Influence of plant species on physical, chemical and biological soil properties in a Mediterranean forest soil

Abstract

In semiarid ecosystems plant cover plays an important role in the improvement of physical, chemical and biochemical soil properties. With the aim of studying the influence of different plant species on soil properties, and establishing the relationships between them, 160 soil samples from under four different plant species (Pinus halepensis, Quercus coccifera, Juniperus oxycedrus and Rosmarinus officinalis) were taken in a forest area of the province of Alicante (SE Spain). The following soil properties were analyzed in all soil samples: organic carbon content, microbial biomass, soluble organic carbon, aggregate stability, basal respiration, and some eco-physiological ratios. In addition, the near infrared spectra (NIR) of all soil samples were obtained to verify the similarities or differences between soil samples under the four species. Some differences in parameters such as organic carbon content or basal respiration were found mainly between the group of P. halepensis and Q. coccifera with respect to J. oxycedrus and R. officinalis. Despite this, the high organic carbon content found under the four plant species showed an influence on the rest of soil properties. Moreover, using a discriminant analysis with factorial scores from NIR absorbance data did not result in a good classification of samples in terms of the species, reflecting some similarities between them. Our results show that the high contents observed in some parameters under the four species, and the lack of significant differences in most of them, prove the important role of shrubland in semiarid conditions, it being capable of promoting good soil conditions.

Assessment of forest soil contamination in Krakow surroundings in relation to the type of stand

“…It may be concluded that the differences in enzymatic activity between the research plots result from different contents of PAHs and different amount of soil organic matter as a result of species composition. The chemical composition of SOM largely results from microbial transformation of tree litter, whose composition, in turn, influences the activity and diversity of soil microorganisms (Pérez-Bejarano et al 2010;Ushio et al 2008). Deciduous species had a positive impact on soil organic matter and the most beneficial impact on the intensification of microbial activity.…”

A conceptual framework for the analysis of engineered biodiverse pastures

“…SOM pools are also increased by leaves' senescence, and by animals returning undigested fiber to the soil. The stability of SOC pools established in SBPPRL depends on landscape factors (Pérez-Bejarano et al, 2010). Non-labile fractions (lower decomposition rates) are higher when the pasture is installed in forested areas (Ramachandran Nair et al, 2009).…”

Quality of organic and upper mineral horizons of mature mountain beech stands with respect to herb layer species

“…Many works are focused on studying the effect of woody plants on the formation and properties of the forest floor (e.g. Augusto et al 2003;Ritter et al 2003;Hagen-Thorn et al 2004;Pérez-Bejarano 2010;Kacálek et al 2013;Ulbrichová et al 2014). Studies dealing with herbaceous species beneath forest stands are scarce, mostly concerning the species abundance in relation to tree layer parameters (e.g.…”