Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Crop and Pasture Science Crop and Pasture Science Society
Plant sciences, sustainable farming systems and food quality
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Effects of straw management, inorganic fertiliser, and manure amendment on soil microbial properties, nutrient availability, and root growth in a drip-irrigated cotton field

X. Z. Pu A , G. J. Zhang A , P. P. Zhang A , Y. J. Liu A and W. F. Zhang A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A The Key Laboratory of Oasis Eco-agriculture, Xinjiang Production and Construction Group, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.

B Corresponding author. Email: zhwf_agr@shzu.edu.cn; zwf_shzu@163.com

Crop and Pasture Science 67(12) 1297-1308 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP16230
Submitted: 17 June 2016  Accepted: 14 October 2016   Published: 28 November 2016

Abstract

Organic amendments not only improve soil conditions but also affect belowground biological processes. This study used a split plot design to investigate the effects of cotton straw management, inorganic fertiliser, and manure amendment on (i) soil nutrient content, (ii) soil microbial properties, and (iii) cotton root growth in a drip-irrigated cotton field. Straw return significantly increased soil inorganic nitrogen (N), N transformation rates, organic carbon (C), and urease activity. Straw return, however, had no significant effect on either root growth or activity. Inorganic fertiliser and/or manure amendment significantly increased inorganic N, N transformation rates, organic C, microbial biomass C, urease activity, and invertase activity. Inorganic fertiliser and/or manure also significantly increased fine root growth, triphenyltetrazolium chloride-reducing capacity, and specific root length. Moreover, the inorganic fertiliser plus manure treatment had the greatest soil inorganic N concentrations, N mineralisation rate, total carbon dioxide efflux, C mineralisation rate, soil organic C concentration, microbial biomass C concentration and enzyme activity, as well as root biomass, fine root : coarse root ratio, root triphenyltetrazolium chloride-reducing capacity and specific root length. Straw return to inorganically fertilised soil increased inorganic N concentrations by 11%, net N mineralisation rate by 59%, net nitrification by 59%, gross nitrification by 14%, denitrification by 39%, and urease activity by 25% compared with inorganic fertiliser alone. Taken together, the results indicated that straw return and manure application significantly promoted soil microbial activity and soil N transformation in the presence of inorganic fertiliser. The manure amendment enabled the crop to develop a more extensive root system, primarily by increasing the number of fine roots. Thus, organic amendments may improve the acquisition efficiency of inorganic fertiliser in drip-irrigated cotton fields.

Additional keywords: cotton field, microbial properties, nutrient availability, organic fertiliser application, root, straw management.


References

Abbasi MK, Khizar A (2012) Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen transformations in a loam soil amended with organic–inorganic N sources and their effect on growth and N-uptake in maize. Ecological Engineering 39, 123–132.
Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen transformations in a loam soil amended with organic–inorganic N sources and their effect on growth and N-uptake in maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Adams MA, Polglase PJ, Attiwill PM, Weston CJ (1989) In situ studies of nitrogen mineralization and uptake in forest soils: some comments on methodology. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 21, 423–429.
In situ studies of nitrogen mineralization and uptake in forest soils: some comments on methodology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bai W, Xia J, Wan S, Zhang W, Li L (2012) Day and night warming have different effect on root lifespan. Biogeosciences 9, 375–384.
Day and night warming have different effect on root lifespan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Balasubramanian A, Ponnuraj K (2010) Crystal structure of the first plant urease from jack bean: 83 years of journey from its first crystal to molecular structure. Journal of Molecular Biology 400, 274–283.
Crystal structure of the first plant urease from jack bean: 83 years of journey from its first crystal to molecular structure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXos1yltrk%3D&md5=348f3f376f6cc953125e4e79cc04b8b6CAS |

Bardgett RD, Wardle DA (2010) ‘Aboveground-belowground linkages: biotic interactions, ecosystem processes, and global change.’ (Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK)

Blanco-Canqui H (2013) Crop residue removal for bioenergy reduces soil carbon pools: how can we offset carbon losses? BioEnergy Research 6, 358–371.
Crop residue removal for bioenergy reduces soil carbon pools: how can we offset carbon losses?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXit1egs78%3D&md5=1f5a6eddf69c45528e7db166f1ef17f1CAS |

Bu RY, Lu JW, Ren T, Liu B, Li XK, Cong RH (2015) Particulate organic matter affects soil nitrogen mineralization under two crop rotation systems. PLoS One 10, e0143835
Particulate organic matter affects soil nitrogen mineralization under two crop rotation systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clay DE, Clapp CE (1990) Mineralization of low C- to -N ratio corn residue in soils fertilized with NH4 + fertilizer. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 22, 355–360.
Mineralization of low C- to -N ratio corn residue in soils fertilized with NH4 + fertilizer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3cXksFOqsb4%3D&md5=4b774e4e092780e1cb18d5e8dd612176CAS |

Clough TJ, Condron LM, Kammann C, Müller C (2013) A review of biochar and soil nitrogen dynamics. Agronomy 3, 275–293.
A review of biochar and soil nitrogen dynamics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhtVyhtLrP&md5=6551cfa284d06154b184df50e3c966feCAS |

Corre MD, Brumme R, Veldkamp E, Beese FO (2007) Changes in nitrogen cycling and retention processes in soils under spruce forests along a nitrogen enrichment gradient in Germany. Global Change Biology 13, 1509–1527.
Changes in nitrogen cycling and retention processes in soils under spruce forests along a nitrogen enrichment gradient in Germany.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Darwent MJ (2003) Biosensor reporting of root exudation from Hordeum vulgare in relation to shoot nitrate concentration. Journal of Experimental Botany 54, 325–334.
Biosensor reporting of root exudation from Hordeum vulgare in relation to shoot nitrate concentration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXhtlOiu7g%3D&md5=9929ed3dc76544144357d8cedbefa53fCAS |

de la Fuente C, Alburquerque JA, Clemente R, Bernal MP (2013) Soil C and N mineralisation and agricultural value of the products of an anaerobic digestion system. Biology and Fertility of Soils 49, 313–322.
Soil C and N mineralisation and agricultural value of the products of an anaerobic digestion system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

De Neve S, Sleutel S, Hofman G (2003) Carbon mineralization from composts and food industry wastes added to soil. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 67, 13–20.
Carbon mineralization from composts and food industry wastes added to soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXmt1emsL0%3D&md5=96fbfbc210ccb20caf73baaa60f16508CAS |

Diacono M, Montemurro F (2010) Long-term effects of organic amendments on soil fertility: a review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 30, 401–422.
Long-term effects of organic amendments on soil fertility: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXntlOmtbs%3D&md5=72705cb9754b3c58328842d1a67b3800CAS |

Dilly O, Nannipieri P (2001) Response of ATP content, respiration rate and enzyme activities in an arable and a forest soil to nutrient additions. Biology and Fertility of Soils 34, 64–72.
Response of ATP content, respiration rate and enzyme activities in an arable and a forest soil to nutrient additions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXksVyrtLw%3D&md5=1aac520cc5ffb357ad17159a3acaa621CAS |

Feng FX, Huang GB, Chai Q, Yu AZ (2010) Tillage and straw management impacts on soil properties, root growth, and grain yield of winter wheat in Northwestern China. Crop Science 50, 1465–1473.
Tillage and straw management impacts on soil properties, root growth, and grain yield of winter wheat in Northwestern China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fujii K, Funakawa S, Hayakawa C, Sukartiningsih , Kosaki T (2009) Quantification of proton budgets in soils of cropland and adjacent forest in Thailand and Indonesia. Plant and Soil 316, 241–255.
Quantification of proton budgets in soils of cropland and adjacent forest in Thailand and Indonesia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhsFOksL0%3D&md5=21caaccb0eb2107eb6fe59708b40c9abCAS |

Gao WL, Yang H, Kou L, Li SG (2015) Effects of nitrogen deposition and fertilization on N transformations in forest soils: a review. Journal of Soils and Sediments 15, 863–879.
Effects of nitrogen deposition and fertilization on N transformations in forest soils: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXit1Clsbc%3D&md5=b76ca6e61b942c914878af734a5eee74CAS |

Gentile R, Vanlauwe B, Chivenge P, Six J (2008) Interactive effects from combining fertilizer and organic residue inputs on nitrogen transformations. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 40, 2375–2384.
Interactive effects from combining fertilizer and organic residue inputs on nitrogen transformations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtVSjt7fK&md5=eafd718c5f58008ba67c49b9b94d3154CAS |

Ghosh S, Hulugalle N, Lockwood P, King K, Kristiansen P, Daniel H (2008) Organic amendments influence nutrient availability and cotton productivity in irrigated Vertosols. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 59, 1068–1074.
Organic amendments influence nutrient availability and cotton productivity in irrigated Vertosols.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gill JS, Sale PWG, Peries RR, Tang C (2009) Changes in soil physical properties and crop root growth in dense sodic subsoil following incorporation of organic amendments. Field Crops Research 114, 137–146.
Changes in soil physical properties and crop root growth in dense sodic subsoil following incorporation of organic amendments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Goyal S, Chander K, Mundra MC, Kapoor KK (1999) Influence of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments on soil organic matter and soil microbial properties under tropical conditions. Biology and Fertility of Soils 29, 196–200.
Influence of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments on soil organic matter and soil microbial properties under tropical conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXisleksLc%3D&md5=3a6f3363f850fb18c0bb1fd9d8af9b1fCAS |

Hao X, Liu S, Wu J, Hu R, Tong C, Su Y (2008) Effect of long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments on soil organic matter and microbial biomass in three subtropical paddy soils. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 81, 17–24.
Effect of long-term application of inorganic fertilizer and organic amendments on soil organic matter and microbial biomass in three subtropical paddy soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Insam H, Gómez-Brandón M, Ascher J (2015) Manure-based biogas fermentation residues–Friend or foe of soil fertility? Soil Biology & Biochemistry 84, 1–14.
Manure-based biogas fermentation residues–Friend or foe of soil fertility?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXjt1Shuro%3D&md5=37b540eb8594bd0aa0f39db6dabbc485CAS |

Kandeler E, Gerber H (1988) Short-term assay of soil urease activity using colorimetric determination of ammonium. Biology and Fertility of Soils 6, 68–72.
Short-term assay of soil urease activity using colorimetric determination of ammonium.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL1cXktlOitb8%3D&md5=cd00f884b79d56ede7a34a1e68b6d626CAS |

Kaye JP, Hart SC (1997) Competition for nitrogen between plants and soil microorganisms. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 12, 139–143.
Competition for nitrogen between plants and soil microorganisms.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3M7itFKgtg%3D%3D&md5=6e6d70367b1ae5de11ef607122e38313CAS |

Liu MQ, Hua F, Chen XY, Huang QR, Jiao JG, Zhang B, Li HX (2009) Organic amendments with reduced chemical fertilizer promote soil microbial development and nutrient availability in a subtropical paddy field: The influence of quantity, type and application time of organic amendments. Applied Soil Ecology 42, 166–175.
Organic amendments with reduced chemical fertilizer promote soil microbial development and nutrient availability in a subtropical paddy field: The influence of quantity, type and application time of organic amendments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mai WX, Tian CY, Li CJ (2013) Soil salinity dynamics under drip irrigation and mulch film and their effects on cotton root length. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 44, 1489–1502.
Soil salinity dynamics under drip irrigation and mulch film and their effects on cotton root length.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsV2htrY%3D&md5=5aae7d181277d73b8074847b92bc4fa8CAS |

Mai WX, Tian CY, Li L (2014) Localized salt accumulation: the main reason for cotton root length decrease during advanced growth stages under drip irrigation with mulch film in a saline soil. Journal of Arid Land 6, 361–370.
Localized salt accumulation: the main reason for cotton root length decrease during advanced growth stages under drip irrigation with mulch film in a saline soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Malhi SS, Lemke R, Wang ZH, Chhabra BS (2006) Tillage, nitrogen and crop residue effects on crop yield, nutrient uptake, soil quality, and greenhouse gas emissions. Soil & Tillage Research 90, 171–183.
Tillage, nitrogen and crop residue effects on crop yield, nutrient uptake, soil quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mandal A, Patra AK, Singh D, Swarup A, Ebhin MR (2007) Effect of long-term application of manure and fertilizer on biological and biochemical activities in soil during crop development stages. Bioresource Technology 98, 3585–3592.
Effect of long-term application of manure and fertilizer on biological and biochemical activities in soil during crop development stages.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXpvVamtLs%3D&md5=623912a0e0a61e44953c0022d256bc6dCAS |

McNair Bostick W, Bado VB, Bationo A, Soler CT, Hoogenboom G, Jones JW (2007) Soil carbon dynamics and crop residue yields of cropping systems in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Burkina Faso. Soil & Tillage Research 93, 138–151.
Soil carbon dynamics and crop residue yields of cropping systems in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Burkina Faso.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Meng HQ, Xu MG, Lu JL, He XH, Li JW, Shi XJ, Peng C, Wang BR, Zhang HM (2013) Soil pH dynamics and nitrogen transformations under long-term chemical fertilization in four typical Chinese croplands. Journal of Integrative Agriculture 12, 2092–2102.
Soil pH dynamics and nitrogen transformations under long-term chemical fertilization in four typical Chinese croplands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Möller K, Müller T (2012) Effects of anaerobic digestion on digestate nutrient availability and crop growth: a review. Engineering in Life Sciences 12, 242–257.
Effects of anaerobic digestion on digestate nutrient availability and crop growth: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nan HW, Liu Q, Chen JS, Cheng XY, Yin HJ, Yin CY, Zhao CZ (2013) Effects of nutrient heterogeneity and competition on root architecture of spruce seedlings: implications for an essential feature of root foraging. PLoS One 8, e65650
Effects of nutrient heterogeneity and competition on root architecture of spruce seedlings: implications for an essential feature of root foraging.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXpvFKhtb8%3D&md5=da0f274dc03641b46216d19067773c78CAS |

Olmo M, Alburquerque JA, Barrón V, del Campillo MC, Gallardo A, Fuentes M, Villar R (2014) Wheat growth and yield responses to biochar addition under Mediterranean climate conditions. Biology and Fertility of Soils 50, 1177–1187.
Wheat growth and yield responses to biochar addition under Mediterranean climate conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olmo M, Villar R, Salazar P, Alburquerque JA (2016) Changes in soil nutrient availability explain biochar’s impact on wheat root development. Plant and Soil 399, 333–343.
Changes in soil nutrient availability explain biochar’s impact on wheat root development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXhs1GjsL7L&md5=69bc6a2cb5528d89ab2d25b12f455bd9CAS |

Ostonen I, Püttsepp Ü, Biel C, Alberton O, Bakker MR, Lõhmus K, Majdi H, Metcalfe D, Olsthoorn AFM, Pronk A, Vanguelova E, Weih M, Brunner I (2007) Specific root length as an indicator of environmental change. Plant Biosystems 141, 426–442.
Specific root length as an indicator of environmental change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Page AL, Miller RH, Keeney DR (1982) ‘Methods of soil analysis.’ 2nd edn. (Soil Science Society of America: Madison, WI)

Pregitzer KS, DeForest JL, Burton AJ, Allen MF, Ruess RW, Hendrick RL (2002) Fine roots architecture of nine north American trees. Ecological Monographs 72, 293–309.
Fine roots architecture of nine north American trees.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reardon CL, Wuest SB (2016) Soil amendments yield persisting effects on the microbial communities–a 7-year study. Applied Soil Ecology 101, 107–116.
Soil amendments yield persisting effects on the microbial communities–a 7-year study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Riley WJ, Gaudinski JB, Torn MS, Joslin JD, Hanson PJ (2009) Fine-root mortality rates in a temperate forest: estimates using radiocarbon data and numerical modeling. New Phytologist 184, 387–398.
Fine-root mortality rates in a temperate forest: estimates using radiocarbon data and numerical modeling.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXhtlGgtLbO&md5=956037f1932e0cdc2a912a1f5519ddd7CAS |

Ros M, Pascual JA, Garcia C, Hernandez MT, Insam H (2006) Hydrolase activities, microbial biomass and bacterial community in a soil after long-term amendment with different composts. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38, 3443–3452.
Hydrolase activities, microbial biomass and bacterial community in a soil after long-term amendment with different composts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhtFSksrfL&md5=7b3e73f0f48ed10996d38ef45d386f4bCAS |

Roser M, Miquel AG-M, Julie DJ, Richard JN, William HS (2003) Impacts of fine root turnover on forest NPP and soil C sequestration potential. Science 302, 1385–1387.
Impacts of fine root turnover on forest NPP and soil C sequestration potential.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ruf M, Brunner I (2003) Vitality of tree fine roots: reevaluation of the tetrazolium test. Tree Physiology 23, 257–263.
Vitality of tree fine roots: reevaluation of the tetrazolium test.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sun G, Luo P, Wu N, Qiu PF, Gao YH, Chen H, Shi FS (2009) Stellera chamaejasme L. increases soil N availability, turnover rates and microbial biomass in an alpine meadow ecosystem on the eastern Tibetan Plateau of China. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 41, 86–91.
Stellera chamaejasme L. increases soil N availability, turnover rates and microbial biomass in an alpine meadow ecosystem on the eastern Tibetan Plateau of China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tao R, Liang YC, Wakelin SA, Chu GX (2015) Supplementing chemical fertilizer with an organic component increases soil biological function and quality. Applied Soil Ecology 96, 42–51.
Supplementing chemical fertilizer with an organic component increases soil biological function and quality.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tejada M, Gonzalez JL, Garcia-Martinez AM, Parrado J (2008a) Effects of different green manures on soil biological properties and maize yield. Bioresource Technology 99, 1758–1767.
Effects of different green manures on soil biological properties and maize yield.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXjtVGrtA%3D%3D&md5=4013d7d8758ba3a88ed2d3685cd95deaCAS |

Tejada M, Moreno JL, Hernández MT, García C (2008b) Soil amendments with organic wastes reduce the toxicity of nickel to soil enzyme activities. European Journal of Soil Biology 44, 129–140.
Soil amendments with organic wastes reduce the toxicity of nickel to soil enzyme activities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXitlelu7o%3D&md5=a0681d4ed7ee4a49043a4def5cc1abc0CAS |

Thangarajan R, Bolan NS, Naidu R, Surapaneni A (2015) Effects of temperature and amendments on nitrogen mineralization in selected Australian soils. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International 22, 8843–8854.
Effects of temperature and amendments on nitrogen mineralization in selected Australian soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXhtVKqurrK&md5=7aefd5d15eb3e8a0c2811e79300900a8CAS |

Thompson TL, Doerge TA, Godin RE (2000) Nitrogen and water interactions in subsurface drip-irrigated cauliflower. II. Agronomic, economic, and environmental outcomes. Soil Science Society of America Journal 64, 412–418.
Nitrogen and water interactions in subsurface drip-irrigated cauliflower. II. Agronomic, economic, and environmental outcomes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXmslyhur8%3D&md5=0d0007ae2b25b5db8f730ca64a3e052cCAS |

Tian GL, Bi YM, Sun ZJ, Zhang LS (2015) Phenolic acids in the plow layer soil of strawberry fields and their effects on the occurrence of strawberry anthracnose. European Journal of Plant Pathology 143, 581–594.
Phenolic acids in the plow layer soil of strawberry fields and their effects on the occurrence of strawberry anthracnose.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXht1aks7zO&md5=68f18bf00f9500ace1b1191603538013CAS |

Tiwari KR, Nyborg ILP, Sitaula BK, Paudel GS (2008) Analysis of the sustainability of upland farming systems in the middle mountains region of Nepal. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 6, 289–306.
Analysis of the sustainability of upland farming systems in the middle mountains region of Nepal.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vance ED, Brookes PC, Jenkinson DS (1987) An extraction method for measuring soil microbial biomass C. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 19, 703–707.
An extraction method for measuring soil microbial biomass C.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL1cXjs1KqsA%3D%3D&md5=fe795748ad16bf03f3b56c2e716fc9d6CAS |

Wang Z, Guo D, Wang X, Gu J, Mei L (2006) Fine root architecture, morphology, and biomass of different branch orders of two Chinese temperate tree species. Plant and Soil 288, 155–171.
Fine root architecture, morphology, and biomass of different branch orders of two Chinese temperate tree species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhtFaksL%2FM&md5=564b5da674a62300d34734a1dc0152bdCAS |

Wang Q, Wang S, Liu Y (2008) Responses to N and P fertilization in a young Eucalyptus dunnii plantation: microbial properties, enzyme activities and dissolved organic matter. Applied Soil Ecology 40, 484–490.
Responses to N and P fertilization in a young Eucalyptus dunnii plantation: microbial properties, enzyme activities and dissolved organic matter.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXhtlKrtb%2FO&md5=a610607d37ebee42415e786a202f3ae6CAS |

Wang CH, Klaus BB, Han Y, Wang QB, Zhang LH, Han XG, Xing XR (2011) The effects of biomass removal and N additions on microbial N transformations and biomass at different vegetation types in an old-field ecosystem in northern China. Plant and Soil 340, 397–411.
The effects of biomass removal and N additions on microbial N transformations and biomass at different vegetation types in an old-field ecosystem in northern China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXitFGksbo%3D&md5=3b9dcb2796768ee8b8c94a1bb26d7216CAS |

Wang XJ, Wei CZ, Zhang J, Dong P, Wang J, Zhu QC, Wang JX (2012) Effects of irrigation mode and N application rate on cotton field fertilizer N use efficiency and N losses. Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology 23, 2751–2758. [in Chinese with English abstract]

Weligama C, Tang C, Sale PWG, Conyers MK, Liu DL (2008) Localised nitrate application together with phosphorus enhances root proliferation of wheat and maximises rhizosphere alkalization in acid subsoil. Plant and Soil 312, 101–115.
Localised nitrate application together with phosphorus enhances root proliferation of wheat and maximises rhizosphere alkalization in acid subsoil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXht1aju7bE&md5=f66385b8dea1027c0c15ab2790fb39f3CAS |

Wells NS, Clough TJ, Johnson-Beebout SE, Buresh RJ (2014) Land management between crops affects soil inorganic nitrogen balance in a tropical rice system. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 100, 315–332.
Land management between crops affects soil inorganic nitrogen balance in a tropical rice system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2cXhs1OhsbzE&md5=546379c0b700614646e1683c90696286CAS |

Xu ZF, Wan C, Xiong P, Tang Z, Hu R, Cao G, Liu Q (2010) Initial responses of soil CO2 efflux and C, N pools to experimental warming in two contrasting forest ecosystems, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Plant and Soil 336, 183–195.
Initial responses of soil CO2 efflux and C, N pools to experimental warming in two contrasting forest ecosystems, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhtlWkt7vN&md5=06029081db144fdb9b80da4e712212f8CAS |

Yin HJ, Chen Z, Liu Q (2012) Effects of experimental warming on soil N transformations of two coniferous species, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 50, 77–84.
Effects of experimental warming on soil N transformations of two coniferous species, Eastern Tibetan Plateau, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38Xntlajt7c%3D&md5=824e31cd8e417322c6b8e28bb933b636CAS |

Zhang JB, Zhu TB, Cai ZC, Qin SWM, ¨uller C (2012) Effects of long-term repeated mineral and organic fertilizer applications on soil nitrogen transformations. European Journal of Soil Science 63, 75–85.
Effects of long-term repeated mineral and organic fertilizer applications on soil nitrogen transformations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XjtVSnsL4%3D&md5=6aef6874fe8d2bfeb4d88169bba9cc84CAS |

Zhang QB, Yang L, Xu ZZ, Zhang YL, Luo HH, Wang J, Zhang WF (2014) Effects of cotton field management practices on soil CO2 emission and C balance in an arid region of Northwest China. Journal of Arid Land 6, 468–477.
Effects of cotton field management practices on soil CO2 emission and C balance in an arid region of Northwest China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang T, Wang T, Liu KS, Wang LX, Wang K, Zhou Y (2015) Effects of different amendments for the reclamation of coastal saline soil on soil nutrient dynamics and electrical conductivity responses. Agricultural Water Management 159, 115–122.
Effects of different amendments for the reclamation of coastal saline soil on soil nutrient dynamics and electrical conductivity responses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC2MXhsVaqsbbE&md5=313edf1c26d128b0826257be26c8b161CAS |

Zhu HY (2013) Underlying motivation for land use change: A case study on the variation of agricultural factor productivity in Xinjiang, China. Journal of Geographical Sciences 23, 1041–1051.
Underlying motivation for land use change: A case study on the variation of agricultural factor productivity in Xinjiang, China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |