Leaf Functional Traits and Relationships with Soil Properties of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ in Plantations of Different Ages

Abstract

To explore the changes of leaf functional traits of Zanthoxylum planispinum ‘dintanensis’ with growth and development and its relationship with soil properties, which can clarify the response of the plantation to soil properties and suitable strategy. The research results can provide a scientific basis for plantations management. We explored the response of leaf functional traits to soil by using redundancy analysis in 5–7-, 10–12-, 20–22-, and 28–32-year Z. planispinum ‘dintanensis’ plantations. The results showed that: (1) The coefficients of variation of leaf traits ranged from 0.41% to 39.51%, with mostly medium and low variation, with the lowest variability in leaf water content (0.51–0.85%); The 5–7, 10–12, 20–22-year-old plantations were laid at the “slow investment-return” end of the economic spectrum while 28–32-year plantations were close to “fast investment-return” end. (2) The Z. planispinum ‘dintanensis’ tended to suit the environment via making trade-off and coordination of leaf functional traits. Leaf dry matter content decreased with an increase in leaf carbon/leaf nitrogen ratio, which is the trade-off between nitrogen usage efficiency and nutrient fixation capacity in Z. planispinum ‘dintanensis’. (3) Redundancy analysis suggested that soil carbon/nitrogen ratio, soil total calcium, soil water content, soil available phosphorus, soil carbon/calcium ratio were highly correlated with leaf functional traits, while soil elemental stoichiometry had a greater reflection on leaf functional traits than their own content.

Leaf litter chemistry and its effects on soil microorganisms in different ages of Zanthoxylum planispinum var. Dintanensis

“…A total of 12 samples were obtained by mixing the leaf litter collected from each sample plot, each of which was about 200 g. Leaf litter was dried in an oven for 10 min at 105 °C, then at 60 °C to a constant weight, and then crushed and sieved at 0.25 mm for storage. Mature leaves were collected in mid-June of the same year to calculate the resorption rate of nitrogen and phosphorus – these data came from Song et al [ 27 ], so the results were not analyzed here (Table 2 ).…”

The Diversification of Adaptive Strategies for Karst-Adaptable Plants and the Utilization of Plant Resources in Karst Ecosystems

“…The adaptability of plants to the environment changes with plant growth and development. Zanthoxylum planispinum 'dintanensis' leaf functional traits change with growth and development, which is also a manifestation of the influence of the soil environment [10]. The synergistic change of the stoichiometric relationship between plants and soil nutrients is also another effective mechanism for plants to adapt to karst environments [11,12].…”

“…Due to the limited retention and transport of nutrients in karst soil environments, it is necessary to consider extending the service period of plant resources while developing and utilizing karst-adaptable plant resources. The return on investment of an artificial Zanthoxylum forest is varies significantly depending on the planting year, and the management of the forest can be used as a reference [10]. Short-term 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment can regulate the metabolism of blueberry fruits and improve the shelf quality of blueberries [15]; and 1-MCP, combined with an SO 2 treatment, can delay postharvest aging of bamboo (Chimonobambusa quadrangularis) shoots in karst mountains and extend the shelf life of fresh bamboo shoots [16].…”