Contact Us

Seasonal variations in soil characteristics control microbial respiration and carbon use under tree plantations in the middle gangetic region

Affiliations
  • 1ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, 800014, India.
  • 2Department of Forestry, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, 848125, India.
  • 3Department of Agronomy, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P, 224229, India.
  • 4Department of Soil Science, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, 848125, India.
  • 5Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
  • 6Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands.
  • 7Department of Agronomy, Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, U.P., 284003, India.
  • 8Plant Production Department, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
  • 9Department of Food Science, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt.

Published on:

September 9, 2024

Abstract

Seasonal variations directly impact the biochemical and microbial properties of the soil, influence carbon and nutrient cycling within the soil system. Soils under tree plantation (TP) are rich in organic matter and microbial population, making them more susceptible to seasonal variation. We studied the effect of seasonal variations in soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio etc) and microclimate (moisture and temperature) on microbial respiration (SR), biomass, and carbon (C) utilization efficiency under 13 years old Kadamb ( Miq.), Simaraubha ( DC), and Litchi ( Sonn.) based TPs in middle Gangetic region. In contrast to higher SR and metabolic quotient (qCO) in winter, the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in fall > summer > spring > winter, irrespective of TPs. The positive relationship between qCO and C/N ratios strongly supports the dependence of microbes on soil carbon for respiration. qCO had a significantly positive relationship with soil moisture (MC) and Electrical conductivity (EC), but a significantly negative relationship with temperature and pH. Higher MBN/TN and MBC/TOC ratios fall under simaraubha, and litchi-based TPs indicated more nitrogen (N) and carbon accumulation into microbial biomass. The seasonal variation of MBC/MBN ratios signifies the changes in microbial communities and fungi dominate over bacteria during winter, as bacteria have a lower C/N ratio than fungi. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that soil properties and micro-climate regulated microbial biomass and SR differ with TPs. Thus, the study indicates that microbial activities and biomass production can significantly influence by soil properties and seasonal variations under TPs.

Keywords:

Related Concept Videos

JoVE Research Video for The Carbon Cycle 01:14

35.4K

Carbon is the basis of all organic matter on Earth, and is recycled through the ecosystem in two primary processes: one in which carbon is exchanged among living organisms, and one in which carbon is cycled over long periods of time through fossilized organic remains, weathering of rocks, and volcanic activity. Human activities, including increased agricultural practices and the burning of fossil fuels, has greatly affected the balance of the natural carbon cycle.

Biological Carbon Cycle

All…

JoVE Research Video for The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition 02:11

34.2K

Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.

The collective bacteria residing in and around plant roots are termed the rhizosphere. These soil-dwelling bacterial species are incredibly diverse….

JoVE Research Video for The Soil Ecosystem 02:23

18.7K

Plants obtain inorganic minerals and water from the soil, which acts as a natural medium for land plants. The composition and quality of soil depend not only on the chemical constituents but also on the presence of living organisms. In general, soils contain three major components:


Inorganic mineral matter, which constitutes about 40 to 45 percent of the soil volume.
Organic matter, also known as humus, which makes up about 5 percent of the soil volume.
Water and air, covering about 50…

JoVE Research Video for Overview of Metabolism 01:40

27.6K

Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide…