Responses of Litter Decomposition and Nutrient Dynamics to Nitrogen Addition in Temperate Shrublands of North China

Abstract

Plant litter decomposition is a crucial ecosystem process that regulates nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and plant productivity and is strongly influenced by increased nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the effects of exogenous N input on litter decomposition are still poorly understood, especially in temperate shrublands, which hinders predictions of soil C and nutrient dynamics under the context of global change. Temperate shrub ecosystems are usually N-limited and particularly sensitive to changes in exogenous N input. To investigate the responses of Vitex negundo and Spiraea trilobata litter decomposition to N addition, we conducted a field experiment in Vitex- and Spiraea-dominated shrublands located on Mt. Dongling in Beijing, North China. Four N treatment levels were applied: control (N0; no N addition), low N (N1; 20 kg⋅N⋅ha–1⋅year–1), moderate N (N2; 50 kg⋅N⋅ha–1⋅year–1), and high N (N3; 100 kg⋅N⋅ha–1⋅year–1). The litter decomposition in V. negundo was faster than that in S. trilobata, which may be due to the differences in their nutrient content and C/N ratio. N addition increased the amount of remaining N in the two litter types but had no effect on the remaining mass, C, or P. Nitrogen treatment did not affect the litter decomposition rates (k) of either litter type; i.e., N addition had no effect on litter decomposition in temperate shrublands. The neutral effect of N addition on litter decomposition may be primarily explained by the low temperatures and P limitation at the site as well as the opposing effects of the exogenous inorganic N, whereby exogenous N inhibits lignin degradation but promotes the decomposition of readily decomposed litter components. These results suggest that short-term N deposition may have a significant impact on N cycling but not C or P cycling in such shrub ecosystems.