Changes in Soil Physico-Chemical and Microbiological Properties During Natural Succession: A Case Study in Lower Subtropical China

Abstract

Vegetation succession can change the function and quality of the soil. Exploring the changes in soil properties during secondary forest restoration is of great significance to promote forest restoration and improve the ecological service function of subtropical ecosystems in South China. In this study, we chose three typical forests in subtropical China as restoration sequences, broadleaf–conifer mixed forest (EF), broad-leaved forest (MF), and old-growth forest (LF), to study the changes in soil physico-chemical and biological properties and the changes of soil comprehensive quality during the secondary succession of subtropical forest. The results showed that the soil physical structure was optimized with the progress of forest succession. The soil bulk density decreased gradually with the progress of forest restoration, which was significantly affected by soil organic carbon (p < 0.01). In LF, the soil moisture increased significantly (p < 0.05), and its value can reach 47.85 ± 1.93%, which is consistent with the change of soil porosity. With the recovery process, soil nutrients gradually accumulated. Except for total phosphorus (TP), there was obvious surface enrichment of soil nutrients. Soil organic carbon (15.43 ± 2.28 g/kg), total nitrogen (1.08 ± 0.12 g/kg), and total phosphorus (0.43 ± 0.03 g/kg) in LF were significantly higher than those in EF (p < 0.05). The soil available nutrients, that is, soil available phosphorus and available potassium decreased significantly in LF (p < 0.05). In LF, more canopy interception weakened the P limitation caused by atmospheric acid deposition, so that the soil C:P (37.68 ± 4.76) and N:P (2.49 ± 0.24) in LF were significantly lower than those in EF (p < 0.05). Affected by TP and moisture, microbial biomass C and microbial biomass N increased significantly in LF, and the mean values were 830.34 ± 30.34 mg/kg and 46.60 ± 2.27 mg/kg, respectively. Further analysis showed that total soil porosity (TSP) and TP (weighted value of 0.61) contributed the most to the final soil quality index (SQI). With the forest restoration, the SQI gradually increased, especially in LF the value of SQI was up to 0.84, which was significantly higher than that in EF and MF (p < 0.05). This result is of great significance to understanding the process of restoration of subtropical forests and improving the management scheme of subtropical secondary forests.

Coupling relationship between soil properties and plant diversity under different ecological restoration patterns in the abandoned coal mine area of southern China

“…Our results showed that in the vertical soil profile of different study sites, AK, AN, and AP had a downward trend (Fig. 5), this is probably because of soil leaching characteristics and changes in the soil microbial and biomass (Zhao et al, 2022a). In addition, deeper soil obtains limited nutrients from the decomposition of litter, resulting in higher nutrients in topsoil layer (Zhao et al, 2022b).…”

Optimizing Agroecological Measures for Climate-Resilient Olive Farming in the Mediterranean

“…In general, SOM, which is made up of approximately 58% soil organic carbon, is associated with an increased water-holding capacity (strong positive correlation) in the surface horizon of agricultural soil [55]. The correlation between SOC and SWC is evident within soil aggregates, as demonstrated by Panagea et al and Zhao et al [56,57]. These aggregates are formed through the accumulation of SOM molecules and mineral particles, as elucidated in the study by Abiven et al [58].…”

Interaction between soils physicochemical properties and fungal communities in different Tunisian agroecosystems

“…Enhanced porosity is believed to improve soil aeration, creating a more optimal environment for soil microorganisms by facilitating gas exchange and potentially mitigating limitations caused by low oxygen availability (Zhao et al, 2022). Soil compaction, often caused by heavy machinery or unsustainable cropping practices, negatively impacts soil physical properties, potentially hindering microbial activity and essential biochemical processes crucial for nutrient availability.…”