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Soil microbial biomass and its controls

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Abstract

Microbial biomass represents a relatively small standing stock of nutrients, compared to soil organic matter, but it can act as a labile source of nutrients for plants, a pathway for incorporation of organic matter into the soil, and a temporary sink for nutrients. This review describes several factors controlling the dynamics of soil microbial biomass. These factors mainly include organic carbon and nitrogen limitation, residue and nutrient management, differences in plant species, soil texture, soil moisture and temperature. On the basis of detailed analysis, it is reasonable that future research would be focused on the impact of land use change on soil MB in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute of Environmental Science, Fujian Normal University, 350007, Fuzhou, P.R. China

    Zhang Jiang-shan

  2. Key Laboratory of Subtropical Resources and Environments of Fujian Province, 350007, Fuzhou, P.R. China

    Guo Jian-fen, Chen Guang-shui & Qian Wei

Authors
  1. Zhang Jiang-shan
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  2. Guo Jian-fen
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  3. Chen Guang-shui
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  4. Qian Wei
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Additional information

Foundation item: This study was supported by the Teaching and Research Award program for MOE P.R.C. (TRAPOYT).

Biography: ZHANG Jiang-shan (1946-), male, Researcher in Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, P.R. China.

Responsible editor: Zhu Hong

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Jiang-shan, Z., Jian-fen, G., Guang-shui, C. et al. Soil microbial biomass and its controls. Journal of Forestry Research 16, 327–330 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858201

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858201

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