| Abstract: | This study compared the total carbon (C), mineral nitrogen (N) contents and N mineralization potentials of the rhizospheric and bulk soils, collected at two depths in three forest sites in France. The site at Breuil is a comparative plantation of different species with or without fertilization, the Fougères site is a time sequence of four Fagus sylvatica L . stands including a limed plot, and the Aubure site is a comparison between adjacent young and old Picea abies. (L.) Karst stands with different nitrifying activity. Mineral N was extracted from fresh soil with K 2 SO 4 and after laboratory incubation at 15°;C for 2 days or 1 week. The moisture, C and N contents of the rhizospheric soil were higher than in the bulk soil in the A 1 horizon, but only slightly higher or similar in A 1 B horizons. Soil-extractable NH 4 and net mineralization were much larger in the rhizospheric soil than in the bulk soil. Soil-extractable NO 3 and net nitrification were not significantly different. Soil-extractable NH 4 and net N mineralization were linearly and positively related to the soil C (or N) contents, but the relationship was stronger and the amount of mineral N per gram of carbon was higher for rhizospheric soil. This suggests that the quality of rhizospheric carbon should be taken into account. Net N mineralization was negatively related to the soil C/N ratio. In summary, tree roots appear to have a strong influence on N transformation in soils. |
