Heterogeneity in decomposition rates and nutrient release in fine-root architecture of Pinus massoniana in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Abstract

Fine-root decomposition contributes a substantial amount of nitrogen that sustains both plant productivity and soil metabolism, given the high turnover rates and short root life spans of fine roots. Fine-root decomposition and soil carbon and nitrogen cycling were investigated in a 1-year field litterbag study on lower-order roots (1-2 and 3-4) of Pinus massoniana to understand the mechanisms of heterogeneity in decomposition rates and further provide a scientific basis for short-time research on fine-root decomposition and nutrient cycling. Lower-order roots had slower decay rates compared with higher-order roots (5-6). A significantly negative correlation was observed between the decay constant mass remaining and initial N concentrations as well as acid unhydrolyzable residues. Results also showed that in lower-order roots (orders 1-2 and 3-4) with a lower C:N ratio, root residual N was released and then immobilized, whereas in higher-order roots (order 5-6) with a higher C:N ratio, root residual N was immobilized and then released in the initial stage. In the later stage, Nimmobilization occurred in lower-order roots andNrelease in higher-order roots, with the C:N ratio gradually decreasing to about 40 in three branching-order classes and then increasing. Our results suggest that lower-order roots decompose more slowly than higher-order roots, which may result from the combined effects of high initial N concentration and poor C quality in lower-order roots. During the decomposition of P. massoniana, N release or N immobilization occurred at the critical C:N ratio.