Consistency of plant-specific n- alkane patterns in plaggen ecosystems

A review

Bibliographic Data

ID14915266
AuthorsFrederique MSA Kirkels (Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) – Earth Surface Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Boris Jansen (0000-0002-4493-1734, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) – Earth Surface Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Karsten Kalbitz (0000-0002-3920-4794, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED) – Earth Surface Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
Year2013
Volume23
Issue9
Pages1355-1368
Publication date2013-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Holocene (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-6836 • E-ISSN: 1477-0911
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0959683613486943
OpenAlexW2145215997
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited104

Plaggen soils, formed by various vegetational inputs during century-long plaggen (i.e. sod) application, comprise remarkably stable organic matter. Source identification could contribute to a better understanding of carbon stabilization mechanisms in soils and reconstruction of Holocene vegetation and land-use history. Cuticular-derived n-alkane distribution patterns as present in current vegetation are recognized as valuable tools to discriminate input sources, but an assessment of their consistency and variability is lacking to date. Therefore, this review synthesizes information on published n-alkane patterns of vegetation species and their various parts that contributed to plaggen soil formation (i.e. Calluna vulgaris, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris, Lolium perenne, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea and Poa annua). This provided in addition valuable information on potential sources of systematic variation (e.g. geography/climate, environmental conditions, ontogeny and seasonality). Method of extraction/analysis showed no evident effects on n-alkanes. n-Alkanes showed predominantly distinct patterns for different plaggen vegetation species and parts in the range C 17–36 . Prominent n-alkanes C 27 , C 29 , C 31 and C 33 allowed clear distinction between input by shrubs, trees and grasses to plaggen soils. Nevertheless, systematic variability was indicated among n-alkane patterns. Unfortunately, the current limited data set of n-alkane patterns did not allow for exact quantification of the controls of variation. The need for more systematic studies and the setup of a reference data base for vegetation species is highlighted to (1) advance application of n-alkane patterns in source identification, (2) gain more insight into controls on, magnitude and timing of variations and (3) improve our knowledge concerning input sources, carbon dynamics and stabilization mechanisms in (plaggen) soils

Biology · Quercus robur · Environmental Science · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research · Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics · Tree Root and Stability Studies · Ecology