2.0%).各混交林分中来自马尾松的凋落物占50.4%~58.0%,而来自阔叶树的凋落物占42.0%~49.6%,且两者的组成存在明显差异.各林分总凋落量的季节动态呈双峰型,第1次峰值出现在2~4月份,第2次峰值出现在8、9月份.凋落物中主要养分元素的含量依林分类型、凋落物组分和凋落时间不同而异,N、P、K、Ca和Mg的含量范围依次为3.25~12.98gkg-1、0.23~0.97gkg-1、0.42~4.02gkg-1、7.34~32.57gkg-1和1.34~5.58gkg-1.不同的林分类型,凋落物中各养分元素的年通量大小均为:Ca>N>Mg>K>P.马尾松纯林中,通过凋落物的5种养分元素的年流通量为142.01kghm-2;而在林下分别套种上述6种阔叶树后,其养分年流通量依次增加到204.95kghm-2、223.93kghm-2、304.12kghm-2、288.46kghm-2、213.77kghm-2、238.05kghm-2.图3表4参13     

Effect of organic materials and rice cultivars on methane emission from rice field

A field experiment was conducted for two years on a sandy loam (Typic Ustochrept) soil of Punjab to study the effect of organic materials and rice cultivars on methane emission from rice fields. The methane flux varied between 0.04 and 0.93 mg m(-2) hr(-1) in bare soil and transplanting of rice crop doubled the methane flux (0.07 to 2.06 mg m(-2) hr(-1)). Among rice cultivars, significantly (p < 0.05) higher amount of methane was emitted from Pusa 44 compared to PR 118 and PR 111. Application of organic materials enhanced methane emission from rice fields and resulted in increased soil organic carbon content. The greatest seasonal methane flux was observed in wheat straw amended plots (229.6 kg ha(-1)) followed by farmyard manure (111.6 kg ha(-1)), green manure (85.4 kg ha(-1)) and the least from rice straw compost amended plots (36.9 kg ha(-1)) as compared to control (21.5 kg ha(-1)). The differential effect of organic materials in enhancing methane flux was related to total carbon or C:N ratio of the material. The results showed that incorporation of humified organic matter such as rice straw compost could minimize methane emission from rice fields with co-benefits of increased soil fertility and crop productivity.     

Traits, not origin, explain impacts of plants on larval amphibians

Managing habitats for the benefit of native fauna is a priority for many government and private agencies. Often, these agencies view nonnative plants as a threat to wildlife habitat, and they seek to control or eradicate nonnative plant populations. However, little is known about how nonnative plant invasions impact native fauna, and it is unclear whether managing these plants actually improves habitat quality for resident animals. Here, we compared the impacts of native and nonnative wetland plants on three species of native larval amphibians; we also examined whether plant traits explain the observed impacts. Specifically, we measured plant litter quality (carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus ratios, and percentages of lignin and soluble phenolics) and biomass, along with a suite of environmental conditions known to affect larval amphibians (hydroperiod, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH). Hydroperiod and plant traits, notably soluble phenolics, litter C:N ratio, and litter N:P ratio, impacted the likelihood that animals metamorphosed, the number of animals that metamorphosed, and the length of larval period. As hydroperiod decreased, the likelihood that amphibians achieved metamorphosis and the percentage of tadpoles that successfully metamorphosed also decreased. Increases in soluble phenolics, litter N:P ratio, and litter C:N ratio decreased the likelihood that tadpoles achieved metamorphosis, decreased the percentage of tadpoles metamorphosing, decreased metamorph production (total metamorph biomass), and increased the length of larval period. Interestingly, we found no difference in metamorphosis rates and length of larval period between habitats dominated by native and nonnative plants. Our findings have important implications for habitat management. We suggest that to improve habitats for native fauna, managers should focus on assembling a plant community with desirable traits rather than focusing only on plant origin.     

Effects of initial decomposing leaf litter of Cinnamomum camphora on the growth and physiology of Impatiens balsamina北大核心CSCD

A pot experiment was conducted to study the allelopathic effects of initial decomposing leaf litter of Cinnamomum camphora on growth and physiology of Impatiens balsamina. Three leaf litter treatments included 20, 40 and 80 g of C. camphora leaf litter mixed with 8 kg of soil, namely T1, T2, and T3, respectively. In order to test the effect of leaf litter addition on the permeability and ventilation of soil simultaneously, a parallel trial with steamed leaf litter was conducted with the three treatments of the leaf litter. The leaf litter was steamed for 2 d to remove the secondary metabolites as much as possible, dried, and then mixed with 8 kg of soil, namely Z1, Z2, and Z3, respectively. No leaf litter was added in control (CK). The growth parameters of I. balsamina were determined at the 20 d, 60 d, 100 d and 120 d after sowing and the main physiology indicators were determined at the 60 d. The results indicated that: (1) The ground surface diameter and height of I. balsamina were inhibited significantly at 60 d (P < 0.05). Photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange parameters of I. balsamina were inhibited significantly at 60 d, and the inhibition effect was stronger with increased amount of leaf litter addition. The chlorophyll content, Pn and Ls decreased significantly with increased amount of leaf litter (P < 0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) in leaves of I. balsamina decreased with the increase of leaf litter addition. The content of MDA in treatments T1, T2 and T3 were all higher than that in CK, which indicated that I. balsamina suffered oxidative damage in a certain degree. The content of free proline (Pro) and soluble sugar (SS) in leaves of I. balsamina decreased significantly with the increase of the leaf litter (P < 0.05), while the content of soluble protein (SP) increased. (2) In the parallel trial, 60 d after sowing, no obvious difference was observed between CK and any steamed leaf litter treatment in terms of the morphological and physiological features stated above (P > 0.05). It indicated that the soil physical properties were not greatly influenced by leaf litter addition in the dose interval designed, or that the release of secondary metabolites from decomposing leaf litter was probably a better reason to explain the inhibition of leaf litter treatment to I. balsamina growth. (3)The compound effect (CE) of leaf litter decomposition on I. balsamina was enhanced with increase of the leaf litter, to 0.169, 0.354, and 0.497, respectively, in treatments of T1, T2 and T3. The study indicated that initial decomposition of C. camphora leaf litter in soil reduces the content of photosynthetic pigments, inhibits photosynthetic capacity and resistance physiology of I. balsamina, weakens its adaptability to the environment, and restrains growth of the plant. © 2015, Science Press. All rights reserved.     

南京东郊蔬菜种植基地地表水氮、磷、重金属含量及影响因素

南京东郊典型蔬菜基地地表水环境质量的调查分析表明:(1)在当前的生产和生活条件下,地表水尚未受Pb、Cu、Zn、Cd和Cr污染,但有不同程度的氮、磷污染。(2)河流氮、磷污染比池塘严重。河流水中氨氮和水溶性磷的比例相对较高,而池塘水中硝态氮、有机氮和有机磷的比例相对较高,这种差别有助于识别地表水中氮、磷的来源。河流底泥中总氮、总磷和重金属含量(Cr除外)比塘泥高,表明河水氮、磷及重金属污染风险比池塘水高。(3)南京东郊蔬菜基地地表水中氮、磷及重金属主要来自城市生活污水的排放,其次来自蔬菜栽培中有机肥过量投入造成的流失。因此,保护城郊地表水应从城市生活污水净化和蔬菜栽培中有机肥的合理施用入手。     

Stoichiometric characteristics of carbon,nitrogen, and phosphorus in leaf litter soil of Pinus yunnanensis forest during different restoration stages in the karst plateau of eastern Yunnan北大核心CSCD

以滇东岩溶坡地不同恢复阶段云南松林(纯林、人工混交林、天然次生林)为研究对象,以元江栲原生林和小铁仔灌丛作为参照样地,对5种植被类型中的叶片-枯落物-土壤中的C、N、P含量和化学计量比特征进行研究.结果表明:(1)3种云南松林都呈现为高C(432.27 g/kg)、低N(10.28 g/kg)、P(0.96 g/kg)的格局,5种植被类型的叶片-枯落物-土壤C、N、P含量基本都表现为叶片>枯落物>土壤,C/N、C/P、N/P值则都表现为枯落物>叶片>土壤,叶片和枯落物的养分含量和化学计量比值与土壤间差异显著.(2)3种云南松林对于养分的吸收同化能力差异不大,但天然次生林的枯落物质量最好,人工混交林的土壤N、P有效性最高,云南松林内受N的胁迫作用强于原生林和灌丛.(3)植物叶片-枯落物-土壤中C、N、P及其化学计量比间相关性显著,互馈机制明显.研究区内土壤C、N、P化学计量特征受土壤pH、团聚体颗粒、含水率、容重和硝态氮影响显著.因此,滇东岩溶高原云南松植被恢复过程中主要受N胁迫作用,提高枯落物养分回流是云南松植被恢复与经营的关键要素.(图4表3参41)     

The effects of compost prepared from waste material of banana on the growth, yield and quality properties of banana plants

Three doses (15-30-45 kg plant(-1)) of the compost prepared from the clone of Dwarf cavendish banana were compared with farmyard manure (50 kg plant(-1)), mineral fertilizers (180 g N+ 150 g P +335 g K plant(-1)) and farmyard manure+ mineral fertilizers (25 kg FM+ 180 g N+ 150 g P +335 g K plant(-1)) which determined positive effects on the growth, yield and fruit quality characteristics of banana plants. The banana plants were grown under a heated glasshouse and in a soil with physical and chemical properties are suitable for banana growing. The contents of N, P, K and Mg in compost and in farmyard manure were found to be similar. Farmyard manure, farmyard manure + mineral fertilizers and 45 kg plant(-1) of compost increased growth, yield and fruit quality characteristics. According to obtained results, 45 kg plant(-1) of compost was determined more suitable in terms of economical production and organic farming than the other fertilizer types.     

Stoichiometric controls of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in decomposing beech leaf litter

Resource stoichiometry (C:N:P) is an important determinant of litter decomposition. However, the effect of elemental stoichiometry on the gross rates of microbial N and P cycling processes during litter decomposition is unknown. In a mesocosm experiment, beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) litter with natural differences in elemental stoichiometry (C:N:P) was incubated under constant environmental conditions. After three and six months, we measured various aspects of nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. We found that gross protein depolymerization, N mineralization (ammonification), and nitrification rates were negatively related to litter C:N. Rates of P mineralization were negatively correlated with litter C:P. The negative correlations with litter C:N were stronger for inorganic N cycling processes than for gross protein depolymerization, indicating that the effect of resource stoichiometry on intracellular processes was stronger than on processes catalyzed by extracellular enzymes. Consistent with this, extracellular protein depolymerization was mainly limited by substrate availability and less so by the amount of protease. Strong positive correlations between the interconnected N and P pools and the respective production and consumption processes pointed to feed-forward control of microbial litter N and P cycling. A negative relationship between litter C:N and phosphatase activity (and between litter C:P and protease activity) demonstrated that microbes tended to allocate carbon and nutrients in ample supply into the production of extracellular enzymes to mine for the nutrient that is more limiting. Overall, the study demonstrated a strong effect of litter stoichiometry (C:N:P) on gross processes of microbial N and P cycling in decomposing litter; mineralization of N and P were tightly coupled to assist in maintaining cellular homeostasis of litter microbial communities.