[Effects of urbanization on soil nitrogen supply in Pinus elliottii plantations]

With the Pinus elliottii plantations along an urban-rural gradient in Nanchang City as test objectives, and by using ion-exchange resin (IER) bag, this paper studied the seasonal dynamics of soil available nitrogen in the plantations, and analyzed the effects of urbanization on soil nitrogen supply. The results showed that the soil nitrogen supply in the plantations had an obvious seasonal fluctuation. Soil NH4+ -N concentration was significantly higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer, while soil NO3- -N concentration, mineral N concentration, and relative nitrification rate were in adverse (P < 0.05). The seasonal dynamics of soil available nitrogen was basically consistent with the growth rhythm of P. elliottii. The soil nitrogen availability and relative nitrification ratio along the gradient differed greatly, being significantly higher in urban than in rural area (P < 0.05). Urbanization accelerated soil N mineralization and nitrification, enhanced soil nitrogen supply capacity, and increased soil NO3- -N content. It was suggested that in the construction of urban forest, the plants with high N demand, especially with high NO3- -N absorption capacity, should be introduced to mitigate the soil available N loss and its induced environmental pollution.