Author:
Liu Xin,Ma Shilin,Jia Zhaohui,Ramzan Muhammad,Meng Miaojing,Wang Jinping,Li Chong,Zhang Yinlong,Zhang Jinchi
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Soil acidification caused by acid rain (AR) can damage plant roots, which in turn negatively impacts plant health. In response to changing AR types, research efforts to elucidate their specific impacts on plants have become intense.
Methods
For this study, we investigated the effects of simulated sulfuric, nitric, and mixed AR on the root systems of Quercus acutissima Carr. and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. under different acidity levels.
Results
As the AR S/N ratio and pH decreased, the height growth rate (HGR), basal diameter growth rate (DGR), total root length (TRL) and total root surface area (TRS) of C. lanceolata decreased, whereas the TRL and TRS of Q. acutissima remained the same. When the NO3− concentration in AR was increased, the root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of C. lanceolata roots revealed a downward trend; however, the root activity of Q. acutissima and the peroxidase (POD) activity of C. lanceolata roots revealed an upward trend. Further, redundant analysis and structural equation models indicated that AR pH had a greater impact on the HGR of Q. acutissima than that of C. lanceolata, while the impact of the AR S/N ratio on C. lanceolata growth rates was greater than that of Q. acutissima.
Conclusions
Our results suggested that the root systems of different tree species had variable responses to AR, and the AR S/N ratio was an important factor affecting plant root growth. This might facilitate new strategies for the cultivation and protection of plantations in the future.
Funder
forestry scientific research in the public interest
priority academic program development of jiangsu higher education institutions
jiangsu agriculture science and technology innovation fund
postdoctoral science foundation of jiangsu province
china postdoctoral science foundation
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Ecological Modeling,Ecology
Cited by
4 articles.
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