不同间作模式对陇东旱塬苹果园土壤理化性质和碳氮循环的影响

孙文泰1,杨 阳1,赵明新1,马 明1,董 铁1,杨泽华1,贾军平2,马 磊3

1甘肃省农业科学院林果花卉研究所,兰州 730070; 2静宁县果树果品研究所,甘肃静宁 743400;3庄浪县果树果品研究所,甘肃庄浪 744600)

摘 要:【目的】探究不同间作模式对陇东旱塬苹果园土壤理化特征、碳氮组分和酶活性的综合效应。【方法】采用常规方法测定不同间作模式下土壤理化性质、碳氮组分及酶活性。【结果】各处理均能显著改善土壤物理结构。其中,自然生草(C)处理降低了表层(0~20 cm)和亚表层(20~40 cm)土壤砂粒含量,显著促进了土壤颗粒细化,优化了土壤水分渗透与养分吸附性能,并提高了亚表层土壤的体积含水量(77.15%)。葱(A)和油菜(B)间作处理可降低表层土壤容重(7.97%~8.70%),增加土壤总孔隙度(8.66%~9.74%)。在碳氮循环方面,葱间作处理促进了表层土壤碳氮的积累,其总有机碳、有机质、全碳、微生物生物量碳、全氮、微生物生物量氮及可溶性有机氮含量较清耕(对照,CK)分别增加16.73%、16.78%、5.16%、17.58%、25.27%、47.37%和16.00%。此外,自然生草处理显著提高了亚表层土壤β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶(365.78%)、β-1,4-N-乙酰氨基葡萄糖苷酶(115.38%)和β-1,4-木糖苷酶(145.30%)的活性。相关性分析表明,土壤理化性质显著影响土壤氮组分的分布、转化与稳定性,且在表层与亚表层土壤中差异显著。【结论】油菜和葱间作处理有助于改善土壤结构与养分供应,而自然生草处理更利于增强土壤持水能力和提高碳循环效率。本研究为旱地苹果园土壤肥力提升技术的优化提供了理论依据,在实际生产中可根据具体改良目标选择合理的间作模式。

关键词:苹果;陇东旱塬;间作;土壤理化性质;碳氮循环

甘肃省陇东地区是中国重要的苹果主产区,凭借其独特的地理环境和气候条件,所产苹果甜度高、着色好、果香浓郁[1]。但陇东地处黄土高原,干旱少雨,水资源匮乏,农业以雨养为主。长期连年种植导致土壤有机质含量降低,养分失衡,严重制约了苹果产业的可持续发展[2]。由于当地果园多采用清耕制,导致土壤有机质含量(w,后同)仅0.6%~1.2%,低于果树生长的适宜水平(1.5%)[3]。此外,该地区水土流失严重,导致土体结构疏松,保水蓄肥能力下降。长期不合理的节水保墒措施,导致土壤团聚体的稳定性下降、孔隙度降低、黏粒含量增加,不利于土壤中有机碳的固存[4-5]。目前,该产区常年采取覆膜的方式进行节水保墒,进一步加剧了土壤退化,严重影响苹果产业的可持续发展。针对陇东地区苹果种植面临的问题,研究者多采用果园管理措施进行改良,其中间作(intercropping)因能有效改善果园土壤质量而受到广泛关注。在旱地果园与油菜间作能够有效提升土壤孔隙度,提高土壤的通气性与保水能力[6]

间作作为陇东旱塬苹果园重要的种植模式,即通过在同一土地上协调种植苹果与其他作物,能够显著改善土壤理化性质并促进碳氮循环[7]。相比传统单作模式,间作能够利用不同植物的生态位互补效应,在养分利用、空间分布及水分竞争等方面形成协同关系,从而优化资源利用效率并促进植物生长。果园间作白三叶草能够使土壤有机质含量显著提高16%~61%,其作用机制表现为:细菌群落多样性增加促进了有机质组分的转化,而真菌通过选择性降解木质素形成难降解的腐殖质[8]。这一过程与豆科作物的生态功能密切相关,其通过生物固氮作用提高了土壤氮素含量,同时根系分泌物和残体归还显著增加了土壤有机碳储量,形成了良性的碳氮循环体系[9]。不同作物根系的穿插作用能够改善土壤孔隙结构和水分利用效率。间作模式通过增强植物-土壤-微生物的互作,形成了高效的碳氮循环体系,对维持旱塬区苹果园的土壤肥力和生态可持续性具有重要作用。例如,茶树-大豆间作通过调控硝化菌和反硝化菌的群落组成减少N2O 排放,并通过凋落物输入增加土壤有机碳含量,提高团聚体稳定性[10]。此外,间作能有效提高光、热、水、肥等资源的利用率。如高秆与矮秆作物间作可形成立体冠层结构,提高光能利用率;深根作物与浅根作物间作可以充分利用不同土层的养分和水分[11]。间作还能够改善田间的生态环境,抑制病虫害的发生,减少对化学农药的依赖,促进农业生态系统的平衡,为绿色农业和可持续发展提供重要途径[12]。当前陇东旱塬区果园间作系统研究存在明显不足,主要表现为适生作物筛选体系尚未建立,土壤养分循环与理化性质改良的互作机制研究较少,间作模式的生态改良效应未能充分发挥。

本研究以陇东旱塬苹果园为研究对象,以清耕为对照,分析葱、油菜间作和自然生草3种处理对果园土壤理化性质、机械组成、酶活性及碳氮组分的调控效应,系统阐明不同间作模式下土壤理化性质与土壤碳氮组分的互作机制,以期为旱作果园的土壤培肥与可持续管理提供理论依据和技术支撑。

1 材料和方法

1.1 试验区概况

本试验地位于国家苹果农业产业技术体系平凉综合试验站(35°18.657′ N,107°37.974′ E),平均海拔1282 m,年均气温9.9 ℃,年日照时长2315 h,无霜期174 d,年均降水量553.4 mm,蒸发量1438 mm。土壤类型为黄绵土,土壤养分含量为:硝态氮26.44 mg·kg-1,铵态氮18.33 mg·kg-1,速效磷36.24 mg·kg-1,速效钾218.3 mg·kg-1,饱和含水率21.9%。

1.2 试验设计和采样方法

试验于2022 年3 月至2024 年10 月进行,为期3年,每年9 月重新播种以保持种植模式的一致性。选用8 年生礼泉短富苹果树为研究对象,砧木为M26/八棱海棠,株行距为2 m×4 m。试验共设置4个处理:(1)清耕(对照,CK):人工除草,保持地面无植被;(2)葱间作(A):距主干0.5 m 处撒播,播种量45 kg·hm-2,生长期除草,成熟后整株移除;(3)油菜间作(B):距主干0.5 m处撒播,播种量37.5 kg·hm-2,花期刈割并粉碎还田,留茬5 cm;(4)自然生草(C):保留杂草并每月刈割,留茬10 cm,主要草种类型包括蒲公英21.5%、灰条18.1%、夏至草15.1%、油菜13.7%、二月兰12.6%、萹蓄10.3%和离子芥8.7%。每个处理设置3 个重复小区,每小区包含3 行×5 株(120 m2)。播种前统一深翻20 cm,施入过磷酸钙300 kg·hm-2和氯化钾75 kg·hm-2作为基肥。2024年10 月采样,每个小区采用五点取样法,分别在果树滴水线(距主干0.75 m)和间作带中心位置采集0~20 cm 和20~40 cm 土层样品。其中,环刀法采集原状土用于土壤物理性质测定;混合土样过2 mm筛后分为两份,一份用于土壤机械组成测定(自然风干),另一份用于碳氮组分及酶活性测定(4 ℃保存)。

1.3 土壤理化性质测定

土壤物理性质测定:将环刀采集的土壤转入已称质量铝盒(M0)内,再次称质量(M1),将铝盒转入烘箱内105 ℃烘干至恒质量,称取质量(M2),土壤各物理性质计算如下:

式中,m1为土样饱和后排水至重力水消失的质量;m2为土样烘干后的质量;pw为水的密度值(1 g·cm-3)。

土壤机械组成测定:采用激光粒度分析仪(Mastersizer 2000,Malvern Panalytical,Worcestershire,UK)测定,每个样品重复测定3次,取平均值。

土壤碳氮组分含量测定:总有机碳和有机质含量采用重铬酸钾外加热法测定;颗粒有机氮和全氮含量采用凯氏定氮法测定;全碳含量采用高温燃烧法测定;微生物生物量碳、氮含量采用氯仿熏蒸法测定;可溶性有机氮含量采用硫酸钾氧化法测定;可溶性有机碳含量采用总有机碳分析仪(TOC-L)测定;易氧化有机碳含量采用333 mmol·L-1高锰酸钾氧化法测定;颗粒有机碳含量采用六偏磷酸钠分散法测定;重组有机碳和轻组有机碳含量采用密度分离法测定[13]

土壤酶活性测定:脲酶活性测定采用靛酚蓝比色法;β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶、β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶、亮氨酸氨基肽酶、纤维二糖水解酶和β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性测定采用微孔板荧光法[14]

1.4 数据处理

使用Microsoft Excel 2019 进行数据处理,使用SPSS 23.0软件进行单因素方差分析(ANOVA,LSD,P<0.05),使用Origin 2021 软件绘制相关数据图。

2 结果与分析

2.1 不同间作模式对土壤物理性质的影响

如图1 所示,不同间作模式均提高了表层土壤(0~20 cm)的含水量。其中,B 处理的土壤体积含水量和质量含水量较CK 分别提高了31.56%和18.76%。与CK 相比,A 和B 处理的土壤容重降低7.97%~8.70%,总孔隙度提高8.66%~9.74%;C 处理的土壤容重增加2.17%,毛管孔隙度显著提高48.47%;A处理的土壤通气孔隙度增加6.31%。

图1 不同间作模式对土壤理化性质的影响
Fig. 1 Effects of different intercropping modes on soil physicochemical properties

在亚表层土壤(20~40 cm)中,C 处理的土壤体积含水量和质量含水量较CK 分别提高了77.15%和58.65%。各处理间的土壤容重和总孔隙度均无显著差异。不同间作模式土壤毛管孔隙度均高于CK,较CK 分别增加了23.31%、4.59%和11.40%。A 处理的土壤通气孔隙度较CK降低了5.27%(图1)。

2.2 不同间作模式对土壤质地的影响

根据国际制土壤质地分类标准划分土壤颗粒组成,在表层土壤中黏粒(<0.002 mm)占比10.53%~11.01%,粉粒(0.002~0.050 mm)占比68.17%~71.65%,砂粒(0.05~2.00 mm)占比16.45%~20.38%。不同间作处理的土壤粗砂(0.5~1.0 mm)占比存在差异,其中CK 和A 处理的土壤粗砂占比较高,分别为0.92%和0.76%;而在B 和C 处理中占比较低,分别为0.38%和0.27%(图2)。

图2 不同间作模式对土壤机械组成的影响
Fig. 2 Effects of different intercropping patterns on soil mechanical composition

不同间作处理亚表层土壤中黏粒(<0.002 mm)占比10.83%~11.73%,粉粒(0.002~0.050 mm)占比69.15%~71.71%,砂粒(0.05~2.00 mm)占比17.58%~20.33%。不同间作处理的土壤中砂粒(0.05~0.10 mm、0.10~0.25 mm、0.25~0.50 mm)和粗砂(0.5~1.0 mm)占比存在一定的差异。其中,C处理土壤中>0.05 mm的土壤颗粒占比均低于其他处理,B 处理土壤中砂(0.25~0.50 mm)和粗砂(0.5~1.0 mm)含量最高,分别为1.33%和0.54%(图2)。

2.3 不同间作模式对土壤碳氮组分的影响

在表层土壤中,A 处理能增加土壤中碳氮养分含量,其中有机质和微生物生物量碳含量较CK 分别增加了16.78%和17.58%;全氮和微生物生物量氮含量较CK 分别增加了25.27%和47.37%。而B 和C处理土壤中,总有机碳、有机质、全碳、微生物生物量碳、全氮、微生物生物量氮和可溶性有机氮含量均低于CK。A 处理显著提高了土壤中部分活性碳组分含量,其中可溶性有机碳含量增幅最大(51.87%),其次是重组有机碳(33.13%)。其他处理土壤各碳氮指标均低于CK(表1~表2)。

表1 不同间作模式对土壤碳组分的影响
Table 1 Effects of different intercropping patterns on soil carbon components

注:同列不同小写字母表示差异显著(P<0.05)。下同。
Note:Different small letters in the same column indicate significant difference at P<0.05. The same below.

处理Treatment w(总有机碳)Total organic carbon content/(g·kg-1)w(有机质)Organic matter content/(g·kg-1)w(全碳)Total carbon content/(g·kg-1)0~20 cm CK 20~40 cm w(轻组有机碳)Light fraction organic carbon content/(g·kg-1)67.02±3.75 b 81.48±1.96 a 53.39±3.41 cd 58.28±6.80 c 87.02±6.23 ab 83.44±7.39 b 41.35±2.34 c 97.73±31.22 a A B C C K A B C 9.92±0.33 ab 11.58±0.01 a 7.13±0.17 b 7.34±0.36 b 9.07±0.28 a 8.27±0.01 b 6.28±0.39 c 4.76±0.15d 17.10±0.56 b 19.97±0.14 a 12.28±0.30 c 12.65±0.62 c 15.64±0.49 a 14.26±0.16 ab 10.82±0.67 b 6.34±0.69 c 22.10±0.16 ab 23.24±0.14 a 20.67±0.18 b 20.49±0.22 b 20.89±0.76 a 21.83±0.31 a 19.93±0.24 b 12.74±0.88 c w(微生物生物量碳)Microbial biomass carbon content/(mg·kg-1)36.69±0.76 b 43.14±0.69 a 28.23±3.79 cd 30.48±1.05 c 42.31±0.91 a 41.73±1.59 a 34.39±0.60 b 12.93±0.88 c w(可溶性有机碳)Dissolved organic carbon content/(mg·kg-1)1.87±0.33 c 2.84±0.36 a 2.12±0.28 b 1.83±0.24 c 2.39±0.21 b 2.43±0.33 b 2.17±0.22 b 8.44±0.52 a w(易氧化有机碳)Respirable organic carbon content/(g·kg-1)5.85±0.24 b 6.37±0.60 a 3.69±0.21 c 3.76±0.21 c 4.04±0.44 b 4.79±0.52 b 2.61±0.39 b 27.24±1.70 a w(颗粒有机碳)Particulate organic carbon content/(g·kg-1)8.29±0.27 ab 9.41±0.20 a 6.59±0.26 b 6.72±0.43 b 7.77±0.36 b 7.14±0.07 b 5.59±0.23 c 11.25±3.50 a w(重组有机碳)Reconstructed organic carbon conten/(g·kg-1)1.63±0.09 b 2.17±0.13 a 0.54±0.12 c 0.62±0.08 c 1.30±0.09 b 1.14±0.14 b 0.69±0.16 c 2.39±1.20 a

表2 不同间作模式对土壤氮组分的影响
Table 2 Effects of different intercropping modes on soil nitrogen components

处理Treatment 0~20 cm CK 20~40 cm A B C C K A B C w(颗粒有机氮)Particulate organic nitrogen content/(g·kg-1)1.05±0.01 ab 1.31±0.03 a 0.93±0.06 b 0.94±0.09 b 1.03±0.05 b 0.99±0.02 b 0.79±0.01 c 3.04±0.87 a w(全氮)Total nitrogen content/(g·kg-1)3.76±0.15 b 4.71±0.65 a 2.66±0.19 c 3.74±0.29 b 3.78±0.46 b 3.48±0.36 b w(微生物生物量氮)Microbial biomass nitrogen content/(mg·kg-1)2.85±0.24 b 4.20±0.28 a 1.13±0.22 c 1.78±0.25 c 4.52±0.23 b 1.60±0.63 d w(可溶性有机氮)Dissolved organic nitrogen content/(mg·kg-1)0.25±0.02 ab 0.29±0.02 a 0.15±0.01 b 0.16±0.02 b 0.23±0.02 b 0.19±0.01 b 2.12±0.17 c 10.28±6.29 a 3.04±0.39 c 18.07±12.52 a 0.11±0.01 b 21.27±1.35 a

在亚表层土壤中,CK 土壤中总有机碳和有机质含量高于其他处理。A处理土壤中全碳含量高于其他处理,较CK 增加了4.50%。C 处理土壤中易氧化有机碳、颗粒有机碳、颗粒有机氮、重组有机碳和轻组有机碳含量分别较CK增加了574.25%、44.79%、195.15%、83.85%和12.31%,而CK 和A 处理土壤中全碳和微生物生物量碳含量显著高于其他处理。C处理土壤中颗粒有机氮、全氮、微生物生物量氮和可溶性有机氮含量均显著高于其他处理(表1~表2)。

2.4 不同间作模式对土壤酶活性的影响

不同间作处理对土壤酶活性的影响如图3 所示。在表层土壤中,不同处理的土壤中脲酶活性无显著差异(P>0.05)。C 处理土壤中β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶和纤维二糖水解酶活性高于其他处理(P<0.05),较CK 分别增加了68.89%和105.49%。A 处理土壤中β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶活性较CK 升高了13.53%。B处理土壤中β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性较CK升高了55.60%。

图3 不同间作模式对土壤酶活性的影响
Fig. 3 Effects of different intercropping patterns on soil enzyme activities

B 处理显著提高了亚表层土壤中脲酶活性,较CK增加了7.02%。C处理土壤中β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶、β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶和β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性较CK 分别增加了365.78%、115.38%和145.30%。A 处理土壤中纤维二糖水解酶活性较CK 增加了230.67%(图3)。

2.5 土壤理化性质与碳氮组分的相关性分析

土壤理化性质与碳氮组分的相关性分析(P<0.01,P<0.05)结果表明(图4),不同土层中土壤理化性质与碳氮组分存在显著相关性。在表层土壤中,物理性质对土壤碳氮组分具有显著影响,其中土壤容重和孔隙度与颗粒有机碳含量呈显著负相关(r=-0.98)和正相关(r=0.98)。土壤黏粒含量与全碳含量呈显著负相关(r=-0.97)。酶活性方面,脲酶活性与微生物生物量氮含量呈显著正相关(r=0.97),β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶活性与易氧化有机碳含量呈完全正相关(r=1.00),β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性则与微生物生物量碳含量呈显著负相关(r=-0.98)。

图4 不同间作模式土壤理化性质与土壤碳氮组分的相关性分析
Fig. 4 Correlation analysis of soil physicochemical properties and soil carbon and nitrogen components in different intercropping modes

亚表层土壤中各理化因子与碳氮组分的相关性呈现规律性特征。土壤水分指标(体积含水量和质量含水量)与微生物生物量氮、易氧化有机碳、颗粒有机碳、颗粒有机氮及全氮含量均呈显著正相关(r=0.95~0.98)。土壤机械组成的影响具有粒径特异性,其中0.002~0.020 mm 粉粒与大多数碳氮组分呈正相关(r=0.96~1.00),而0.05~1.00 mm 砂粒则普遍呈负相关(r=-0.95~-0.96)。酶活性指标对土壤碳氮组分表现出复杂的调控模式,其中脲酶活性与部分碳组分呈正相关(r=0.98),而与氮组分呈负相关(r=-0.96~-0.99);β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶活性与氮组分呈高度正相关(r=0.97~1.00),但与部分碳组分呈负相关(r=-0.96~-0.99);β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性与全碳含量呈完全负相关(r=-1.00),而与氮组分普遍呈正相关(r=0.96~0.99)。

3 讨 论

3.1 不同间作模式对土壤物理性质的影响

间作模式可有效改善土壤物理性质,优化土壤结构,提高孔隙度、通气性和水分渗透能力[15]。本研究结果表明不同间作模式对土壤水分保蓄、容重及孔隙结构影响显著。在表层土壤中,C 处理显著提高了表层土壤含水量,其改善效果主要取决于植物根系的结构和分布特征。油菜属于直根系,主根粗且入土深,有利于改善土壤的透气性和提高水分下渗能力[16]。因此,B 处理显著提高了土壤质量含水量和体积含水量,较CK 分别提高了18.76%和31.56%。葱的须根发达,分布浅且广,其密集的根系网络可显著增加表层土壤孔隙度[17]。因此,A 处理能有效提高土壤总孔隙度(较CK 提高9.74%)和通气孔隙度(较CK 提高6.31%),改善土壤的透气性。C 处理则因多层次、多方向的根系结构,部分草种根系深入亚表层土壤的特性,表现出更持久的土壤改良效果[18]。因此,C 处理的土壤毛管孔隙度最高,较CK 增加了48.47%,表明其在增强毛细水保持能力方面具有显著优势。研究表明毛细水持水能力的增强可缓解冬春连旱的不利影响,维持土壤微生物活性,进而促进苹果根系活力恢复和树液流动[19]。在亚表层土壤中(苹果主要根系分布区),C处理因多种草种根系密集深扎,显著提升了土壤持水能力,促进了水分下渗与贮存,优化了根系活力,并显著改善了根际微生态环境。此外,各处理间土壤容重和总孔隙度均未表现出显著差异,表明间作模式对深层土壤(亚表层)结构影响较弱。但各间作模式的毛管孔隙度均高于CK,说明间作有助于增强土壤水分的毛管传输能力。其中,A 与B 处理通过增加土壤孔隙度改善土壤透气性,从而促进土壤有机碳循环;而C处理因独特的根系结构,更有利于提升土壤持水性和毛细输水能力,进而促进亚表层土壤氮素的转化[20]

土壤物理性质的改善与其机械组成密切相关。土壤孔隙度和持水能力等宏观物理特性本质上是土壤颗粒组成、粒径分布与级配特征的微观表现[21]。反之,土壤颗粒组成决定了其结构稳定性、通气性和保水性等基础性能[22]。研究表明,间作植物根系在生长过程中通过机械扰动与生物化学作用,改变土壤颗粒分布,促进团聚体的形成与分解,从而优化土壤结构[23-24]。本研究结果表明间作模式对不同粒径土壤颗粒的分布具有显著的影响。在表层土壤中,各处理土壤颗粒组成主要为粉粒,其中0.5~1.0 mm的粗砂颗粒在不同间作处理间存在差异。A 和B 处理通过根系生物量积累与土壤颗粒细化作用,显著提升了粗砂比例及土壤通气性[25];而C 处理通过多样化的根系网络及根系分泌物作用,细化了土壤颗粒,优化了粒径分布,从而增强土壤结构的稳定性。在亚表层土壤中,土壤颗粒分布范围较广,且不同间作模式对各粒径土壤颗粒的影响显著。土壤颗粒组成具有显著差异,C 处理土壤中粗砂含量最低,B 处理土壤中大颗粒占比较高,这主要与油菜的根系形态有关[26]。因此,在果园土壤管理中,应结合改良目标和土壤类型优化土壤物理性质与机械组成。

3.2 不同间作模式对土壤碳氮循环的影响

研究表明,间作处理通过增加外源有机质的输入、优化土壤碳氮比、提高氮素含量、促进微生物活动以减少碳氮流失[27-28]。本研究结果进一步证实,不同间作模式对土壤有机碳、氮素养分及其活性组分的分布具有显著影响,且这种影响随土层深度变化呈现差异化特征。在表层土壤中,A 处理显著提高了有机质、微生物生物量碳、可溶性有机碳、全氮和微生物生物量氮等的含量,对碳氮养分积累和活性碳组分增强具有双重促进作用。研究表明葱的根系分泌物能够提高微生物群落多样性与代谢活性,进而促进有机质分解和团聚体形成,与本研究结果一致[29]。在亚表层土壤中,有机质积累主要受自然沉积过程(植物、动物及微生物残体)的影响[30],但C 处理显著提高了深层土壤的全氮、微生物生物量氮和部分活性有机碳组分含量,表明该模式在深层土壤中仍能提高有机碳稳定性和碳氮储存能力。针对苹果根系层碳氮匮乏的果园,可采用此方法以改善营养供给。在果园管理中,若需增加表层碳氮养分,宜采用A 处理;若需提升深层土壤-苹果根系集中分布区域的碳储存能力与生态稳定性,C处理更具优势。

土壤酶活性驱动土壤碳氮组分的积累和转化过程,可作为碳氮循环潜力的重要生物学指标[31]。本研究发现,不同间作模式对土壤酶活性的影响具有显著差异性。在表层土壤中,不同处理土壤中脲酶活性无显著差异,表明间作对氮素转化的直接驱动有限。C 处理显著提高了β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶、亮氨酸氨基肽酶和纤维二糖水解酶等碳水化合物和蛋白质降解相关的酶活性,分别较CK 增加了68.89%、10.64%和105.49%。研究表明油菜间作能够提高土壤碳氮循环相关酶活性,加速土壤有机质分解和矿化,提高微生物活性和碳源可利用性,这与本研究结果一致[32]。A 处理显著提高了β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶活性,该酶与几丁质、含氮有机物的分解密切相关[33],表明葱间作提高了土壤有机氮源的矿化速率,间接促进了土壤氮素的积累。B 处理土壤中β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性较高,该酶是半纤维素降解的核心酶,能促进木质纤维素类有机物的分解,释放可溶性碳源,驱动土壤碳循环[34],表明油菜间作可提升作物残体和凋落物的分解效率,增加碳源输入的活性比例。在亚表层土壤中,酶活性差异反映了不同处理对碳氮转化潜力的调控。其中,B 处理显著提高了亚表层土壤中脲酶活性,促进氮素矿化和提高其有效性,但对表层土壤无显著影响,其在亚表层的促进作用及其机制有待进一步研究。而C处理显著提升了β-1,4-葡萄糖苷酶、β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶和β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性,表明其能增强深层土壤碳源降解和氮源释放的能力,促进稳定有机质的矿化和养分再循环。间作处理通过调控酶活性,推动碳氮组分的分解与积累,形成了“酶-碳氮-微生物”的正向反馈机制。因此,果园管理中应根据目标土层与作物特性优化间作配置,实现苹果根系集中分布区域的土壤养分供给与生态功能的协同提升。

3.3 不同间作模式土壤理化性质与土壤碳氮组分的相关性分析

研究表明土壤物理性质直接影响碳氮的分布和动态变化。良好的土壤结构有利于水分和空气的流通,促进微生物活动,从而加速有机质的分解和碳氮的释放[35]。本研究通过相关性分析探讨了不同土壤理化性质与碳氮组分的互作关系。土壤物理性质、含水量及关键酶活性均对碳氮组分的分布和转化具有显著影响,且在不同土层中表现出显著差异性。在表层土壤中,土壤容重与孔隙度对土壤颗粒有机碳含量的影响最为显著,二者分别呈高度负相关和正相关。这表明较低的土壤容重和较高的孔隙度有利于提高土壤有机质含量和碳组分稳定性。土壤质量含水量与可溶性有机氮含量呈显著正相关,表明水分供应能够促进氮素的溶解和转化,促进氮素循环过程[36]。土壤酶活性是碳氮循环的关键驱动力,脲酶、脱氢酶和磷酸酶等酶活性直接影响有机质的分解和养分的释放[37]。本研究中土壤脲酶活性对微生物生物量氮的积累具有显著促进作用,通过促进氮素的水解,提高可供微生物利用的无机氮水平。β-1,4-N-乙酰基氨基葡萄糖苷酶对易氧化有机碳具有极显著影响,表明该酶在土壤碳分解和活性有机碳组分转化中发挥关键作用。β-1,4-木糖苷酶与微生物生物量碳呈显著负相关,表明在木质素降解过程中,微生物群落对碳源的利用存在竞争关系。此外,土壤机械组成决定了土壤的保水保肥能力,黏粒含量高的土壤通常具有较高的有机碳和氮素保留能力[38]。本研究表明<0.002 mm 土壤颗粒与全碳含量呈显著负相关,土壤细颗粒组分可通过物理-化学保护机制显著抑制有机碳的矿化过程,其高比表面积和强吸附特性降低了有机碳的生物可利用性[39]

在亚表层土壤中,体积含水量与多个碳氮组分含量呈显著正相关,包括微生物生物量氮、易氧化有机碳、颗粒有机碳、颗粒有机氮、重组有机碳、轻组有机碳和全氮。这表明较高的水分含量可提高微生物代谢活性,促进有机质分解,提高碳氮组分的周转能力和有效性[40]。0.002~0.020 mm 土壤颗粒与微生物生物量氮、可溶性有机氮、重组有机碳、轻组有机碳、易氧化有机碳、颗粒有机碳、颗粒有机氮和全氮含量均呈极显著正相关,而与全碳含量呈显著负相关。该粒径范围的土壤颗粒对活性有机碳的存储和转化发挥了重要作用。反之,0.05~1.00 mm 土壤颗粒与上述碳氮组分大多呈显著负相关,可能与较粗颗粒降低土壤有机质的稳定性和微生物利用效率有关[41]。本研究中C 处理显著减少了土壤中粗砂比例,有利于碳氮组分的转化。此外,β-1,4-木糖苷酶活性与可溶性有机氮、易氧化有机碳、颗粒有机碳、颗粒有机氮和全氮含量呈显著正相关,而与可溶性有机碳和全碳含量呈显著负相关,这有利于苹果根际土壤中短期碳组分的活化与利用[42]。土壤碳氮组分的空间分异与转化受物理结构-水分-酶活性三元协同驱动,其中表层碳氮积累受土壤容重、孔隙度与关键酶主导,深层碳氮活化依赖于粉粒与水分调控[43-44]。因此,针对陇东旱塬苹果园生态脆弱型土壤,可根据具体目标实行间作。如对于表层土壤紧实化状况,可采用油菜或葱间作处理;为改善土壤水分和碳氮循环,宜采用自然生草模式。

4 结 论

间作处理可通过调控土壤结构与生物功能,构建“结构-水分-酶-碳氮”联动机制,提升旱地果园土壤质量与生态功能:(1)油菜与葱间作可改善表层土壤板结和结构不良状况,提高通气性与透水性。(2)自然生草有助于保持表层和亚表层土壤水分,更适用于干旱地区果园的土壤改良。(3)在碳氮转化方面,葱间作能提高有机质含量并促进活性碳组分的生成;自然生草则可增强碳循环相关酶活性,加速有机质分解和碳循环,这两种种植方式均能改善土壤肥力。

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Effects of different intercropping patterns on soil physicochemical prop‐erties and carbon-nitrogen cycling in apple orchards in the Longdong ar‐id plateau

SUN Wentai1, YANG Yang1, ZHAO Mingxin1, MA Ming1, DONG Tie1, YANG Zehua1, JIA Junping2,MA Lei3

(1Institute of Forestry, Fruits and Floriculture, Gansu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu, China; 2Jingning Fruit Research Institute, Jingning 743400, Gansu, China; 3Zhuanglang Fruit Research Institute, Zhuanglang 744600, Gansu, China)

Abstract:【Objective】 This study explores the mechanisms and optimization strategies for improving soil quality under different intercropping patterns in apple orchards located on the arid Loess Plateau of eastern Gansu, a region characterized by fragile ecological environments and limited natural resource availability. The sustainability of orchard systems in such regions depends heavily on soil health, which is influenced by physical, chemical, and biological processes. Recognizing the urgent need for effective and ecologically sound agricultural practices, this research focused on how various intercropping systems can restore and enhance soil functions in apple orchards for a long time. 【Methods】 Utilizing a comprehensive assessment framework, the study integrated data on soil physicochemical properties, carbon and nitrogen (C-N) cycling, and microbial enzyme activities to provide a holistic understanding of soil system responses. Three representative intercropping treatments—natural grass cover, onion intercropping, and rapeseed intercropping—were implemented in comparison with traditional clean tillage,which involved long-term maintenance of bare soil devoid of vegetative cover. Field experiments were conducted over three consecutive apple growing seasons in a representative orchard on the eastern Loess Plateau, where climatic conditions were semi-arid, precipitation was low and uneven, and soil degradation due to prolonged cultivation became a widespread concern. Each treatment was monitored continuously, and a multi-index evaluation approach was adopted to track the effects of the different systems on soil quality parameters. 【Results】 All three intercropping patterns exerted beneficial effects on soil physical structure, albeit through different mechanisms. The natural grass cover system (C) gradually improved soil structure through a combination of aboveground canopy shading and the formation of a dense and fibrous root network in the subsurface soil. These roots contributed to aggregate formation and stabilization, which were crucial for enhancing soil porosity and resistance to erosion. Quantitative data revealed that the sand content in the 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers decreased by 21.10% and 10.40%, respectively, under this treatment, suggesting a shift towards finer, more cohesive soil particles. More importantly, this shift led to improved water-holding capacity and nutrient retention in the root zone. During periods of drought, water content in the 20-40 cm subsurface soil was 25%-30%higher than that in clean tillage plots (CK), with a relative increase in water retention capacity of 77.15%. These improvements were critical for supporting the physiological needs of apple trees during water-limited periods, offering a potential strategy for mitigating drought stress in orchard systems. In contrast, scallion (A) and rapeseed (B) intercropping primarily improved soil structure through biological drilling effects created by their deep and vigorous taproots. These roots penetrated the compacted layers, forming natural channels that facilitate water infiltration and gas exchange. Consequently, these systems were associated with a reduction in soil bulk density by 7.97% to 8.70% and an increase in total soil porosity by 8.66% to 9.74%, resulting in significantly better aeration and drainage. Such changes created a more favorable environment for root respiration and microbial colonization, supporting overall soil ecosystem functioning. In terms of nutrient dynamics, particularly the carbon and nitrogen cycles, scallion intercropping showed marked enhancements in the accumulation and transformation of organic matter. Compared to the clean tillage control, the total organic carbon (TOC), soil organic matter (SOM), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) under onion intercropping increased by 16.73%,16.78%, and 21.58%, respectively. The soluble organic nitrogen (SON) content also rose significantly by 16.00%, indicating greater nitrogen availability for plant uptake and microbial utilization. These changes not only reflected improvements in the base fertility of the soil but also suggested that onion roots may influence rhizosphere processes that accelerated organic matter mineralization and nutrient release. Microbial activity, another key indicator of soil health, was significantly stimulated under natural grass cover, particularly in relation to enzymes involved in the decomposition of plant litter and the cycling of carbon. Enzyme assays revealed dramatic increases in the activities of β-1, 4-glucosidase(365.78%), β-1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (115.38%), and β-1, 4-xylosidase (145.30%) relative to the clean tillage treatment. These enzymes are essential for breaking down complex carbohydrates such as cellulose and chitin, releasing simpler carbon compounds that are readily used by soil microbes. The enhancement of enzymatic activity under natural grass indicated a more dynamic and responsive soil microbial community, which accelerated the turnover of organic matter and facilitated the formation of a resilient “plant-soil-microbe” feedback loop. Further correlation analysis confirmed that soil physicochemical traits—such as bulk density, porosity, moisture content, and particle composition—had significant impacts on the distribution, transformation, and stability of carbon and nitrogen fractions. Notably,the response mechanisms differed between surface (0-20 cm) and subsurface (20-40 cm) soil layers, indicating vertical heterogeneity in how intercropping influenced soil function. This spatial variability suggested that intercropping strategies should be tailored to address specific constraints within soil profiles. For example, in orchards where the surface compaction is severe and air–water balance is disrupted, onion or rapeseed intercropping may be more effective due to their root system architecture. Conversely, in drought-prone regions with poor water retention, natural grass cover offers a low-input and ecologically aligned solution for maintaining stable moisture conditions throughout the growing season.Additionally, in terms of improving carbon and nitrogen transformation efficiency, onion intercropping contributes by increasing the soil’s capacity to generate labile organic fractions, thereby building longterm fertility. Meanwhile, natural grass promotes faster organic matter decomposition through enzyme activation, reinforcing the carbon cycling loop and ensuring a continuous supply of microbial energy substrates. While each strategy offers unique benefits, both contribute meaningfully to enhancing soil fertility and ecological stability. 【Conclusion】 In conclusion, this study demonstrates that different intercropping systems exert distinct, yet complementary, effects on soil physical properties, nutrient cycling,and biological activity in apple orchards under arid conditions. By elucidating the ecological mechanisms underlying these effects, the research provides a scientific basis for designing targeted soil management strategies tailored to specific environmental constraints and production goals. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of sustainable orchard practices in water-limited regions and contribute to broader goals of ecological restoration and agricultural sustainability.

Key words:Apple; Longdong dry tableland; Intercropping; Soil physical and chemical properties; Carbon and nitrogen cycle

中图分类号:S661.1

文献标志码:A

文章编号:1009-9980(2026)01-0052-13

DOI:10.13925/j.cnki.gsxb.20250218

收稿日期:2025-04-24

接受日期:2025-07-15

基金项目:西部青年学者项目(23JR6KA033);甘肃省农业科学院重点研发计划项目(2022GAAS28);国家现代农业产业技术体系(GARS-27)

作者简介:孙文泰,副研究员,主要从事果树栽培与生态研究工作。E-mail:swt830312@126.com