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FOR 536 P2: Nitrogen supply of grassland and its belowground productivity as influenced by stocking rate, management and availability of water
Project
Project code: DFG FOR 536
Contract period: 01.01.2004
- 01.01.2016
Purpose of research: Basic research
Above and belowground net primary productivity of grassland communities in the Xilingol steppe is highly variable, and previous studies have shown that the availability of water and nitrogen as well as the grazing intensity are the governing factors. In continuation of previous studies initiated by the late Prof. Sattelmacher and by Dr. Brück, the general focus in this project will remain on the nitrogen supply and nutrition of the grassland communities, and their belowground net primary productivity BNPP.
More attention will now be paid to interaction of grazing intensity and availability of water with respect to BNPP and nitrogen turnover. The works will concentrate on two locations.
First, at the Leymus chinensis site, we will build on the existing N x water field experiment initiated by P2 in 2004/2005 under moderate and very intensive grazing for studying mid-term effects of moderate N application. In addition, within the joint grazing experiment, established by P3/P4 at the Leymus site in 2005, we will study soil N availability as well as the above and belowground regrowth dynamics. These properties will be measured with and without addition of mineral nitrogen and water in two defined grazing intensities.
Second, at the new Stipa grandis site, which represents slightly drier and more grazing sensitive locations, our work will join the geostatistical approach by measuring above and belowground biomass. In additional field plots, that exploit the natural moisture gradient between the Stipa and Leymus site, a comparative study will focus on the effect of water availability on N mineralization and supply to the plant root within the soil profile.
The overall objective in P2 is thus twofold, i) provide insight in the supply to and uptake of nitrogen by plants as affected by grazing and water availability, and ii) contribute to the understanding of matter fluxes and species competition in these ecosystems as basis for durable productivity and biodiversity
Section overview
Subjects
- Soil science
