Long-term increases in soil carbon due to ecosystem fertilization by atmospheric nitrogen deposition demonstrated by regional-scale modelling and observations

Tipping, Edward; Davies, Jessica; Henrys, Peter A.; Kirk, G. J. D.; Lilly, Allan; Dragosits, Ulrike; Carnell, E.J.; Dore, Anthony J.; Sutton, Mark A.; Tomlinson, Sam

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-02002-w

Cited by 67 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 62 publications

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“…What are the potential consequences of the enhanced growth performance of caterpillars feeding on host plants with moderate nitrogen enrichment? Levels of atmospheric nitrogen deposition have strongly increased during the last two centuries (Tipping et al, 2017). These peaked in the 1990s and are currently slowly declining because of new environmental policies for atmospheric nitrogen.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Host plant nitrogen enrichment has both positive and negative effects on the larval growth of a specialist butterfly

Lebigre

Vanderbeken

Turlure

et al. 2018

Ecological Entomology

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1. The nitrogen limitation hypothesis posits that phytophagous insects benefit from nitrogen enrichment of their host plants through a reduction of the concentration of toxic compounds and an increase of free amino acids and proteins. However, species' response to nitrogen enrichment varies substantially and high nitrogen levels are associated with population decline, suggesting there are major costs to feeding on nitrogen‐rich host plants. 2. To test the hypothesis that larval growth performance is maximal at intermediate nitrogen enrichment, nitrogen levels were measured in 18 populations of the host plant of Lycaena helle, a specialist butterfly inhabiting nutrient‐poor wet meadows. The nitrogen content of host plants was then modified to mirror average natural nitrogen levels (C), highest field‐recorded levels (T1), and levels higher than those observed across our study populations (T2). 3. Caterpillars fed with T1 leaves had a greater maximum body mass than caterpillars of the C group because of their improved food assimilation during the early stages of their development. Caterpillars of C and T2 groups had similar growth patterns but high nitrogen content had detrimental effects, as caterpillars fed with T2 leaves had a slower ingestion rate than C and T1 groups. 4. Quantifying the fitness consequences of these changes in growth performance is necessary to fully understand the implications of nitrogen enrichment for L. helle (rapid growth may result in fitness costs). However, conservation plans for this emblematic glacial relict species should also consider the preservation of its host plant quality to ensure its persistence.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Host plant nitrogen enrichment has both positive and negative effects on the larval growth of a specialist butterfly

Lebigre

Vanderbeken

Turlure

et al. 2018

Ecological Entomology

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“…For a fixed topsoil depth, the resulting additional stored SOC would be primarily in the αSOC ads forms because the strong sites are saturated in most cases (Results). The MRT of the additional SOC would be 20 years; therefore, after a new steady state was achieved the greater input rate of litter would need to be maintained, or else the sequestered C would be lost fairly rapidly over several decades (Tipping et al ., ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Soil survey data for Great Britain were taken from Emmett et al (2010) andToberman et al (2016). Measured topsoil (15-cm depth) variables used for modelling comprised %OC, % total N, %OP and bulk density.…”

Section: Soil Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We used density fractionation data for British soils from Adams et al (2017). Radiocarbon data were taken from results for samples collected in 2007 (Mills et al, 2014(Toberman et al, 2016, and assumed to apply to the intermediate year, 2010. An approximate average value of 110 pMC for topsoil 14 C in 1980 was taken from the global (mostly North American) compilation of Harrison (1996); the need for temporally separated 14 C values arises because the model ought to produce an upturn and subsequent decline in soil 14 C in response to the input of 'bomb' radiocarbon in the mid-twentieth century (Jenkinson et al, 1992;Harrison, 1996;Tipping et al, 2010).…”

Section: Soil Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An approximate average value of 110 pMC for topsoil 14 C in 1980 was taken from the global (mostly North American) compilation of Harrison (1996); the need for temporally separated 14 C values arises because the model ought to produce an upturn and subsequent decline in soil 14 C in response to the input of 'bomb' radiocarbon in the mid-twentieth century (Jenkinson et al, 1992;Harrison, 1996;Tipping et al, 2010). The 65 samples from Toberman et al (2016) were tested for the presence of charcoal and coal, negligible amounts being found. The Mills et al (2014) samples had not been checked.…”

Section: Soil Datamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Modelling the physical states, element stoichiometries and residence times of topsoil organic matter

Tipping

Rowe

2019

European J Soil Science

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Soil organic matter (SOM) is a major ecosystem component, central to soil fertility, carbon balance and other soil functions. To advance SOM modelling, we devised a steady‐state model of topsoil SOM, with explicit descriptions of physical states and properties, and used it to simulate SOM concentration, carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry, bulk density and radiocarbon content. The model classifies SOM by element stoichiometry (αSOM is poor in N and P, βSOM is rich), mean residence times (1–2000 years) and physical state (free, occluded, adsorbed, hypoxic). The most stable SOM is either βSOM preferentially adsorbed by mineral matter, or αSOM in strongly hypoxic zones. Soil properties were simulated for random combinations of plant litter input (amount and C:N:P stoichiometry), mineral sorption capacity, propensity for hypoxia, and bulk density of non‐adsorbed αSOM. To optimize model parameters, outputs from 5000 simulations were used to construct bivariate relations among soil variables, which were compared with those found in data for 835 survey sites, covering all common land uses. The bivariate relations, and patterns of data scatter, were reproduced, and also variations in soil radiocarbon with soil type, suggesting that apparent scatter in measured data might reflect SOM diversity. The temporal acquisition by soil of ‘bomb 14C’ could also be simulated. The steady‐state model is the basis for a dynamic version, suitable for simulating changes in SOM through time. It provides insight into the possible manipulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration; for example, increasing litter inputs might only increase moderately‐stable SOC pools, whereas encouraging the creation of βSOM by adsorption to mineral matter from deeper soil could lead to long‐term stabilization. Highlights Models of SOM should include explicit descriptions of physical states and properties. Our new topsoil SOM model is constrained by C:N:P stoichiometry, SO14C, and physical fractionation data. Simulated soil properties, randomly generated, account for measured trends and patterns of scatter in SOM data. SOM properties depend upon litter input, interactions with mineral matter, hypoxia, and bulk density.

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Ecological impacts of the industrial revolution in a lowland raised peat bog near Manchester, NW England

Garcés‐Pastor

Fletcher

Ryan

2023

Ecology and Evolution

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(1) Ombrotrophic peat bogs provide valuable records of environmental change on long timescales but are rarely preserved near the major centers of industrial activity. Holcroft Moss is a rare example of a stratigraphically intact lowland peat bog in NW England, which provides a valuable opportunity to trace industrial impacts on vegetation in a sensitive environmental archive close to the early industrializing cities of Manchester and Liverpool. (2) We reconstructed environmental changes at Holcroft Moss before and after the Industrial Revolution using a decadal‐scale record of pollen, non‐pollen palynomorphs, microcharcoal, peat composition (organic content and ash‐free bulk density) and heavy metal content, constrained by a radiocarbon and SCP (spheroidal carbonaceous particle) chronology. We examine the relationship between abiotic and biotic environmental tracers using principal component analysis and evaluate the role of local and regional climatic and anthropogenic drivers using canonical redundancy analysis and partitioning of variation. (3) Results show significant changes in bog vegetation composition during the last 700 years. Prior to 1750 CE, climate and agro‐pastoral activity (grazing and fires) were the main drivers of vegetation change. Subsequently, regional coal‐fired industry contributed to major increases in atmospheric pollutants (dust, heavy metals, and acid deposition) that severely impacted vegetation, driving the decline of Sphagnum . Grasses rose to dominance in the 20th century associated especially with bog conversion and cumulative nitrogen deposition. Although atmospheric pollution significantly decreased in the post‐industrial era, vegetation has not returned to pre‐industrial conditions, reflecting the ongoing impact of global change drivers which pose challenges for conservation and restoration. (4) Synthesis . Paleoecological studies are needed to reveal the long‐term history of vegetation degradation and to offer guidelines for restoration and conservation practices. This study reconstructs the last 700 years of a peat bog located between Manchester and Liverpool, revealing the timing and nature of vegetation changes across the trajectory of early industrialization and eventual post‐industrial decline. Our study reveals the progressive dominance of regional anthropogenic forcing and highlights that the present‐day vegetation does not have past analogs within the last 700 years. Conservation measures favoring the reintroduction of Sphagnum are justified in redressing the major biological legacy of the Industrial Revolution, while steps to increase Calluna should also be considered in light of its resilience to dry and fire‐prone conditions.

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Long-term increases in soil carbon due to ecosystem fertilization by atmospheric nitrogen deposition demonstrated by regional-scale modelling and observations

Cited by 67 publications

References 62 publications

Host plant nitrogen enrichment has both positive and negative effects on the larval growth of a specialist butterfly

Host plant nitrogen enrichment has both positive and negative effects on the larval growth of a specialist butterfly

Modelling the physical states, element stoichiometries and residence times of topsoil organic matter

Ecological impacts of the industrial revolution in a lowland raised peat bog near Manchester, NW England

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