Effects of afforestation on soil carbon turnover in China's subtropical region

Afforestation in China's subtropics plays an important role in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere and in storage of soil carbon (C). Compared with natural forests, plantation forests have lower soil organic carbon (SOC) content and great potential to store more C. To better evaluate the effects of afforestation on soil C turnover, we investigated SOC and its stable C isotope (delta C-13) composition in three planted forests at Qianyanzhou Ecological Experimental Station in southern China. Litter and soil samples were collected and analyzed for total organic C, delta C-13 and total nitrogen. Similarly to the vertical distribution of SOC in natural forests, SOC concentrations decrease exponentially with depth. The land cover type (grassland) before plantation had a significant influence on the vertical distribution of SOC. The SOC delta C-13 composition of the upper soil layer of two plantation forests has been mainly affected by the grass biomass C-13 composition. Soil profiles with a change in photosynthetic pathway had a more complex C-13 isotope composition distribution. During the 20 years after plantation establishment, the soil organic matter sources influenced both the delta C-13 distribution with depth, and C replacement. The upper soil layer SOC turnover in masson pine (a mean 34% of replacement in the 10 cm after 20 years) was more than twice as fast as that of slash pine (16% of replacement) under subtropical conditions. The results demonstrate that masson pine and slash pine plantations cannot rapidly sequester SOC into long-term storage pools in subtropical China.

SOME ASPECTS OF THE GROWTH OF GRACILARIA-TENUISITIPITATA IN POND CULTURE

The effect of temperature, salinity, nitrogen, culture density and depth on the growth of Gracilaria tenuistipitata were investigated between April 1985 and March 1986 in outdoor ponds in Guangxi Province, South China. The mean annual growth rate was 2.4% per day. Under favourable temperatures of 20-30-degrees-C, daily growth rate may reach as high as 3.3%. Salinity had an obvious effect on growth and photosynthesis and growth peaked at 21 parts per thousand, with a broad plateau between 7-27 parts per thousand. Growth experiments showed that a total nitrogen (NH4-N plus NO3-N) concentration of 4 muM was sufficient to enable the plants to maintain a daily growth rate of 2.7%. The best growth of the plant was obtained at a culture density of 0.5-1 kg M-2 and a culture depth of 30 cm in the pond.

Nutrient characteristics in the Yangtze River Estuary and the adjacent East China Sea before and after impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam

From November 2002 to 2006, five cruises were undertaken in the Yangtze River Estuary and the adjacent East China Sea to compare the nutrient concentrations, ratios and potential nutrient limitation of phytoplankton growth before and after impoundment (June 2003) of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD). Concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and total nitrogen (TN) exhibited an increasing trend from 2002 to 2006. In contrast, total phosphorus (TP) concentration exhibited a decreasing trend. The mean concentrations of DIN, SRP, and TN in the total study area increased from 21.4 mu M, 0.9 mu M, and 41.8 mu M in 2002 to 37.5 mu M, 1.3 mu M. and 82.2 mu M in 2006, respectively. while TP decreased from 2.1 mu M to 1.7 mu M. The concentration of dissolved reactive silica (DRSi) had no major fluctuations and the differences were not significant. The mean concentration of DRSi in the total study area ranged from 52.5 to 92.3 mu M. The Si:N ratio decreased significantly from 2.7 in 2002 to 1.3 in 2006, while TN: TP ratio increased from 22.1 to 80.3. The area of potential P limitation of phytoplankton growth expanded after 2003 and potential Si limitation appeared in 2005 and 2006. Potential P limitation mainly occurred in an area of salinity less than 30 after 2003, while potential Si limitation occurred where the salinity was greater than 30. By comparison with historical data, the concentrations of nitrate and SRP in this upper estuary during November 1980-2006 increased obviously after impoundment of TGD but DRSi decreased. Meanwhile, the ratios of N:P, Si:N and Si:P decreased obviously. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nutrients in the Changjiang River

N, P and SiO3-Si in the Changjiang mainstream and its major tributaries and lakes were investigated in the dry season from November to December, 1997, and in the flood season in August and October, 1998. An even distribution of SiO3-Si was found along the Changjiang River. However, the concentrations of total nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, nitrate and total phosphorus, total particulate phosphorus increased notably in the upper reaches, which reflected an increasing impact from human activities. Those concentrations in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River were relatively constant. Dissolved N was the major form of N and the particulate P was the major form of P in the Changjiang River. The molar ratio of dissolved N to dissolved P was extremely high (192.5-317.5), while that of the particulate form was low (5.6-37.7). High N/P ratio reflected a significant input of anthropogenic N such as N from precipitation and N lost from water and soil etc. Dissolved N and P was in a quasi-equilibrium state in the process from precipitate to the river. In the turbid river water, light limitation, rather than P limitation, seemed more likely to be a controlling factor for the growth of phytoplankton. A positive linear correlationship between the concentration of dissolved N and the river's runoff was found, mainly in the upper reaches, which was related to the non-point sources of N. Over the past decades, N concentration has greatly increased, but the change of P concentration was not as significant as N. The nutrient fluxes of the Changjiang mainstream and tributaries were estimated, and the result showed that the nutrient fluxes were mainly controlled by the runoff, of which more than a half came from the tributaries. These investigations carried out before water storage of the Three Gorges Dam will supply a scientific base for studying the influences of the Three Gorges Dam on the ecology and environment of the Changjiang River and its estuary.

Seasonal and spatial distribution of matrix-bound phosphine and its relationship with the environment in the Changjiang River Estuary, China

Sediment is commonly considered as a source of phosphine, which is a highly toxic and reactive atmospheric trace gas. This study aims to investigate the seasonal and spatial distribution of matrix-bound phosphine (MBP) and its relationship with the environment in the Changjiang River Estuary. A total of 43 surface sediments were collected in four seasons of 2006, and concentrations of MBP and relative environmental factors were analyzed. MBP ranged from 1.93 to 94.86 ng kg(-1) dry weight (dw) with an average concentration of 17.14 ng kg(-1) dw. The concentrations of MBP in the tipper estuary were, higher than those in the lower estuary, which could be attributed to greater pollutant inputs in the upper estuary. The concentrations of MBP also varied with season, with November > August > May > February. Significant correlations existed between MBP and total phosphorus (TP), organic phosphorus (OP), inorganic phosphorus (W), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), the grain size, and redox potential (Eh), suggesting that these sedimentary environmental characteristics played an important role in controlling the MBP levels in the sediments. Notably, there were positive linear relationships between the concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), TP, and chlorophyll a (Chl a) in bottom water and MBP in sediments. These relationships might be very complicated and need further exploration. This work is the first comprehensive study of the seasonal and spatial distribution of MBP in sediments and its relationships with environmental factors in a typical estuary, and will lead to deeper understanding of the phosphorus (P) biogeochemical cycle. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic carbon source and burial during the past one hundred years in Jiaozhou Bay, North China

Organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and Pb-210 in core sediment were measured to quantify the burial of organic carbon and the relative importance of allochthonous and autochthonous contributions during the past one hundred years in Jiaozhou Bay, North China. The core sediment was dated using Pb-210 chronology, which is the most promising method for estimation of sedimentation rate on a time scale of 100-150 years. The variation of the burial flux of organic carbon in the past one hundred years can be divided into the following three stages: (1) relatively steady before 1980s; (2) increasing rapidly from the 1980s to a peak in the 1990s, and (3) decreasing from the 1990s to the present. The change is consistent with the amount of solid waste and sewage emptied into the bay. The OC:TN ratio was used to evaluate the source of organic carbon in the Jiaozhou Bay sediment. In the inner bay and bay mouth, the organic carbon was the main contributor from terrestrial sources, whereas only about half of organic carbon was contributed from terrestrial source in the outer bay. In the inner bay, the terrestrial source of organic carbon showed a steady change with an increase in the range of 69%-77% before 1990 to 93% in 2000, and then decreased from 2000 because of the decrease in the terrestrial input. In the bay mouth, the percentage of organic carbon from land reached the highest value with 94% in 1994. In the outer bay, the sediment source maintained steady for the past one hundred years.

Changes in plant biomass and species composition of alpine Kobresia meadows along altitudinal gradient on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Alpine Kobresia meadows are major vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. There is growing concern over their relationships among biodiversity, productivity and environments. Despite the importance of species composition, species richness, the type of different growth forms, and plant biomass structure for Kobresia meadow ecosystems, few studies have been focused on the relationship between biomass and environmental gradient in the Kobresia meadow plant communities, particularly in relation to soil moisture and edaphic gradients. We measured the plant species composition, herbaceous litter, aboveground and belowground biomass in three Kobresia meadow plant communities in Haibei Alpine Meadow Ecosystem Research Station from 2001 to 2004. Community differences in plant species composition were reflected in biomass distribution. The total biomass showed a decrease from 13196.96 +/- 719.69 g/m(2) in the sedge-dominated K. tibetica swamp to 2869.58 +/- 147.52 g/m(2) in the forb and sedge dominated K. pygmaea meadow, and to 2153.08 +/- 141.95 g/m(2) in the forbs and grasses dominated K. humilis along with the increase of altitude. The vertical distribution of belowground biomass is distinct in the three meadow communities, and the belowground biomass at the depth of 0-10 cm in K. tibetica swamp meadow was significantly higher than that in K. humilis and K. pygmaea meadows (P < 0.01). The herbaceous litter in K. tibetica swamp was significantly higher than those in K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadows. The effects of plant litter are enhanced when ground water and soil moisture levels are raised. The relative importance of litter and vegetation may vary with soil water availability. In the K. tibetica swamp, total biomass was negatively correlated to species richness (P < 0.05); aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter, soil moisture, and plant cover (P < 0.05); belowground biomass was positively correlated with soil moisture (P < 0.05). However, in the K. pygnaeca and K. humilis meadow communities, aboveground biomass was positively correlated to soil organic matter and soil total nitrogen (P < 0.05). This suggests that the distribution of biomass coincided with soil moisture and edaphic gradient in alpine meadows.

内蒙古岱海DH99a岩芯沉积物碳含量变化与湖区全新世气候变迁

Daihai Lake, a graben-type closed lake, lies ca. 10 km east of Liangcheng County, Inner Mongolia, north-central China. For its location at the transition of semi-humid and semi-arid areas, and in the north edge of the East Asian monsoon, the lake is sensitive to changes in climate and environment. Based on analyses of total inorganic carbon (TIC), total organic carbon (TOC) and the ratio of total organic carbon to total nitrogen (C/N ratio) of DH99a core sediments recovered in the central part of Daihai Lake, the data suggest Holocene climatic history of the lake region is reconstructed. In this paper, the TIC and TOC contents of the lake sediments are closely related to climate changes. 1) Changes in TIC content of the lake sediments is closely related to climate, which directly reflect changes of temperature in the lake region, i.e., higher TIC content is linked with warmer temperature and stronger evaporation; 2) Changes in TOC and C/N ratio reflect the regional precipitation, i.e., relatively higher TOC content and C/N ratio indicate higher rainfall which results in stronger river flow and more organic matter entering into the lake. Data of the TIC content, TOC content and C/N ratio of DH99a core sediments suggest that climatic history of the Daihai Lake region is characterized by 4 stages. During the interval of ca. 11200-7500 a BP, higher TIC content, relatively lower TOC content and C/N ratio value indicate a warmer and slight dry condition over the lake area. From ca. 7500 to 4500 a BP, high values of TIC content, with an increase in TOC content and C/N ratio suggest the climate was warm and humid. Changes of TIC content, TOC content show that both temperature and precipitation displayed obvious fluctuations during the period, i.e., slightly cool and humid ca. 7500-6700 a BP, warm and moist ca. 6700-5300a BP, mild and comparatively humid ca. 5300-4500a BP. Between ca. 4500 and 2900 a BP, TIC content and TOC content decreased gradually while fluctuating, C/N ratio displayed a decreasing trend. These data imply that the climate generally became cooler and drier than the preceding period. The lowest values of TIC content, TOC content and C/N ratio during the interval of ca. 2900-0 a BP, demonstrate that the climate was severe, and became cool and dry. However the relative higher values of TIC content, TOC content and C/N ratio between ca. 1700 and 1300 a BP may denote an increase both in temperature and in precipitation. Data of TIC content, TOC content and C/N ratio in Daihai DH99a core sediments indicate that the warm period was asynchronous with the humid time, the warm interval began in ca. 11200 a BP, and ended in ca. 2900 a BP. The humid period was ca. 7500-2900 a BP. During ca. 7500^500 a BP, the climate was warm and humid, which was the climatic optimum of the Holocene Epoch in the Daihai Lake region. Data of TIC content, TOC content and C/N ratio in Daihai DH99a core sediments imply that the Holocene climate was unstable, the fluctuating events happened occasionally. Such as the cold and dry climate in ca. 4400-4200a BP, the warm and humid climatic condition in the period between ca.1700 and 1300a BP.

Formation of total-dose-radiation hardened materials by sequential oxygen and nitrogen implantation and multi-step annealing

Separation by implantation of oxygen and nitrogen (SIMON) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) materials were fabricated by sequential oxygen and nitrogen implantation with annealing after each implantation. Analyses of SIMS, XTEM and HRTEM were performed. The results show that superior buried insulating multi-layers were well formed and the possible mechanism is discussed. The remarkable total-dose irradiation tolerance of SIMON materials was confirmed by few shifts of drain leakage current-gate source voltage (I-V) curves of PMOS transistors fabricated on SIMON materials before and after irradiation.

Sensitivity of Total-Dose Radiation Hardness of SIMOX Buried Oxides to Doses of Nitrogen Implantation into Buried Oxides

In order to improve the total-dose radiation hardness of the buried oxides(BOX) in the structure of separa tion-by-implanted-oxygen(SIMOX) silicon-on-insulator(SOI), nitrogen ions are implanted into the buried oxides with two different doses,2 × 1015 and 3 × 1015 cm-2 , respectively. The experimental results show that the radiation hardness of the buried oxides is very sensitive to the doses of nitrogen implantation for a lower dose of irradiation with a Co-60 source. Despite the small difference between the doses of nitrogen implantation, the nitrogen-implanted 2 × 1015 cm-2 BOX has a much higher hardness than the control sample (i. e. the buried oxide without receiving nitrogen implantation) for a total-dose irradiation of 5 × 104rad(Si), whereas the nitrogen-implanted 3 × 1015 cm-2 BOX has a lower hardness than the control sample. However,this sensitivity of radiation hardness to the doses of nitrogen implantation reduces with the increasing total-dose of irradiation (from 5 × 104 to 5 × 105 rad (Si)). The radiation hardness of BOX is characterized by MOS high-frequency (HF) capacitance-voltage (C-V) technique after the top silicon layers are removed. In addition, the abnormal HF C-V curve of the metal-silicon-BOX-silicon(MSOS) structure is observed and explained.