Effects of Exogenous Silicon Addition on Nitrification and Denitrification-Derived N2O Emissions from Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) Forest Soil
, Kecheng Wang 1,2,†, Lijun Liu 1,2, Yongchun Li 1,2, Jiasen Wu 1,2, Jinhuan Zhong 1, Rong Zheng 3, Lili Fan 4, Chengpeng Huang 1,2,* and Peikun Jiang 1,2,*
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe aim of this study was to evaluate how the addition of exogenous silicon (Si) regulates nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions in Phyllostachys edulis soils, by differentiating the respective contributions of nitrification and denitrification as microbial pathways responsible for these emissions. To this end, a 28-day laboratory incubation was conducted using selective inhibitors for both microbial processes, and N₂O fluxes and NO₃⁻-N concentrations were measured.
The study addresses a relevant and timely topic related to climate change mitigation, particularly in intensively managed forest ecosystems. Its focus on the role of Si as a soil amendment is valuable, and the results provide useful insights for enhancing the sustainability of these systems. The overall structure of the manuscript, the analysis of results, and the conclusions are well developed.
However, a methodological limitation is noted in lines 104–115 that should be addressed to strengthen the study:
Line 104-115 The manuscript states that soil samples were collected from a plantation, but it does not specify whether a composite sampling strategy was used or if replicates were included. If the experiment relied on a single soil sample, this would significantly compromise the representativeness, reproducibility, and statistical validity of the results. It is recommended that the authors clarify this aspect of the methodology and, if applicable, justify their experimental decision and its implications for data interpretation.
The manuscript mentions that the plantation had been in a state of abandonment for five years, with occasional interventions (e.g., selective cutting), but it does not explain how this partial management condition might influence nitrification and denitrification processes. Reduced management activity can affect key soil variables such as aeration, moisture, and organic matter accumulation, which in turn impact microbial activity. A brief discussion of this point is recommended, supported by relevant references or site-specific observations.
In conclusion, the manuscript has scientific merit and presents relevant results; however, the methodological section regarding sample origin and site conditions should be strengthened to ensure greater clarity and robustness in the interpretation of findings.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageEnglish is not my native language, nor do I believe it is the authors’. Therefore, my comments have focused primarily on the scientific content, methodology, and structure of the manuscript. While the manuscript is generally understandable, I recommend that it be carefully reviewed by a native English speaker or a professional editor to improve clarity, grammar, and overall fluency, especially in key sections.
Author Response
Please see attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAs is known, forest ecosystems play a crucial role in the global N cycle. In this line, authors present an extensive and interesting paper conducted with the aim to evaluate how exogenous Si affects soil nitrification and denitrification and to quantify their respective contributions to N2O emissions over a 28-day laboratory incubation. The thinking behind the research in the manuscript is clear. However, it is needs to clarify the research's innovation and process. In order to help improve the manuscript, I suggest the authors the following:
Line 16. Jie Yang and Kecheng Wang contribute equally to this work. Bring it to your place: Author Contributions.
Line 21 Using DMPP.. and others. I am not in favor of including acronyms in th abstract, or indicate previously what the term refers to.
I suggest moving the sentence from line 91 to the abstract: We conducted a 28-day pot experiment under controlled conditions, applying inhibitors to selectively suppress nitrification or denitrification and measuring soil N2O fluxes and changes in NH4 + -N, NO3 ⁻ -N, and NO2 ⁻ -N concentrations.
I suggest also adding in the abstract something about the methodology used.
Keywords: nitrous oxide; silicone addition; nitrification; denitrification; Moso bamboo. As far as possible, avoid using the same words as in the title.
Line 90. ….in intensively managed Ph. edulis soils a..This sentence is not correct. Please redo.
Line 94. The results revealed that Si addition can significantly reduce N2O 94 emissions by suppressing denitrification. This corresponds to the results section, please move it there.
Line 100. The soil used in this study was collected…Although the table indicates that it is a red soil, it would be logical to indicate what type of soil it is using an international taxonomy such as WRB FAO; therefore, if possible, add it.
Line 123…out Si addition (Si– ) and a Si application group (Si+ )…Is this correct? Please explain.
Line 177. 2.6. Soil Sampling and Analysis. The methods used for the parameters described should be briefly indicated.
The authors should include the sample size (n values) for the statistical analysis data presented in Figures 4, 5 and 6.
Improve the figures, as they are practically illegible.
Finally, limitations of study should be highlighted.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageI am not an expert in the English language, but it seems to me that it is well written.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis study fills a knowledge gap by exploring the under-investigated effects of silicon (Si) amendments on Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) forest soils—an ecosystem with growing ecological and economic importance. By shifting focus from agricultural to forest soils, the research provides fresh insight into sustainable management practices for greenhouse gas mitigation. The factorial design using selective inhibitors (DMPP and C₂H₂) to distinguish nitrification and denitrification contributions is a solid methodological approach. It allows for a clearer understanding of process-level effects. Demonstrating that Si addition shifts N₂O emission pathways—favoring nitrification over denitrification—carries implications for reducing high-emission pathways, especially in acidic forest soils prone to denitrification.
The paper however discusses microbial activity extensively but does not directly measure microbial community composition. How are the authors going to address this?
Line 174: "Soil organic carbon was measured using the wet combustion
method, and NH₄⁺-N and NO₃⁻-N were determined following the procedures described
by Lu [59]" In it's work, Lu et al. again makes reference to other papers, so I suggest you describe the methods used in this work properly, in a step by step and reproducible manner.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsI really appreciate the effort of the authors to answer my queries and to modify the ms. So, I recommend publication.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageAlthough I am not an expert in the English language, I think it is very good.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you very much for your kind comments and for recognizing our efforts to address the queries raised. We are grateful for your valuable feedback, which has greatly contributed to improving our manuscript. We are pleased to hear that you recommend the publication of our work.
We have made all the necessary modifications and believe that the manuscript is now in its best form. We sincerely appreciate your time and effort in reviewing our submission.
Thank you once again for your thoughtful and constructive suggestions.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have adjusted and improved their manuscript accordingly however there are other, even more serious issues that are left to be adressed, such as AI generated text. Please see attached.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
Dear Reviewers,
Thank you for your valuable feedback and for taking the time to review our manuscript.
We sincerely apologize for any concern caused by the use of AI-assisted tools in the previous version. In response to your comments, we have thoroughly revised the manuscript to ensure that all content is original, written by the authors, and free from any AI-generated text.
To demonstrate our commitment to integrity and compliance with the journal’s standards, we have also used the QuillBot AI Detector to verify the authenticity of the revised text. The corresponding report is attached for your reference. Based on the report, the manuscript no longer contains any AI-generated content.
We appreciate the opportunity to revise and resubmit our work and respectfully request that you reconsider the revised version.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 3
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors have revised their work accordingly, which I now find suitable for publication.
