Abstract:

The aims are to explore the effect of vertical pipe aeration on the growth of Phyllostachys violascens under mulching, and provide scientific technologies for the intensive management of P. violascens forests. Four treatments were set up in this experiment: no mulching and no aeration (CK), aeration and no mulching (A), mulching and no aeration (M), and mulching with aeration (MA). The soil oxygen concentration, soil mineral elements, and root vitality and photosynthetic parameters of P. violascens under each treatment were analyzed respectively to explore the effect of aeration on the growth and site conditions of intensively managed P. violascens forests. Compared with the no mulching and no aeration (CK), the mulching and no aeration treatment (M) significantly increased the content of organic matter, total nitrogen and total phosphorus of the soil surface. The mulching with aeration treatment (MA) promoted the decomposition of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and other substances. In the soil layers of 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm and 30-40 cm, the soil oxygen content under MA treatment was higher than that under M treatment by 26.19%, 28.36%, 30.77 % and 26.92%, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with M treatment, the root vitality of P. violascens under MA treatment increased by 57.16% (P<0.05), and the net photosynthetic rate of leaves increased by 49.47% (P<0.05). Vertical pipe aeration significantly addressed the issues of soil oxygen deficit, poor growth of the root system, and reduced net photosynthetic rate of P. violascens forest caused by long-term mulching management.

Key words: Phyllostachys violascens, intensive management, aeration, soil physical and chemical properties, photosynthesis, root system