Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Grassland and Pasture Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 15130

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
National Agricultural and Food Centre, Plant Production Research Institute, Grassland and Mountain Agriculture Institute, Mládežnícka 36, 97421 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
Interests: grasslands; soil; ecosystem services; grassland management; ecology

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Natural Sciences, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Tajovského 40, 97401 Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
Interests: soil; ecosystem services; land use; agriculture; environment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Grasslands are a unique ecosystem which occupies more than a quarter of the land surface of the Earth, providing numerous ecosystem services including forage provision, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, water filtration, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats. In terms of their origins, permanent grasslands have been established for agricultural purposes on areas that would otherwise be occupied by forests. Consequently, the soils on which they have been created are also diverse and have different textures and physical, chemical, and biological properties. Beyond these permanent grasslands, temporary ley grasslands are a vital part of crop rotation exerting a positive influence on soil ecosystem services.

Healthy soils, as a non-renewable source, are key to ensuring grassland ecosystem services. Climate change and management, such as the intensity of fertilization, overgrazing, or abandonment, are two major factors that affect soil properties and consequently grassland ecosystem services.

This Special Issue will focus on studies and analyses of the impact of grassland management and climate change on the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils. Therefore, manuscripts and long-term studies aimed at assessing changes in soil organic matter, soil acidity and nutrient content, and soil biota evaluation are all welcome.

Dr. Miriam Kizekova
Dr. Radoslava Kanianska
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • grasslands
  • soil
  • soil chemical properties
  • management
  • ecosystem services
  • carbon sequestration
  • nutrient cycling
  • climate change

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 6023 KB  
Article
The Effect of Litter Addition on Soil Organic Carbon Fractions with Intensified Grassland Degradation
by Shitong Wei, Chunying Fan, Junqi Zuo, Lingfeng Rui, Jianan Li, Wenjing Tang and Pingting Guan
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080835 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 346
Abstract
Litter decomposition plays a critical role in the formation and turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. However, the effects of litter on SOC dynamics across grassland degradation remain poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the responses [...] Read more.
Litter decomposition plays a critical role in the formation and turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions. However, the effects of litter on SOC dynamics across grassland degradation remain poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the responses of SOC and its fractions, including particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), to litter decomposition in lightly, moderately, and highly degraded grasslands. A 240-day incubation experiment using Leymus chinensis litter incubated on day 0, 23, 60, and 240 was conducted to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors regulating SOC stability. Grassland degradation significantly reduced POC and MAOC concentrations; moreover, litter addition in degraded grasslands further reduced SOC. In the lightly and moderately degraded grasslands, litter addition modulated POC and MAOC via both microbial and physicochemical pathways. In the highly degraded grasslands, litter addition influenced POC and MAOC not only indirectly through microbial and physicochemical pathways but also directly by promoting MAOC formation. Overall, although litter decomposition altered SOC and its fractions, its effects were constrained by the degree of grassland degradation. These findings indicate that restoration strategies should prioritize enhancing microbial biomass and activity in lightly and moderately degraded grasslands while increasing litter inputs in highly degraded grasslands to improve soil carbon sequestration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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18 pages, 5653 KB  
Article
Variation and Trade-Offs in Leaf and Root Traits of Perennial Grasses Under Nitrogen Deposition
by Yuheng Yang, Hao Chen, Guiling Liu, Hang Ruan and Xiaowei Wei
Agronomy 2026, 16(7), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16070739 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 312
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing globally, making it essential to understand how leaf and root traits vary and interact to shape plant ecological strategies under changing environmental conditions. We conducted leaf and root traits of eight perennial grasses (rhizomatous and bunchgrass species) in [...] Read more.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing globally, making it essential to understand how leaf and root traits vary and interact to shape plant ecological strategies under changing environmental conditions. We conducted leaf and root traits of eight perennial grasses (rhizomatous and bunchgrass species) in a field experiment conducted in the Songnen grassland, incorporating control and nitrogen addition treatments (10 g m−2 yr−1). Nitrogen addition significantly altered leaf and root trait expression and promoted biomass accumulation in both life forms. Specifically, nitrogen addition increased assimilation rate (An; 19.4 and 20.7%), leaf nitrogen content (LNC; 51.5 and 57.8%), specific root length (SRL; 30.1 and 41.1%), and root nitrogen content (RNC; 18.6 and 34.4%), while markedly reducing root tissue density (RTD; 40.2 and 46.6%) of perennial rhizome grass and perennial bunchgrasses. Principal component analysis revealed multiple plant resource strategies reflected by multidimensional variation in leaf and root traits. However, no consistent correlations were detected between leaf and root trait dimensions, and regression relationships differed significantly under nitrogen addition. These results indicate a decoupling of above- and belowground resource acquisition strategies at the local scale. Additionally, we underscore the importance of combining above- and belowground traits to improve predictions of plant performance. Our findings advance understanding of leaf–root trait coordination in perennial grasses and provide insights into plant adaptive strategies in arid and semi-arid regions’ grassland ecosystems experiencing increasing nitrogen deposition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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18 pages, 7030 KB  
Article
Soil Properties and Bacterial Community Responses to Herb Vegetation Succession Beneath Sand-Fixation Plantations in a Sandy Grassland, NE China
by Cong Chen, Ying Zhang, Zhenbo Cui and Chengyou Cao
Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030342 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Establishing shrub plantations on mobile sand dunes is an effective strategy to combat desertification in semi-arid regions. Herbaceous communities developing beneath these plantations enhance ecosystem stability and improve revegetation outcomes. This study investigated the structural responses of soil bacterial communities, key functional genes [...] Read more.
Establishing shrub plantations on mobile sand dunes is an effective strategy to combat desertification in semi-arid regions. Herbaceous communities developing beneath these plantations enhance ecosystem stability and improve revegetation outcomes. This study investigated the structural responses of soil bacterial communities, key functional genes (nifH, amoA, and phoD), and plant–soil–microbe interactions across a herbaceous vegetation succession gradient (initiation, early, middle, and stable stages) under Caragana microphylla sand-fixation plantations in the sandy Horqin Grassland. The results revealed that plant species richness, diversity, and biomass increased progressively with succession. Concurrent improvements in soil nutrients (organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and enzymatic activities (urease, protease, phosphatase, glucosidase, polyphenol oxidase, and dehydrogenase) were observed. The abundances of nifH, amoA, and phoD genes rose progressively with vegetation succession, contributing to enhanced soil nutrient levels. All dominant bacterial phyla and genera detected constituted shared taxa across successional stages, but their relative abundances shifted dynamically. Herbaceous succession facilitated rapid restoration of bacterial diversity, though structural recovery lagged, depending on the quantitative fluctuations of the dominant taxa. Soil pH, organic matter, electrical conductivity, total N, total P, available P, and available K all significantly influenced the soil bacterial community, with pH and organic matter being the most influential factors. These findings highlight plant–soil–microbe interactions as intrinsic drivers of vegetation succession in desertified ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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14 pages, 7352 KB  
Article
Spring- and Summer Heat Waves Caused Opposite Effects on Soil Respiration in a Eurasian Meadow Steppe
by Yang Shao, Qi Tong, Tsegaye Gemechu Legesse, Changliang Shao and Xiaoguang Zhang
Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030319 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Heat waves (HWs), characterized by periods of unusually high temperature, would inevitably affect the soil microenvironment and then soil respiration (Rs), which is considered to be the most active part of the global carbon cycle. An in situ spring and summer HWs simulation [...] Read more.
Heat waves (HWs), characterized by periods of unusually high temperature, would inevitably affect the soil microenvironment and then soil respiration (Rs), which is considered to be the most active part of the global carbon cycle. An in situ spring and summer HWs simulation experiment combined with a locally common human disturbance (mowing) was conducted to separate Rs into autotrophic respiration (Ra) and heterotrophic respiration (Rh) on a natural Eurasian meadow steppe in 2018 and 2019. HWs significantly affected grassland Rs, Rh and Ra (p < 0.01) and also interacted with mowing, but the effect of spring HW and summer HW were different. During the summer HWs, daily Rs of the non-mowed plots increased by 1.07 μmol m−2 s−1 (11.71%) and increased in the mowed plots by 2.15 μmol m−2 s−1 (23.81%). During the spring HWs, daily Rs of the non-mowed plots decreased by 0.13 μmol m−2 s−1 (2.36%) and decreased by 0.52 μmol m−2 s−1 (9.02%) in the mowed plots. Rs, Rh and Ra were inhibited by spring HWs, but promoted by summer HWs. Our results indicated that the occurring time change in HWs would cause widely divergent influences on the ecosystem, and mowing would decrease the anti-interference ability of the ecosystem, which acted as an enhancement on both the positive and negative effects of HWs. These findings have important implications for accurate model prediction and carbon budget assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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15 pages, 2394 KB  
Article
Soil Property Alterations and Nitrogen Use Dynamics of Hemarthria altissima Under Distinct Nitrogen Forms
by Xiaowei Wei, Mingyue Sun, Shihan Feng, Ju Zhang, Yidi Gai, Yuheng Yang and Xuechen Yang
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020155 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 368
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing worldwide, with profound implications for plant nitrogen acquisition and ecosystem nutrient cycling, particularly in nitrogen-limited systems. In this study, we investigated how inorganic nitrogen form regulates nitrogen uptake in H. altissima through pot experiments by applying ammonium nitrogen, [...] Read more.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition is increasing worldwide, with profound implications for plant nitrogen acquisition and ecosystem nutrient cycling, particularly in nitrogen-limited systems. In this study, we investigated how inorganic nitrogen form regulates nitrogen uptake in H. altissima through pot experiments by applying ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, mixed nitrogen, and a nitrogen-free control in Songnen grassland ecosystems at the eastern end of Eurasia. Soil abiotic properties, root morphological traits, and nitrogen uptake dynamics were jointly quantified using integrative modeling in combination with 15N stable isotope tracing. Relative to the no-nitrogen control, both ammonium and nitrate nitrogen significantly altered soil physicochemical conditions and stimulated root development, with ammonium consistently exhibiting stronger effects. Ammonium and nitrate applications reduced soil pH by 4.83% and 6.25%, increased electrical conductivity by 2.01% and 1.17%, and enhanced inorganic nitrogen pools by 115.84% and 45.69%, respectively. Root morphological traits were significantly enhanced under ammonium, nitrate, and mixed nitrogen treatments. 15N tracing further demonstrated that ammonium nitrogen significantly increased root 15N uptake compared with the no-nitrogen control (p < 0.05) and promoted a 20.10% greater allocation of absorbed nitrogen to aboveground biomass than nitrate nitrogen. Collectively, these findings highlight nitrogen form as a key regulator of soil–plant nitrogen coupling, with ammonium nitrogen more effectively enhancing nitrogen acquisition and internal translocation than nitrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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15 pages, 1599 KB  
Article
Effects of Grassland Ley Sward Diversity on Soil Potassium and Magnesium Forms in Two Contrasting Sites
by Matej Orešković, Waldemar Spychalski, Barbara Golińska and Piotr Goliński
Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2815; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122815 - 7 Dec 2025
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Although multispecies grassland leys are known to influence nutrient dynamics in soils, little is known about the soil potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) quantities in such systems. In this study, we quantified soluble, active, and exchangeable forms of K and Mg in two [...] Read more.
Although multispecies grassland leys are known to influence nutrient dynamics in soils, little is known about the soil potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) quantities in such systems. In this study, we quantified soluble, active, and exchangeable forms of K and Mg in two contrasting sites differing in soil types: Cambisols and Luvisols. These measurements were conducted in grassland ley swards differing in the species composition of their sown mixtures. The grassland ley experiment included six species belonging to three functional groups: grasses (G1: Lolium perenne, G2: Phleum pratense), legumes (L1: Trifolium repens, L2: Trifolium pratense), and herbs (H1: Cichorium intybus, H2: Plantago lanceolata). Thirty-three plant communities were established following a simplex design approach, with sown proportions ranging from 100% (monocultures) to 50%, 33%, 25%, 16.7%, and 0% across the different mixture combinations. Plant diversity only had a slightly negative trend for potassium on Cambisols. Grass-dominated mixtures maintained higher soil K levels, while legume-rich swards exhibited lower concentrations, consistent with legumes’ greater K demand. Notably, the different effects of extractants on K were most evident in Cambisols, indicating stronger cation retention. This indicates the need to use the CaCl2 and NH4OAc extraction methods to determine the potassium content in this type of soil, and that these methods should be considered for evaluation of soil fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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24 pages, 4182 KB  
Article
Nutrient Balances and Forage Productivity in Permanent Grasslands Under Different Fertilisation Regimes in Western Poland Conditions
by Anna Paszkiewicz-Jasińska, Wojciech Stopa, Jerzy Barszczewski, Dorota Gryszkiewicz-Zalega and Barbara Wróbel
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092079 - 29 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1115
Abstract
Effective nutrient management in grassland ecosystems is essential for maintaining soil nutrient balance and ensuring high forage productivity. A field experiment was conducted between 2022 and 2024 on a permanent dry meadow at the Experimental Station in Poznań-Strzeszyn, western Poland. The trial, established [...] Read more.
Effective nutrient management in grassland ecosystems is essential for maintaining soil nutrient balance and ensuring high forage productivity. A field experiment was conducted between 2022 and 2024 on a permanent dry meadow at the Experimental Station in Poznań-Strzeszyn, western Poland. The trial, established in autumn 2021, was carried out under production conditions on large plots (140 m2 each). Plots were assigned to different fertilisation regimes, varying in both type and dosage. The treatments included an unfertilised control, three levels of annual mineral NPK fertilisation (NPK1, NPK2, NPK3), three levels of annually applied farmyard manure (FYM1, FYM2, FYM3), and three levels of mineral and organic fertilisers applied every two years (NPK1/FYM1, NPK2/FYM2, NPK3/FYM3). Throughout the study, botanical composition, annual dry matter yield (DMY), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content in the plant biomass were assessed. A simplified nutrient balance was calculated based on nutrient input from fertilisers and nutrient output with harvested yield. The average N balance across three years ranged from −12.17 kg N ha−1 in control to +20.6 kg N ha−1 in FYM3. For phosphorus, average balances ranged from −7.2 kg P ha−1 in the control to +9.8 kg P ha−1 in FYM3. In contrast, potassium balances were mostly negative: from −51.7 kg K ha−1 in FYM1 to −7.4 kg K ha−1 in NPK1. The most balanced nutrient budgets were observed under alternate NPK/FYM fertilisation, with moderate surpluses of N and P and a smaller K deficit compared to FYM applied alone. In contrast, inorganic and organic fertilisation applied separately resulted in greater nutrient surpluses or a pronounced potassium deficit. This study emphasises the importance of balanced nutrient management in permanent meadows, showing that moderate fertilisation strategies, such as alternating FYM and mineral NPK, can maintain productivity, and reduce environmental impacts. These findings provide a practical basis for developing sustainable grassland management practices under variable climatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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17 pages, 2081 KB  
Article
The Role of Grassland Land Use in Enhancing Soil Resilience and Climate Adaptation in Periurban Landscapes
by Igor Bogunovic, Marija Galic, Aleksandra Percin, Sun Geng and Paulo Pereira
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071589 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1799
Abstract
Urbanisation and land-use change are among the main pressures on soil health in periurban areas, but the multifunctionality of grassland soils is still not sufficiently recognised. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of soils under grassland, forest and croplands in the [...] Read more.
Urbanisation and land-use change are among the main pressures on soil health in periurban areas, but the multifunctionality of grassland soils is still not sufficiently recognised. In this study, the physical and chemical properties of soils under grassland, forest and croplands in the periurban area of Zagreb were investigated in a two-year period. Grasslands consistently exhibited multifunctional benefits, including high organic matter content (4.68% vs. 2.24% in cropland), improved bulk density (1.14 vs. 1.24 g cm−3) and an active carbon cycle indicated by increased CO2 emissions (up to 1403 kg ha−1 day−1 in 2021). Forest soils showed the highest aggregate stability (91.4%) and infiltration (0.0006 cm s−1), while croplands showed signs of structural degradation with the highest bulk density and lowest water retention (39.9%). Temporal variation showed that grassland was particularly responsive to favourable climatic conditions, with soil porosity and water content improving yearly. Principal component analysis showed that soil structure, biological activity and moisture regulation were linked, with grassland plots favourably positioned along the axes of resilience. The absence of tillage and the presence of permanent vegetation cover contributed to their high capacity for climate and water regulation and carbon sequestration. These results emphasise the importance of protecting and managing grasslands as an important component of urban green areas. Practices such as mulching, minimal disturbance and continuous cover can maximise the ecosystem services of grassland soils. In addition, the results highlight the potential risk of trace metal accumulation in cropland and grassland soils located near urban and farming infrastructure, underlining the need for regular monitoring in periurban environments. Integrating grassland functions into urban planning and policy is essential for improving the sustainability and resilience of periurban landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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18 pages, 7120 KB  
Article
Variability of Grassland Soils’ Properties in Comparison to Soils of Other Ecosystems
by Radoslava Kanianska and Miriam Kizeková
Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030713 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2340
Abstract
The variety of natural conditions and land use patterns determine high variability of soil properties. This study focused on the analysis of chemical, physical, and biological properties of grassland (GL) soils (situated on slopes—GLS, and on alluvial plains—GLP) in comparison with soils of [...] Read more.
The variety of natural conditions and land use patterns determine high variability of soil properties. This study focused on the analysis of chemical, physical, and biological properties of grassland (GL) soils (situated on slopes—GLS, and on alluvial plains—GLP) in comparison with soils of other ecosystems (arable land, forest land, riparian zone) in Central Slovakia. We applied an indicator’s method combined with models of these properties. The studies showed a large variability, more pronounced in GLS than in GLP. GLP soils were characterized by the highest number, biomass, and diversity of earthworms among all ecosystems. GL soils, in addition to FL soils, also have a relatively high capacity for water retention and C and N storage. However, we found an unfavorable state in available phosphorus, with GLS showing the lowest levels among compared ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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16 pages, 1201 KB  
Article
Management Practices in Mountain Meadows: Consequences for Soil Nutrient Availability
by Adrián Jarne, Asunción Usón and Ramón Reiné
Agronomy 2024, 14(10), 2419; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14102419 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1698
Abstract
Soil nutrient availability in meadows has been poorly studied from the management point of view, despite its great impact. In this study, three different types of meadows have been analysed, as follows: intensive meadows, with high livestock load and inorganic fertilization; semi-extensive meadows, [...] Read more.
Soil nutrient availability in meadows has been poorly studied from the management point of view, despite its great impact. In this study, three different types of meadows have been analysed, as follows: intensive meadows, with high livestock load and inorganic fertilization; semi-extensive meadows, with medium livestock load and organic fertilization; and extensive meadows, with low livestock load and low fertilization rates. We looked at the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and carbon balances of each meadow type during two different years. Nitrogen was more stable in semi-extensive and extensive meadows, due to its organic form. In contrast, intensive meadows showed higher nitrogen variability depending on climate. Phosphorus is seen as the limiting nutrient, and it accumulates less in the soil than what is estimated in the crop balance, being more balanced in extensive meadows. Potassium has a strong response to temperature, being more available in June than in February, but crop balance was always negative for extensive meadows, and its soil concentration decreases each year, which could cause long-term potassium deficiency. Carbon accumulation was more stable in extensive meadows, where there was accumulation regardless of the year, whereas intensive and semi-extensive meadows become carbon emitters during the drought year. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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14 pages, 6012 KB  
Article
Quantitative and Qualitative Relationships between Phospholipid Fatty Acid Analysis Biomarkers and Lignin in Soil from the Tibetan Plateau (China) under Laboratory Incubation Conditions
by Degyi Yangzom, Shuqin Ma and Xuyang Lu
Agronomy 2024, 14(9), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14091980 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1413
Abstract
Lignin, an organic compound with a complex structure, is formed through the polymerization of structural units linked by carbon–carbon bonds and ether bonds. The question of whether lignin is labile or resistant to biological and chemical degradation in soil, particularly in alpine ecosystems, [...] Read more.
Lignin, an organic compound with a complex structure, is formed through the polymerization of structural units linked by carbon–carbon bonds and ether bonds. The question of whether lignin is labile or resistant to biological and chemical degradation in soil, particularly in alpine ecosystems, remains unresolved. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed the relationship between phospholipid fatty acid biomarkers and the abundance of lignin components in grassland soils from North Tibet, China. Soil samples were collected from alpine grasslands, including alpine meadows and alpine steppes. The relative abundance of lignin in these alpine grassland soils before and after a 210-day incubation period was measured. Our results indicate that the relative abundance of lignin in the alpine grassland soils decreased during the incubation period. Significant relationships were found between the phospholipid fatty acid biomarkers of bacteria, fungi, Gram-positive bacteria, and Gram-negative bacteria and the relative abundance of lignin components. This research was conducted under laboratory conditions that are optimal for the development of microorganisms but significantly different from the conditions in Tibet. Furthermore, this study contributes to the understanding of soil organic matter degradation and the dynamics of microbial communities in alpine grassland soils in the context of future global warming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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13 pages, 5629 KB  
Article
Fertilizers and Manures Enhance the Bioavailability of Soil Phosphorus Fractions in Karst Grassland
by Jie Pan, Feng Yang, Wen Yang, Mingjun Zhang, Shengjiang He and Zhou Li
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071429 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2459
Abstract
Phosphorus is one of the major constraints to karst grassland productivity. Understanding the effects of different fertilization practices on soil phosphorus dynamics is essential for enhancing phosphorus bioavailability and rational management of soil phosphorus in karst grasslands. Here, we investigated the effects of [...] Read more.
Phosphorus is one of the major constraints to karst grassland productivity. Understanding the effects of different fertilization practices on soil phosphorus dynamics is essential for enhancing phosphorus bioavailability and rational management of soil phosphorus in karst grasslands. Here, we investigated the effects of fertilizers and manures on soil bioavailability of phosphorus fractions and explored the relationship between soil properties and soil phosphorus fractions. The four fertilizer application designs were as follows: control (CK; no fertilizer or manure); fertilization (F); manure application (M); fertilization and manure application (FM). The results showed that total phosphorus (TP) concentration was elevated by 23%, 1%, and 42% in F, M, and FM treatments, respectively, compared with CK. F and FM treatments enhanced the total inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentration by 65% and 66%, respectively, while M and FM treatments enhanced the total organo-phosphorus (Po) concentration by 21% and 35%, respectively. FM treatment elevated bioavailable P, active Po, secondary mineral P, primary mineral P, and occluded P by 69%, 39%, 50%, 31%, and 41%, respectively. Fertilizers inhibited soil acid phosphatase activity, whereas alkaline phosphatase did not respond significantly to fertilizer management in low-latitude karst regions. SOM, TN, AP, and MBP are the key factors affecting the bioavailability of phosphorus fractions. The combined application of fertilizer and manure is the most beneficial measure for enhancing soil phosphorus bioavailability. This research helps deepen our understanding of soil phosphorus dynamics in the karst areas and provides a basis for further enhancement of nutrient availability and vegetation productivity of grassland ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctionality of Grassland Soils: Opportunities and Challenges)
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