Changes in Ammonium-to-Nitrate Ratio along Faidherbia albida Tree Age Gradients in Arenosols

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The present study aimed to examine changes in NH4+/NO3- ratios and correlate the changes with some selected soil bio-physicochemical properties. It is a very interesting topic. I have gone through carefully the content and would like to inform that the manuscript is clear and represents the scientific level but it was not professionally prepared, e.g. in the text, reference numbers should be placed in square brackets [ ], and placed before the punctuation; for example [1], [1–3] or [1,3]. All references should be prepared according to journal template. Please check the punctuation. Some specific comments are as follows: (1) In introduction the author analyzed the progress and problem of previous researches, which makes the study meaningful however please emphasize on works recently done (not older than 5 years). (2) The research methods are correct and properly described so in my opinion the experimental design is appropriate to test the hypothesis. However, L192-L203- please check the font size. All equations should be improved (font type, font size); all symbols must be explained. (3) Wrong numbering in Figures captions. I do not see any figure 5 (L301 - figure 4; L306 – figure 4). (4) Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7 should be improved; are not readable. (5) Discussion is well conducted (6) The conclusions are resulted from research presented in the paper so are consistent with the evidence and arguments presented.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required. Please check the punctuation once again. The paper should be prepared according to journal template.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

We thank you for your constructive comments and suggestions for the manuscript (ID: nitrogen-2961082) ''Changes in Ammonium-to Nitrate ratio along Faidherbia albida tree age gradients in Arenosols'' submitted to Nitrogen. I have attached our responses to your specific comments.

Below are responses to your specific comments.

   

 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Manuscript entitled “Changes in Ammonium-to-Nitrate ratio along Faidherbia albida tree age gradients in Arenosols”, submitted by Solomon Amare, Emiru Birhane and Mitku Haile, can be considered for publication in Nitrogen Journal, after a minor revision.

 

Here is a list of my specific comments:

1. Line 131: “Hence, considering the agricultural,…”. At the end of Introduction, the main objectives of this study must be clearly presented.
2. Line 181: “The age of the trees was obtained…”. These paragraphs, including Table 1, should be moved in the previous section.
3. Fig. 3 should be deleted, or moved into Supplementary materials.
4. Line 223: “…and colorimetric determination”. The analytical characteristics of this method must be mentioned here.
5. Line 254: Delete “(Eq. 1), (Eq. 2) and (Eq. 3)” from here.
6. Line 371: “Our results have shown strong…”. This should be explained.
7. References: The number of references should be reduced.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

We thank you for your constructive comments and suggestions for the manuscript  (ID: nitrogen-2961082) ''Changes in Ammonium-to-Nitrate ratio along Faidherbia albida tree age gradients in Arenosols''. I have attached our response to your specific comments.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx