Divergent effects of straw and biochar on soil carbon priming are depth-dependent in subtropical Moso bamboo forests
摘要
Intensive management practices are recognized for reducing soil organic carbon (SOC) in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) forests. Straw and biochar are commonly utilized to enhance SOC in these forests, yet their application may influence SOC mineralization in the subsoil. To investigate the effects of straw and biochar amendments on the priming of SOC mineralization in the subsoil, a 40-day incubation experiment was conducted using soils collected from three depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm) in a subtropical Moso bamboo forest. Straw and biochar were applied as organic amendments, and the priming effects were quantified using 13C natural abundance methods. The straw consistently enhanced the SOC mineralization by 41–84%, inducing a positive priming effect that was most pronounced at the 20–40 cm depth. Conversely, biochar exhibited a depth- and time-dependent influence, initially suppressing the SOC mineralization (Day 8), resulting in a negative priming effect with a lower value in subsoils (20–40 cm), but then transitioning to a positive priming effect over time. The factors influencing these priming effects varied with soil depth. In surface soils, the SOC composition, particularly aromatic and O-alkyl carbon, emerged as the primary determinant, explaining 30% of the variation. In contrast, at depths of 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm, soil properties such as ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and water-extractable organic carbon played a more significant role, accounting for 40–47% of the variation. These findings highlight the complex roles of straw and biochar in shaping the priming effect across soil profiles.