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European Journal of Soil Science
Wiley-Blackwell
European Journal of Soil Science

Wiley-Blackwell

1351-0754

European Journal of Soil Science/Journal European Journal of Soil ScienceSCIISTP
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    Innovations in soil science to address global grand challenges

    Philip M. HaygarthGuy J. D. KirkDavey L. Jones
    3页
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    On pedagogy of a Soil Science Centre for Doctoral Training

    Philip M. HaygarthOlivia LawrensonMalika MezeliEmma J. Sayer...
    10页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Here we describe and evaluate the success of a multi‐institutional Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), which was established to address a UK skills shortage in Soil Science. The government‐funded ‘STARS’ (Soils Training And Research Studentships) CDT was established in 2015 across a range of universities and research institutes in the UK. It recruited 41 PhD students equitably split across the institutions under four core research themes identified as being central to the national need, namely, (1) Understanding the soil–root interface, (2) Soils and the delivery of ecosystem services, (3) Resilience and response of functions in soil systems and (4) Modelling the soil ecosystem at different spatial and temporal scales. In addition, the STARS CDT provided a diverse skills programme, including: Holistic training in soils, the promotion of collegiality and joint working, strategies to promote science and generate impact, internships with end users (e.g., policymakers, industry), personal wellbeing, and ways to generate a lasting soils training legacy. Overall, both supervisors and students have reported a positive experience of the CDT in comparison to the conventional doctoral training programmes, which have less discipline focus and little chance for students to scientifically interact with their cohorts or to undertake joint training activities. The STARS CDT also allowed students to freely access research infrastructure across the partner institutions (e.g., long‐term field trials, specialised analytical facilities, high‐performance computing), breaking down traditional institutional barriers and thus maximising the students' potential to undertake high‐quality research. The success and legacy of the STARS CDT can be evidenced in many ways; however, it is exemplified by the large number and diversity of journal papers produced, the lasting collaborations, final career destinations, and creation of a web‐based legacy portal including new and reflective video material. Highlights Soil science was identified as having a scientific skills shortage in the UK. A dedicated soil science Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) was established to address this skills gap. The multi‐institutional, discipline‐focused CDT proved more successful than conventional generic PhD training programmes. The CDT model provides critical mass to provide more effective training of soil scientists.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    A field system for measuring plant and soil carbon fluxes using stable isotope methods

    Christopher S. McCloskeyWilfred OttenEric PatersonBen Ingram...
    13页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract There is a lack of field methods for measuring plant and soil processes controlling soil organic matter (SOM) turnover over diurnal, seasonal and longer timescales with which to develop datasets for modelling. We describe an automated field system for measuring plant and soil carbon fluxes over such timescales using stable isotope methods, and we assess its performance. The system comprises 24 large (1‐m deep, 0.8‐m diameter) cylindrical lysimeters connected to gas‐flux chambers and instruments. The lysimeters contain intact, naturally structured C3 soil planted with a C4 grass. Fluxes of CO2 and their 13C isotope composition are measured three times daily in each lysimeter, and the isotope composition is used to partition the fluxes between plant and soil sources. We investigate the following potential sources of error in the measurement system and show they do not significantly affect the measured CO2 fluxes or isotope signatures: gas leaks, the rate of gas flow through sampling loops, instrument precision and drift, the concentration dependence of isotope measurements, and the linearity of CO2 accumulation in the chambers and associated isotope fractionation resulting from different rates of 13CO2 and 12CO2 diffusion from the soil. For the loamy grassland soil and US prairie grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) tested, the precision of CO2 flux measurements was ±0.04% and that of the flux partitioning ±0.40%. We give examples of diurnal and seasonal patterns of plant and soil C fluxes and soil temperature and moisture. We discuss the limitations of the isotope methodology for partitioning fluxes as applied in our system. We conclude that the system is suitable for measuring net ecosystem respiration fluxes and their plant and soil components with sufficient precision to resolve diurnal and seasonal patterns. Highlights We describe an automated system for measuring plant and soil carbon fluxes under field conditions. We exploit the large difference in isotope signatures between C3 and C4 soils and plants to partition the net flux. Possible sources of error are quantified and shown to be small. The system is capable of resolving diurnal and seasonal patterns.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    On allowing for transient variation in end‐member δ13C values in partitioning soil C fluxes from net ecosystem respiration

    Christopher S. McCloskeyWilfred OttenEric PatersonGuy J. D. Kirk...
    13页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract The use of stable isotope analysis to resolve ecosystem respiration into its plant and soil components rests on how well the end‐member isotope signatures (δ13C) are characterised. In general, it is assumed that end‐member values are constant over time. However, there are necessarily diurnal and other transient variations in end‐members with environmental conditions. We analyse diurnal and seasonal patterns of ecosystem respiration and its δ13C in a C4 grass growing in a C3 soil using fixed and diurnally varying plant and soil δ13C end‐members. We measure the end‐members independently, and we assess the effects of expected variation in values. We show that variation in end‐members within realistic ranges, particularly diurnal changes in the plant end‐member, can cause partitioning errors of 40% during periods of high plant growth. The effect depends on how close the end‐member is to the measured net respiration δ13C, that is, the proportion of the respiration due to that end‐member. We show light‐driven variation in plant end‐members can cause substantial distortion of partitioned soil organic matter (SOM) flux patterns on a diurnal scale and cause underestimation of daily to annual SOM turnover of approximately 25%. We conclude that, while it is not practicable to independently measure the full temporal variation in end‐member values over a growing season, this error may be adjusted for by using a diurnally varying δ13Cplant. Highlights End‐member δ13C values used to partition ecosystem respiration vary diurnally and seasonally Patterns of ecosystem respiration and its δ13C in a C4 grass growing in a C3 soil were analysed. Ignoring temporal changes in end‐member δ13C values can cause large errors in partitioning Long‐term data sets with sufficient temporal resolution can be used to correct for this
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    Relative efficacy and stability of biological and synthetic nitrification inhibitors in a highly nitrifying soil: Evidence of apparent nitrification inhibition by linoleic acid and linolenic acid

    Yan MaDavey L. JonesJinyang WangLaura M. Cardenas...
    16页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Biological nitrification inhibition is a plant‐mediated rhizosphere process where natural nitrification inhibitors can be produced and released by roots to suppress nitrifier activity in soil. Nitrification is one of the critical soil processes in the nitrogen (N) cycle, but unrestricted and rapid nitrification in agricultural systems can result in major losses of N from the plant–soil system (i.e., by NO3? leaching and gaseous N emissions). In this study, we explored the potential efficacy of biological nitrification inhibitors (linoleic acid [LA] and linolenic acid [LN]) and a proven efficient synthetic (dicyandiamide [DCD]) nitrification inhibitor on N dynamics, nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in a highly nitrifying soil. 14C‐labelled LA, LN and DCD mineralization was determined in a parallel experiment to explore the fate of inhibitors after application. We found that LA and LN had no effect on soil NH4+ concentrations, but significantly decreased NO3? concentrations. Soil that received DCD had lower NO3? and higher NH4+ concentrations than the control (soil without nitrification inhibitors). LA and LN increased the cumulative N2O and CO2 emissions when they were applied at high concentrations (635 or 1,270?mg?kg?1 dry soil). LA and LN had a much greater mineralization rate than that of DCD: 47–56%, 37–61% and 2.7–5.5%, respectively, after 38?days incubation. We conclude that in contrast to the direct inhibition of nitrification caused by DCD, addition of LA and LN may cause apparent nitrification inhibition by promoting microbial immobilization of soil NH4+ and/or NO3?. Future studies on nitrification inhibitors need to clearly differentiate between the direct and indirect effects that result from addition of these compounds to soil. Highlights The efficacy and stability of nitrification inhibitors in a highly nitrifying soil were explored. This study supports efforts to mitigate N losses and improve nitrogen use efficiency of inputs. Addition of LA, LN and DCD can decrease NO3? concentration, but their modes of action may be different. The apparent effect of LA and LN on soil NO3? concentration could be indirect.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    A mesocosm‐based assessment of whether root hairs affect soil erosion by simulated rainfall

    Emma BurakIan C. DoddJohn N. Quinton
    9页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Although plant canopies are widely recognized to protect the soil and help mitigate soil erosion, recent research has shown that the majority of soil scour prevention can be attributed to the roots. Because roots are more difficult and time‐consuming to measure than shoots, research in this area has largely been limited to understanding the influence of large roots and/or whole root systems, and there is little understanding on how smaller root traits, such as root hairs, contribute to the root system's ability to mitigate soil erosion. Therefore, this study subjected a root hairless mutant (brb) of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Pallas) and its wild‐type (WT) genotype to simulated rainfall. The results showed that increasing root presence significantly reduced soil erosion, but the impact of root hairs was less clear. Soil detachment significantly decreased as root length density increased, with no apparent genotypic difference in this relationship. The brb root systems produced significantly thinner (0.8‐fold) roots and a higher percentage (1.1‐fold) of fine roots, with both traits previously associated with increased ability to mitigate soil erosion. However, brb mesocosms produced a similar quantity of eroded soil to WT mesocosms, suggesting that root hairs in WT plants could have compensated for their root systems' reduced ability to mitigate soil erosion. Highlights It is not known whether root hairs affect a root system's ability to mitigate soil erosion. Soil yield following simulated rainfall was compared for a root hairless mutant (brb) and its WT. Root traits of brb favoured erosion mitigation, but brb and WT mesocosms eroded to the same degree.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    Selecting plant traits for soil erosion control in grassed waterways under a changing climate: A growth room study

    Corina LeesSarah BaetsJane RicksonRobert W. Simmons...
    17页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Grassed waterways are used to mitigate the offsite transport of sediment generated by soil erosion. This study used a novel trait‐based ranking approach as a method to screen potential candidate grass monocultures and mixes based on their theoretical performance in reducing (a) detachment via rainsplash, (b) detachment via scouring due to concentrated flow and (c) sediment transport and deposition processes. Selected grass species were grown under simulated UK summer and autumn establishment conditions under three different replicated rainfall scenarios: drought, normal rainfall and excess rainfall. The grass species used were the novel hybrid species Festulolium cv Prior (Fest_1) and Festulolium Bx511 (Fest_2) and a conventional mixture of Lolium perenne and Festuca rubra (Conv). Monocultures and mixtures of these species were studied. Plant traits pertinent to control of soil erosion by water were measured. Aboveground traits included plant height, percentage ground cover, aboveground biomass, stem diameter, stem area density and number of tillers. Belowground traits included total root length, root total surface area, belowground biomass, root diameter and % fine roots ≤0.25?mm. For summer conditions, the species treatments that had the highest overall soil erosion mitigation potential were Conv, Fest_1?+?2?+?Conv and Fest_2. For autumn conditions, the best treatments were Fest_1?+?2, Fest_1?+?2?+?Conv and Conv. The Fest 1?+?2?+?Conv had more desirable traits for erosion control than mono Festulolium treatments for the autumn conditions. The conventional mixture had more desirable traits for erosion control than mono Festulolium treatments in both climate scenarios. The results indicate that the trait‐based ranking approach utilized in this study can be used to inform rapid screening of candidate grass species for soil erosion control. Highlights How to select the most suitable grass species for soil erosion control under changing climate conditions? A novel scoring system based on plant traits associated with soil erosion mitigation was developed. Fest_1?+?2 and Conv treatments expressed traits strongly associated with maximum soil erosion mitigation. Species selection for grassed waterways should consider the establishment growing season and expected rainfall.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    Changes in microbial utilization and fate of soil carbon following the addition of different fractions of anaerobic digestate to soils

    Marc StutterGaetano RomanoAlfonso J. Lag‐BrotonsChris Parry...
    16页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Applying digestate, the residue from anaerobic digestion, to soil as a replacement for inorganic fertiliser is of growing interest in agriculture. However, the impacts of different fractions of digestate on the soil carbon (C) cycle remain unclear and provide the focus for the research reported here. We examined the effects of applying whole digestate (WD) and solid digestate (SD) on carbon dioxide (CO2?C) efflux, the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass C (Cmicro) and phospholipid fatty acids, alongside carbon use efficiency (CUE). A 21‐day laboratory microcosm incubation was used to investigate the impacts of digestate when applied to two grassland soils of high versus low initial nutrient content. Application rates for SD and WD were based on recommended nitrogen (N) inputs to grassland soils for these organic materials. Compared to control treatments, cumulative CO2?C efflux and the concentration of DOC increased significantly after WD and SD application, although only within the low nutrient soil. Both Cmicro and the fungal‐to‐bacterial ratio increased significantly following SD application, regardless of the initial soil nutrient content. These observations are likely to reflect the larger input of C, alongside the dominance of more strongly lignified compounds, associated with SD compared to WD to achieve a constant N application rate. Our results also indicate that the two digestate fractions generated significantly different CUE. The application of SD led to increases in Cmicro and positive values of CUE, whereas decreases in Cmicro and negative values of CUE were observed following WD application. These findings emphasize the need to carefully plan the management of digestate in agricultural production systems, to minimize negative impacts on C storage within soils whilst maximizing the agronomic value derived from digestate. Highlights Past research has not fully elucidated the impacts of digestate fractions on the soil C cycle. Soil nutrient status + digestate fraction shown to impact microbial community and CO2?C efflux. Solid digestate fraction has positive impacts on microbial biomass and carbon use efficiency.
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    Soil health cluster analysis based on national monitoring of soil indicators

    Fiona M. SeatonGaynor BarrettAnnette BurdenSimon Creer...
    16页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract A major challenge in soil science is to monitor and understand the state and change of soils at a national scale to inform decision making and policy. To address this, there is a need to identify key parameters for soil health and function and determine how they relate to other parameters, including traditional soil surveys. Here we present a national‐scale dataset of topsoil sampled as part of a wider agri‐environment monitoring scheme in Wales, UK. Over 1,350 topsoils (0–15?cm) were sampled across a very wide range of habitats and a range of physical, chemical and biological soil quality indicators were measured. We show consistent differences in soil physicochemical properties across habitat types, with carbon decreasing and pH increasing across the habitat productivity gradient from bogs through woodlands and grasslands to arable systems. The soils within our dataset are largely within the limits identified as important for supporting habitat function, with the exception of excessive phosphate levels in mesotrophic grassland. Cluster detection methods identified four soil functional classes based on measured topsoil properties, which were more related to habitat type than the genesis‐based soil classification from soil maps. These soil functional classes can be interpreted as phenoforms within the soil genoforms found by traditional soil classification. This shows the importance of land‐use management in determining the soil health and functional capacity of soils. Our work provides an account of the current state of soil health in Wales, its relationship to soil function and a baseline for future monitoring to track changes against agri‐environment and other policy targets. Highlights We measured soil physicochemical properties in ~1,350 sites in a variety of temperate habitats There was a strong gradient in soil carbon and pH, with other variables being correlated with these Mesotrophic grassland sites had phosphate levels above the identified limit for good functioning Soil classes from topsoil properties were more related to land use than soil map classifications
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley

    Bacterial and archaeal taxa are reliable indicators of soil restoration across distributed calcareous grasslands

    Melanie ArmbrusterTim GoodallPenny R. HirschNick Ostle...
    15页
    查看更多>>摘要：Abstract Land‐use intensification can reduce soil carbon stocks and changes microbial community biodiversity and functionality. However, there is a lack of consensus on whether management consistently affects microbial biodiversity across geographic scales, and how this relates to altered soil function. From a regulatory and monitoring perspective, there is a need to identify functionally relevant indicators of land use in order to evaluate the progress of soil restoration approaches. We performed a landscape‐scale survey of unimproved calcareous grasslands paired with local arable contrasts, and assessed the consistency of responses in a variety of soil, biotic and functional measures. In addition, adjacent grasslands undergoing restoration were assessed to identify soil microbial indicators of recovery. Organic matter content was consistently larger in grasslands than in arable fields, and increased with time in the restoring sites. Molecular comparisons of grassland versus arable soils revealed numerous bacterial, archaeal and fungal indicators, with more representatives of Ca. Xiphinematobacter, DA101, Bradyrhizobium, Rhodoplanes, Mycobacteria and Mortierella in old grassland soils, whereas Nitrososphaera, Sporosarcina and Alternaria infectoria were more abundant in arable soils. Extracellular enzymatic responses were more variable, with none of the eight investigated enzymes being consistent indicators of grassland or arable soils. Correlation analyses, incorporating the molecular and enzymatic responses across all surveyed soils, revealed that molecular indicators were more strongly correlated with soil organic matter increases with restoration of arable soils. Our results highlight that microbial taxa are among the most sensitive indicators of soil restoration, and we identify consistent responses of specific taxa to management across geographic scales. This discovery will be important for both the instigation and monitoring of soil restoration. Highlights Soil microbes are key drivers of soil ecosystem services and are affected by management Calcareous grassland exhibited abundant Verrucomicrobia; cropping increased Nitrososphaera These taxa responded to SOM increases with grassland restoration, more so than enzymes and fungi Microbes provide consistent, site‐independent indicators for calcareous grassland soil function restoration
      原文链接:
    • NSTL
    • Wiley