[Soil N/P ratio distribution characteristics of alpine grassland ecosystem in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau]

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2013 Dec;24(12):3399-406.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

The distribution characteristics of soil N/P ratio in alpine grassland ecosystem of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were surveyed by field investigation and laboratory analysis. Horizontally, soil N/ P ratio was generally higher in west and lower in east in a manner of staggered patch distribution, with higher N/P ratios mainly centralized in the hinterland of northern part of Tibet Plateau and in the lake basin area of the northern foot of Himalayas. Significant differences in soil N/P ratio were observed among grassland types and natural transects. Vertically, the distribution of N/P ratio along the soil profile from aboveground to underground among different grass types could be categorized into five patterns, including low-high-low-high, low-high-low, low-high, high-low-high-low, and high-low-high. The N/P ratio showed a significant positive correlation with soil bulk density at 0-20 cm depth, soil water content at 20-30 cm depth, contents of soil available K and total nitrogen, respectively. However, it showed significant negative correlation with soil bulk density at 20-30 cm depth, contents of soil available P and total P, respectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Grassland*
  • Nitrogen / analysis*
  • Phosphorus / analysis*
  • Poaceae
  • Soil / chemistry*

Substances

  • Soil
  • Phosphorus
  • Nitrogen