Effects of vegetation restoration in karst areas on soil nitrogen mineralisation

Abstract

Background Nitrogen mineralization plays a critical role in the ecosystem cycle, significantly influencing both the ecosystem function and the nitrogen biogeochemical cycle. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the evolutionary characteristics of soil nitrogen mineralization during the karst vegetation restoration to better understand its importance in the terrestrial nitrogen cycle. Methods This study analyzed from various stages of vegetation growth, including a 40-year-old woodland, 20-year-old shrubland, 15-year-old shrubland, 5-year-old grassland, and nearby cropland. The aerobic incubation technique was used for 35 days to evaluate soil N mineralization characteristics and their correlation with soil environmental factors. The study focused on examining the variations in soil N mineralization rate (NMR), N nitrification rate (NR), net nitrification rate (AR), and NH4+-N and NO3--N levels. Results Nitrate nitrogen, the primary form of inorganic nitrogen, increased by 19.38% in the 0–40 cm soil layer of the 20-year-old shrubland compared to the cultivated land. Soil NH4+-N levels varied during the incubation period, decreasing by the 14th day and rising again by the 21st day. Soil NO3−-N and total inorganic nitrogen levels initially increased, then declined, and eventually stabilized, reaching their highest levels on the 14th day. During vegetation restoration, the soil NR and NMR decreased gradually with increasing incubation time. The 15-year shrub, 20-year shrub, and 40-year woodland showed the potential to increase soil NR and NMR. Furthermore, the 15-year shrub and 20-year shrub also increased soil AR. The Mantel test analysis indicated positive correlations among total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), silicon (Si), AR, NR, and NMR. While available phosphorus (AP) and NMR demonstrated positive correlations with NR and NMR. Furthermore, TN, TP, TK, and Si were found to be positively correlated with AR, NR, and NMR, whereas AP and NO3--N showed negative correlations with AR, NR, and NMR. It is worth noting that NH4+-N had the greatest effect on AR, while the bulk density (BD) significantly affected the NR. Furthermore, ammonium nitrogen (AN) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were identified as the primary contributors to NMR. This study provides a theoretical basis for comprehending the influence of vegetation restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization and its role in ecosystem restoration.