Simulated Effects of Acidic Solutions on Element Dynamics in Monsoon Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest at Dinghushan,China - Part 1: Dynamics of K,Na, Ca,Mg and P (7 pp) |
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Authors: | Juxiu Liu |
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Institution: | (1) Scientific Journals, ecomed publishers, 86899 Landsberg, Germany |
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Abstract: | Background, Aim and Scope
Acid deposition has become a concern in south China in recent years. This phenomenon has increased to a dramatic extent with
the large use of cars and coal- fueled power plants. As a consequence, soils are becoming acidified and their element dynamics
will change. A decrease in the nutrient availability will lead to slower plant growth and maybe to a change in the forest
type with current species being replaced by new ones with less nutrient requirements. Because of these reasons, it is important
to understand how the dynamics of elements will change and what mechanism is part of the process. This knowledge is important
for modeling the acidification process and either finding ways to counter it or to predict its consequences. The primary purpose
of this study was to provide information about how the dynamics of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P are affected by acid deposition in
a typical forest in southern China.
Materials and Methods:
Experimental soils and saplings were collected directly from the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in Dinghushan. All
saplings were transplanted individually into ceramic pots in August 2000 and placed in an open area near their origin site.
Pot soils were treated weekly from October, 2000 to July, 2002 with an acidic solution at pH 3.05, pH 3.52, pH 4.00 or pH
4.40, or with tap water as a control. The concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and available P and the pH were
measured in soil and leachate samples taken at different times. The sapling leaves were collected and their element concentrations
were measured at the end of the experiment.
Results:
Concentrations of soil exchangeable Ca and Mg decreased quickly over time, although only Ca showed changes with the acidic
solution treatment and soil exchangeable K was stable because of soil weathering. Leaching of K, Mg and Ca was dependent upon
the treatment acidity. Soil available P decreased slowly without any correlation with the acidity of the treatment. All the
NO3- added by the treatment was taken up by the plants, but the SO42- added accumulated in the soil.
Discussion:
Amongst the plant species, Schima superba was little affected by the treatment, the leaf P content was affected in Acmena
acuminatissima plants and Cryptocarya concinna was the most susceptible species to soil acidification, with a marked decrease
of the leaf K, Ca and Mg concentrations when the treatment acidity increased.
Conclusions:
Simulated acid deposition affected the dynamics of K, Ca and Mg in the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest. The dynamics
of Ca in the soil and of K, Mg and Ca in the soil leachates were affected by the acidic solution treatment. If such a soil
acidification occurs, Cryptocarya concinna will be amongst the first affected species, but Schima superba will be able to
sustain a good growth and mineral nutrition.
Recommendations and Perspectives:
Acid deposition will lead to imbalance the nutrient elements in the evergreen broad-leaved forest because of accelerated leaching
losses of soil exchangeable Ca and Mg. Measures should be developed to slow down soil acidification or nutrient decrease. |
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Keywords: | soil leachate soil acidification Schima superba nutrient element dynamics monsoon forest Cryptocarya concinna China Acmena acuminatissima acid deposition |
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