dc.description.abstract | Inspired by previous studies that have indicated consistent or even
well-constrained relationships among carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in
soils, we have endeavored to explore general soil C:N:P ratios in China on a national
scale, as well as the changing patterns of these ratios with soil depth, developmental
stages and climate; we also attempted to determine if well-constrained C:N:P
stoichiometrical ratios exist in China’s soil. Based on an inventory data set of 2,384
soil profiles, our analysis indicated that the mean C:N, C:P and N:P ratios for the entire
soil depth (as deep as 250 cm for some soil profiles) in China were 11.9, 61 and 5.2,
respectively, showing a C:N:P ratio of ~60:5:1. C:N ratios showed relatively small
variation among different climatic zones, soil orders, soil depth and weathering stages,
while C:P and N:P ratios showed a high spatial heterogeneity and large variations in
different climatic zones, soil orders, soil depth and weathering stages. No
well-constrained C:N:P ratios were found for the entire soil depth in China. However,
for the 0-10 cm organic-rich soil, where has the most active organism-environment
interaction, we found a well-constrained C:N ratio (14.4, molar ratio) and relatively
consistent C:P (136) and N:P (9.3) ratios, with a general C:N:P ratio of 134:9:1.
Finally, we suggested that soil C:N, C:P and N:P ratios in organic-rich topsoil could be
a good indicator of soil nutrient status during soil development. | en_US | | |