Influence of soil faunal communities on nitrogen dynamics in legume-based mesocosms
N. L. Schon A D , A. D. Mackay B , M. J. Hedley C and M. A. Minor A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Ecology, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
B AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
C Soil and Earth Sciences, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.
D Corresponding author. Current address: AgResearch Lincoln, Private Bag 4749, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. Email: nicole.schon@agresearch.co.nz
Soil Research 49(2) 190-201 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR10100
Submitted: 7 May 2010 Accepted: 27 August 2010 Published: 10 March 2011
Abstract
Soil invertebrates play an important part in nutrient supply. It has been suggested that invertebrates have the greatest influence on nitrogen (N) availability in soils of low N fertility, and therefore invertebrates may be less important in pastoral systems with high N inputs. The influence of invertebrates on N cycling, and the fate of 15N-labelled plant litter, in a low- or high-N environment and in a soil with low or high bulk density were explored by the introduction of different elements of the invertebrate community in constructed soil ryegrass–white clover mesocosms.
At high bulk density and low N, the N made available by invertebrates resulted in higher plant growth, without any increases in N losses to the environment. At high N, where pasture growth was not limited by N, the N made available by invertebrates increased both herbage N% and the amount of N in leachate. More of the 15N-labelled plant litter decomposed in high-N than low-N mesocosms. Invertebrates increased the plant uptake of surface-applied 15N plant litter. The influence of invertebrates was dependent on bulk density, suggesting that invertebrates in compacted soils improved soil structure and N availability. This mesocosm study highlights the important role of invertebrates in N supply across a range of soil conditions.
Additional keywords: compaction, earthworms, mesofauna, nematodes, nitrogen cycling.
References
Anderson RV, Coleman DC, Cole CV, Elliott ET (1981) Effect of the nematodes Acrobeloides sp. and Mesodiplogaster lheritieri on substrate utilization and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in soil. Ecology 62, 549–555.| Effect of the nematodes Acrobeloides sp. and Mesodiplogaster lheritieri on substrate utilization and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL3MXkslOhtrw%3D&md5=858d996d513f248512d18e2c4add27ebCAS |
Bardgett RD, Chan KF (1999) Experimental evidence that soil fauna enhance nutrient mineralization and plant nutrient uptake in montane grassland ecosystems. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 31, 1007–1014.
| Experimental evidence that soil fauna enhance nutrient mineralization and plant nutrient uptake in montane grassland ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXjsFChtLg%3D&md5=30ac7429b7e12aa214535a785b6b276eCAS |
Bardgett RD, Cook R, Yeates GW, Denton CS (1999) The influence of nematodes on below-ground processes in grassland ecosystems. Plant and Soil 212, 23–33.
| The influence of nematodes on below-ground processes in grassland ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXntlKnsLY%3D&md5=2854449e0a13862aca57ea00c441d98cCAS |
Bardgett RD, Keiller S, Cook R, Gilburn AS (1998) Dynamic interactions between soil animals and microorganisms in upland grassland soils amended with sheep dung: a microcosm experiment. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 30, 531–539.
| Dynamic interactions between soil animals and microorganisms in upland grassland soils amended with sheep dung: a microcosm experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXjtFeitLk%3D&md5=745ab0f721e5cd0eb233acb22a3b3ce4CAS |
Barot S, Ugolini A, Brikci FB (2007) Nutrient cycling efficiency explains the long-term effect of ecosystem engineers on primary production. Functional Ecology 21, 1–10.
| Nutrient cycling efficiency explains the long-term effect of ecosystem engineers on primary production.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bastardie F, Capowiez Y, de Dreuzy JR, Cluzeau D (2003) X-ray tomographic and hydraulic characterization of burrowing by three earthworm species in repacked soil cores. Applied Soil Ecology 24, 3–16.
| X-ray tomographic and hydraulic characterization of burrowing by three earthworm species in repacked soil cores.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bouwman LA, Arts WBM (2000) Effects of soil compaction on the relationships between nematodes, grass production and soil physical properties. Applied Soil Ecology 14, 213–222.
| Effects of soil compaction on the relationships between nematodes, grass production and soil physical properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bradford MA, Tordoff GM, Eggers T, Jones TH, Newington JE (2002) Microbiota, fauna, and mesh size interactions in litter decomposition. Oikos 99, 317–323.
| Microbiota, fauna, and mesh size interactions in litter decomposition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bronson KF, Hussain F, Pasuquin E, Ladha JK (2000) Use of 15N-labelled soil in measuring nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency in transplanted rice. Soil Science Society of America Journal 64, 235–239.
| Use of 15N-labelled soil in measuring nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency in transplanted rice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXmslyht7k%3D&md5=bb21b640173071f6f33d4774f9237dfdCAS |
Brown GG, Edwards CA, Brussaard L (2004) How earthworms affect plant growth: burrowing into the mechanisms. In ‘Earthworm ecology’. (Ed. CA Edwards) pp. 13–49. (CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL)
Buck C, Langmaack M, Schrader S (2000) Influence of mulch and soil compaction on earthworm cast properties. Applied Soil Ecology 14, 223–229.
| Influence of mulch and soil compaction on earthworm cast properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Chamberlain PM, McNamara NP, Chaplow J, Stott AW, Black HIJ (2006) Translocation of surface litter carbon into soil by Collembola. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38, 2655–2664.
| Translocation of surface litter carbon into soil by Collembola.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XotFKjtLk%3D&md5=37d0410515fe484be7f91048e3979b94CAS |
Clapperton MJ, Kanashiro DA, Behan-Pelletier VM (2002) Changes in abundance and diversity of microarthropods associated with fescue prairie grazing regimes. Pedobiologia 46, 496–511.
| Changes in abundance and diversity of microarthropods associated with fescue prairie grazing regimes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cole L, Bradford MA, Shaw PJA, Bardgett RD (2006) The abundance, richness and functional role of soil meso- and macrofauna in temperate grassland—A case study. Applied Soil Ecology 33, 186–198.
| The abundance, richness and functional role of soil meso- and macrofauna in temperate grassland—A case study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cole L, Buckland SM, Bardgett RD (2008) Influence of disturbance and nitrogen addition on plant and soil animal diversity in grassland. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 40, 505–514.
| Influence of disturbance and nitrogen addition on plant and soil animal diversity in grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhtlajsL7O&md5=1f80beeac0c2614a861eded2af52fa88CAS |
Curry JP, Doherty P, Purvis G, Schmidt O (2008) Relationships between earthworm populations and management intensity in cattle-grazed pastures in Ireland. Applied Soil Ecology 39, 58–64.
| Relationships between earthworm populations and management intensity in cattle-grazed pastures in Ireland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Elgersma A, Schlepers H, Nassiri M (2000) Interactions between perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under contrasting nitrogen availability: productivity, seasonal patterns of species composition, N2 fixation, N transfer and N recovery. Plant and Soil 221, 281–299.
| Interactions between perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under contrasting nitrogen availability: productivity, seasonal patterns of species composition, N2 fixation, N transfer and N recovery.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXlslynsbY%3D&md5=d056b42aa853f2bb435dfa112b2d3aaeCAS |
Hewitt AE (1993) ‘New Zealand Soil Classification.’ (Manaaki-Whenua Press: Lincoln, New Zealand)
Ingham RE, Trofymow JA, Ingham ER, Coleman DC (1985) Interactions of bacteria, fungi, and their nematode grazers—effects on nutrient cycling and plant growth. Ecological Monographs 55, 119–140.
| Interactions of bacteria, fungi, and their nematode grazers—effects on nutrient cycling and plant growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ke X, Winter K, Filser J (2005) Effects of soil mesofauna and farming management on decomposition of clover litter: a microcosm experiment. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 37, 731–738.
| Effects of soil mesofauna and farming management on decomposition of clover litter: a microcosm experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXmvFyhuw%3D%3D&md5=4948aa6f91b473070d60441cb33b8fc3CAS |
Laakso J, Setälä H, Palojarvi A (2000) Influence of decomposer food web structure and nitrogen availability on plant growth. Plant and Soil 225, 153–165.
| Influence of decomposer food web structure and nitrogen availability on plant growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXotVGitg%3D%3D&md5=e8b878a1055edf1ec014b4d2a6de0beaCAS |
Laossi KR, Ginot A, Noguera DC, Blouin M, Barot S (2010) Earthworm effects on plant growth do not necessarily decrease with soil fertility. Plant and Soil 328, 109–118.
| Earthworm effects on plant growth do not necessarily decrease with soil fertility.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXit1Wrt7c%3D&md5=0d1f4308faad4de4ccd0ba29c9d5906aCAS |
Larsen T, Schjonning P, Axelsen J (2004) The impact of soil compaction on euedaphic Collembola. Applied Soil Ecology 26, 273–281.
| The impact of soil compaction on euedaphic Collembola.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Ledgard SF, Simpson JR, Freney JR, Bergersen FJ (1985) Field-evaluation of 15N techniques for estimating nitrogen fixation in legume-grass associations. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 36, 247–258.
| Field-evaluation of 15N techniques for estimating nitrogen fixation in legume-grass associations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lee KE, Foster RC (1991) Soil fauna and soil structure. Australian Journal of Soil Research 29, 745–775.
| Soil fauna and soil structure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lopez MG, Matesanz MR, Lidon JBJ, Cosin DJD (2003) The effect of Hormogaster elisae (Hormogastridae) on the abundance of soil Collembola and Acari in laboratory cultures. Biology and Fertility of Soils 37, 231–236.
Maraun M, Alphei J, Beste P, Bonkowski M, Buryn R, Migge S, Peter M, Schaefer M, Scheu S (2001) Indirect effects of carbon and nutrient amendments on the soil meso- and microfauna of a beechwood. Biology and Fertility of Soils 34, 222–229.
McLaren RG, Cameron KC (1990) ‘Soil science.’ (Oxford University Press: Auckland, New Zealand)
Mikola J, Nieminen M, Ilmarinen K, Vestberg M (2005) Belowground responses by AM fungi and animal trophic groups to repeated defoliation in an experimental grassland community. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 37, 1630–1639.
| Belowground responses by AM fungi and animal trophic groups to repeated defoliation in an experimental grassland community.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXlsFGjsr0%3D&md5=f704e3c6e1f3671bbeda706e09e2e188CAS |
Murphy WM, Barreto ADM, Silman JP, Dindal DL (1995) Cattle and sheep grazing effects on soil organisms, fertility and compaction in a smooth-stalked meadowgrass-dominant white clover sward. Grass and Forage Science 50, 191–194.
| Cattle and sheep grazing effects on soil organisms, fertility and compaction in a smooth-stalked meadowgrass-dominant white clover sward.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Olsen SR, Cole CV, Watanabe FS, Dean LA (1954) Estimation of available phosphorus in soils by extraction with sodium hydrogen carbonate. USDA Circular No. 939.
Pieper S, Weigmann G (2008) Interactions between isopods and collembolans modulate the mobilization and transport of nutrients from urban soils. Applied Soil Ecology 39, 109–126.
| Interactions between isopods and collembolans modulate the mobilization and transport of nutrients from urban soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rizhiya E, Bertora C, van Vliet PCJ, Kuikman PJ, Faber JH, van Groenigen JW (2007) Earthworm activity as a determinant for N2O emission from crop residue. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 39, 2058–2069.
| Earthworm activity as a determinant for N2O emission from crop residue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXls1ajsrc%3D&md5=c9848c4635a5781677d7ca0b3ca42c36CAS |
Saggar S, Parshotam A, Sparling GP, Feltham CW, Hart PBS (1996) C14-labelled ryegrass turnover and residence times in soils varying in clay content and mineralogy. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 28, 1677–1686.
| C14-labelled ryegrass turnover and residence times in soils varying in clay content and mineralogy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXjtFSqtbg%3D&md5=1ee4b41e913871e405be12084ce14795CAS |
Salmon S (2004) The impact of earthworms on the abundance of Collembola: improvement of food resources or of habitat? Biology and Fertility of Soils 40, 323–333.
| The impact of earthworms on the abundance of Collembola: improvement of food resources or of habitat?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Scheu S, Theenhaus A, Jones TH (1999) Links between the detritivore and the herbivore system: effects of earthworms and Collembola on plant growth and aphid development. Oecologia 119, 541–551.
| Links between the detritivore and the herbivore system: effects of earthworms and Collembola on plant growth and aphid development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schon NL, Mackay AD, Minor MA, Yeates GW, Hedley MJ (2008) Soil fauna in grazed New Zealand hill country pastures at two management intensities. Applied Soil Ecology 40, 218–228.
| Soil fauna in grazed New Zealand hill country pastures at two management intensities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Seeber J, Scheu S, Meyer E (2006) Effects of macro-decomposers on litter decomposition and soil properties in alpine pastureland: A mesocosm experiment. Applied Soil Ecology 34, 168–175.
| Effects of macro-decomposers on litter decomposition and soil properties in alpine pastureland: A mesocosm experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sheehan C, Kirwan L, Connolly J, Bolger T (2006) The effects of earthworm functional group diversity on nitrogen dynamics in soils. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38, 2629–2636.
| The effects of earthworm functional group diversity on nitrogen dynamics in soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XotFKjtLo%3D&md5=f06cb6b5a55e3523c051a0c49851e8ccCAS |
Siepel H, Maaskamp F (1994) Mites of different feeding guilds affect decomposition of organic matter. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 26, 1389–1394.
| Mites of different feeding guilds affect decomposition of organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Springett JA (1983) Effect of five species of earthworm on some soil properties. Journal of Applied Ecology 20, 865–872.
| Effect of five species of earthworm on some soil properties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Vervoort RW, Cattle SR (2003) Linking hydraulic conductivity and tortuosity parameters to pore space geometry and pore-size distribution. Journal of Hydrology 272, 36–49.
| Linking hydraulic conductivity and tortuosity parameters to pore space geometry and pore-size distribution.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yeates GW (1976) Effect of fertilizer treatment and stocking rate on pasture nematode populations in a yellow-grey earth. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 19, 405–408.
Yeates GW (1978) Populations of nematode genera in soils under pasture. I. Seasonal dynamics in dryland and irrigated pastures on a southern yellow-grey earth. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research 21, 321–330.
Yeates GW (1981) Soil nematode populations depressed in the presence of earthworms. Pedobiologia 22, 191–195.
Yeates GW, Pattison AB (2006) Moving up within the food web: protozoa and nematodes. In ‘Biological approaches to sustainable soil systems’. (Eds N Uphoff, AS Ball, E Fernandes, et al.) pp. 149–162. (CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL)
Zyromska-Rudzka H (1977) Changes in oribatid mite community after chemical fertilizer application in a meadow. Ecological Bulletins 25, 133–137.
