Correlation between soil physicochemical properties and plant community characteristics under urban forests in the central area of Beijing
Urban forest is an important component of urban ecosystems with soil being fundamental for sus-tainable development of urban forests. To better understand the soil physicochemical properties and their correla-tion with plant community characteristics under urban forests in the central Beijing, twenty-nine plots from three main urban forests in the central area of Beijing were selected. Each soil sample was a mixture of three sub-samples taken from 0 to 60 cm in each layer, and plant community characteristics were surveyed at the same time. The differences in soil properties were studied using ANOVA and multiple comparisons. The relationships between soil properties and community were characterized using Spearman's correlation analysis. Results showed that: 1) The soil bulk density and electrical conductivity of urban forests were within the range suitable for the plant growth, however, the soil pH was alkaline and the soil nutrient content was relatively deficient; with the deepening of the soil layer, the soil pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, alkaline soluble nitrogen and available phosphorus content were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between community characteristic indicators and multiple soil nutrient indicators, except for community canopy density. 2) The plant community reached a stable growth stage during a period of 25-35 years, and the soil nutrient content was the optimum. 3) It was beneficial to the soil for moderately increasing the proportion of deciduous broad-leaved plants in the community and increasing plant litter and understory vegetation biomass. In conclusion, for urban forests in the central urban area of Beijing, it is necessary to consider the diversity of plant communities, carry out targeted construction and management, and formulate conservation measures, so as to promote the healthy and sustainable development of urban forests in a long-term and stable manner.
万方数据
维普
