@misc{DillyFrankeNiiAnnangetal., author = {Dilly, Oliver and Franke, G. and Nii-Annang, Seth and Weber, K. and Freese, Dirk and Zyakun, Anatoly and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Soil respiratory indicators including carbon isotope characteristics in response to copper}, series = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, volume = {25}, journal = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, number = {7-8}, issn = {1521-0529}, doi = {10.1080/01490450802402992}, pages = {390 -- 395}, language = {en} } @misc{LemmnitzKuhnertBensetal., author = {Lemmnitz, Christine and Kuhnert, Matthias and Bens, Oliver and G{\"u}nter, A. and Merz, Bruno and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Spatial and temporal variations of actual soil water repellency and their influence on surface runoff}, series = {Hydrological Processes}, volume = {22}, journal = {Hydrological Processes}, number = {12}, issn = {1099-1085}, doi = {10.1002/hyp.6782}, pages = {1976 -- 1984}, language = {en} } @misc{ChabbiSebiloRumpeletal., author = {Chabbi, Abad and Sebilo, Mathieu and Rumpel, Cornelia and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Mariotti, Andr{\´e}}, title = {Origin of Nitrogen in Reforested Lignite-Rich Mine Soils Revealed by Stable Isotope Analysis}, series = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, volume = {42}, journal = {Environmental Science \& Technology}, number = {8}, issn = {1520-5851}, doi = {10.1021/es702377k}, pages = {2787 -- 2792}, language = {en} } @misc{KruemmelbeinPethHorn, author = {Kr{\"u}mmelbein, Julia and Peth, Stephan and Horn, Rainer}, title = {Determination of pre-compression stress of various grazed steppe soil under static and cyclic loading}, series = {Soil \& Tillage Research}, volume = {99}, journal = {Soil \& Tillage Research}, number = {2}, issn = {0167-1987}, doi = {10.1016/j.still.2008.01.008}, pages = {139 -- 148}, language = {en} } @misc{DillyZyakun, author = {Dilly, Oliver and Zyakun, Anatoly}, title = {Priming Effect and Respiratory Quotient in a Forest Soil Amended with Glucose}, series = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, volume = {25}, journal = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, number = {7-8}, issn = {1521-0529}, doi = {10.1080/01490450802403099}, pages = {425 -- 431}, language = {en} } @misc{GebhardtNeubertWoelleckeetal., author = {Gebhardt, Sascha and Neubert, K. and W{\"o}llecke, Jens and M{\"u}nzenberger, Babette and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Ectomycorrhiza communities of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) of different age in the Lusatian lignite mining district, East Germany}, series = {Mycorrhiza}, volume = {17}, journal = {Mycorrhiza}, number = {4}, issn = {1432-1890}, doi = {10.1007/s00572-006-0103-4}, pages = {279 -- 290}, language = {en} } @misc{GruenewaldBrandtSchneideretal., author = {Gr{\"u}newald, Holger and Brandt, Barbara K. V. and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and Bens, Oliver and Kendzia, Gerald and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Agroforestry systems for the production of woody biomass for energy transformation purposes}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {29}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {4}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2006.09.012}, pages = {319 -- 328}, language = {en} } @misc{BensWahlFischeretal., author = {Bens, Oliver and Wahl, Niels Arne and Fischer, Holger and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Water infiltration and hydraulic conductivity in sandy cambisols: impacts of forest transformation on soil hydrological properties}, series = {European Journal of Forest Research}, volume = {126}, journal = {European Journal of Forest Research}, number = {1}, issn = {1612-4677}, doi = {10.1007/s10342-006-0133-7}, pages = {101 -- 109}, language = {en} } @misc{BuczkoBensHuettl, author = {Buczko, Uwe and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Changes in soil water repellency in a pine-beech forest transformation chronosequence: Influence of antecedent rainfall and air temperature}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {31}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {3}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2007.03.006}, pages = {197 -- 204}, language = {en} } @misc{DillyMunchPfeiffer, author = {Dilly, Oliver and Munch, Jean Charles and Pfeiffer, Eva-Maria}, title = {Enzyme activities and litter decomposition in agricultural soils in northern, central, and southern Germany}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {170}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {2}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.200622044}, pages = {197 -- 204}, language = {en} } @misc{MamilovDilly, author = {Mamilov, Anvar S. and Dilly, Oliver}, title = {Microbial characteristics during the initial stages of litter decomposition in forest and adjacent cropland soil}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {31}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {3}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2007.03.005}, pages = {147 -- 153}, language = {en} } @misc{HangenGerke, author = {Hangen, Edzard and Gerke, Horst H.}, title = {Field Measurements of Air and Water Pressures in a Heterogeneous Forest-Reclaimed Lignitic Mine Soil}, series = {Vadose Zone Journal}, volume = {6}, journal = {Vadose Zone Journal}, number = {4}, issn = {1539-1663}, doi = {10.2136/vzj2007.0049}, pages = {849 -- 854}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlFischer, author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Fischer, Thomas}, title = {Carbon sequestration and landscape ecology in Western Europe - editorial}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {29}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {4}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2006.10.001}, pages = {317 -- 318}, language = {en} } @misc{HuettlGerwin, author = {H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Gerwin, Werner}, title = {Forest rehabilitation after disturbance : introduction}, series = {Ecological Engineering}, volume = {31}, journal = {Ecological Engineering}, number = {1}, issn = {0925-8574}, doi = {10.1016/j.ecoleng.2007.05.002}, pages = {145 -- 146}, language = {en} } @misc{StockLesturgezBensetal., author = {Stock, Oliver and Lesturgez, Gregory and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Mechanical properties of metastable glacial till before and after water-induced compaction}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {170}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {4}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.200625012}, pages = {560 -- 566}, language = {en} } @misc{RaabLeopoldVoelkel, author = {Raab, Thomas and Leopold, Matthias and V{\"o}lkel, J{\"o}rg}, title = {Character, Age, and ecological significance of pleistocene periglacial slope deposits in Germany}, series = {Physical Geography}, volume = {28}, journal = {Physical Geography}, number = {6}, issn = {1930-0557}, doi = {10.2747/0272-3646.28.6.451}, pages = {451 -- 473}, language = {en} } @misc{StockBensHuettl, author = {Stock, Oliver and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {The interrelationship between the cultivation of crops and soil-strangth dynamics}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {170}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {6}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.200625009}, pages = {713 -- 721}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Direct and indirect effects of soil pollution by lignite mining}, series = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, volume = {6}, journal = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, number = {3-4}, issn = {1573-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s11267-005-9028-8}, pages = {353 -- 364}, language = {en} } @misc{PlieningerBensHuettl, author = {Plieninger, Tobias and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Perspective of bioenergy for agriculture and rural areas}, series = {Outlook on Agriculture}, volume = {35}, journal = {Outlook on Agriculture}, number = {2}, issn = {0030-7270}, doi = {10.5367/000000006777641624}, pages = {123 -- 127}, language = {en} } @misc{PlieningerBens, author = {Plieninger, Tobias and Bens, Oliver}, title = {How the emergence of biofuels challenges conservation}, series = {Environmental Conservation}, volume = {34}, journal = {Environmental Conservation}, number = {4}, issn = {1469-4387}, doi = {10.1017/S0376892907004328}, pages = {273 -- 275}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettl, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Experiences with liming in European countries - results of long-term experiments}, series = {Journal of Forest Science}, volume = {52}, journal = {Journal of Forest Science}, number = {Special Issue}, pages = {35 -- 44}, language = {en} } @misc{PlieningerBensHuettl, author = {Plieninger, Tobias and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Introduction}, series = {Outlook on Agriculture}, volume = {35}, journal = {Outlook on Agriculture}, number = {2}, doi = {10.5367/000000006777641552}, pages = {95 -- 96}, language = {en} } @misc{Plieninger, author = {Plieninger, Tobias}, title = {Looking Beyond Corn and Petroleum}, series = {Science}, volume = {Vol. 315}, journal = {Science}, number = {5816}, issn = {0036-8075}, pages = {1222 -- 1223}, language = {en} } @misc{BiberSeifertZaplataetal., author = {Biber, Peter and Seifert, Stefan and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Pretzsch, Hans and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Relationships between substrate, surface characteristics, and vegetation in an initial ecosystem}, series = {Biogeosciences}, volume = {10}, journal = {Biogeosciences}, doi = {10.5194/bg-10-8283-2013}, pages = {8283 -- 8303}, abstract = {We investigated surface and vegetation dynamics in the artificial initial ecosystem "Chicken Creek" (Lusatia, Germany) in the years 2006-2011 across a wide spectrum of empirical data. We scrutinized three overarching hypotheses concerning (1) the relations between initial geomorphological and substrate characteristics with surface structure and terrain properties, (2) the effects of the latter on the occurrence of grouped plant species, and (3) vegetation density effects on terrain surface change. Our data comprise and conflate annual vegetation monitoring results, biennial terrestrial laser scans (starting in 2008), annual groundwater levels, and initially measured soil characteristics. The empirical evidence mostly confirms the hypotheses, revealing statistically significant relations for several goal variables: (1) the surface structure properties, local rill density, local relief energy and terrain surface height change; (2) the cover of different plant groups (annual, herbaceous, grass-like, woody, Fabaceae), and local vegetation height; and (3) terrain surface height change showed significant time-dependent relations with a variable that proxies local plant biomass. Additionally, period specific effects (like a calendar-year optimum effect for the occurrence of Fabaceae) were proven. Further and beyond the hypotheses, our findings on the spatiotemporal dynamics during the system's early development grasp processes which generally mark the transition from a geo-hydro-system towards a bio-geo-hydro system (weakening geomorphology effects on substrate surface dynamics, while vegetation effects intensify with time), where pure geomorphology or substrate feedbacks are changing into vegetation-substrate feedback processes.}, language = {en} } @misc{ChabbiRumpelGrootesetal., author = {Chabbi, Abad and Rumpel, C. and Grootes, Pieter M. and Gonzales-Perez, J. A. and Delaune, R. D. and Gonzales-Vila, F. and Nixdorf, Brigitte and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Lignite degradation and mineralization in lignite-containing mine sediment as revealed by 14C activity measurements and molecular analysis}, series = {Organic Geochemistry}, volume = {37}, journal = {Organic Geochemistry}, number = {8}, issn = {0146-6380}, doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2006.02.002}, pages = {957 -- 976}, language = {en} } @misc{ChabbiRumpelGrootesetal., author = {Chabbi, Abad and Rumpel, Cornelia and Grootes, Pieter M. and Mariotti, Andr{\´e} and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Isotopic tracers for the analysis of vegetation-derived organic matter in lignite-containing soils and sediments along a transect ranging from a forest soil to submerged lake sediment}, series = {Organic Geochemistry}, volume = {37}, journal = {Organic Geochemistry}, number = {6}, issn = {0146-6380}, doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2006.01.011}, pages = {740 -- 753}, language = {en} } @misc{BaumannRumpeltSchneideretal., author = {Baumann, K. and Rumpelt, A. and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and Marschner, P. and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Seedling biomass and element content of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra grown in sandy substrates with lignite}, series = {Geoderma}, volume = {136}, journal = {Geoderma}, number = {3-4}, issn = {0016-7061}, doi = {10.1016/j.geoderma.2006.04.013}, pages = {573 -- 578}, language = {en} } @misc{BensBuczkoSieberetal., author = {Bens, Oliver and Buczko, Uwe and Sieber, Sonja and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Spatial variability of O layer thickness and humus forms under different pine beech-forest transformation stages in NE Germany}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {169}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {1}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.200521734}, pages = {5 -- 15}, language = {en} } @misc{BuczkoBensHuettl, author = {Buczko, Uwe and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Water infiltration and hydrophobicity in forest soils of a pine-beech transformation chronosequence}, series = {Journal of Hydrology}, volume = {331}, journal = {Journal of Hydrology}, number = {3-4}, doi = {10.1016/j.jhydrol.2006.05.023}, pages = {383 -- 395}, language = {en} } @misc{SchaafHuettlScullion, author = {Schaaf, Wolfgang and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F. and Scullion, John}, title = {Preface: EUROSOIL 2004 Symposium in Freiburg, Germany}, series = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, volume = {6}, journal = {Water, Air \& Soil Pollution: Focus}, number = {3-4}, issn = {1573-2940}, doi = {10.1007/s11267-005-9020-3}, pages = {233 -- 234}, language = {en} } @misc{BuczkoBens, author = {Buczko, Uwe and Bens, Oliver}, title = {Assessing soil hydrophobicity and its variability through the soil profile using two different methods}, series = {Soil Science Society of America Journal}, volume = {70}, journal = {Soil Science Society of America Journal}, number = {3}, issn = {1435-0661}, doi = {10.2136/sssaj2005.0183}, pages = {718 -- 727}, language = {en} } @misc{Dilly, author = {Dilly, Oliver}, title = {Ratios of microbial biomass estimates to evaluate microbial physiology in soil}, series = {Biology and Fertility of Soils}, volume = {42}, journal = {Biology and Fertility of Soils}, number = {3}, issn = {1432-0789}, doi = {10.1007/s00374-005-0021-1}, pages = {241 -- 246}, language = {en} } @misc{ZoennchenSchaafEsperschuetz, author = {Z{\"o}nnchen, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Espersch{\"u}tz, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Effect of litter addition on element leaching in young sandy soils}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {177}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {4}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.201300383}, pages = {585 -- 595}, abstract = {The knowledge about element leaching and biogeochemical cycles during initial stages of soil development is very limited. Therefore, we studied the effects of parent material characteristics and plant litter addition on element leaching from young sandy soils in a microcosm experiment. Our objective was to evaluate the function of young soils as a source and/or sink for nutrients during initial pedogenesis and to identify main processes which are involved in the initial development of biogeochemical cycles. The main research questions were: (1) How do differences in parent material characteristics affect nutrient leaching?; and (2) How is nutrient leaching of young soils influenced by litter addition of different plant functional groups (e.g., legume and grass species)? Combined treatments of two minimally weathered parent materials (pure sand and loamy sand) with plant litter of two plant species (Lotus corniculatus L. and Calamagrostis epigejos L.) were investigated in a soil column experiment. In addition, control columns with parent material or plant litter only were included. Carbonate weathering as a main source for calcium leaching was induced by the moderately acidic irrigation solution used in the experiment. It was 7.5 fold greater for the loamy sand parent material compared to the pure sand despite lower carbonate contents in the loamy sand. Leaching of K was very low for both parent materials but greater for the loamy sand parent material, likely due to transfer processes from fixed to exchangeable potassium forms in the clay minerals of the loamy sand. Plant litter addition generally increased leaching losses. Carbonate dissolution was intensified by both plant litter types, especially by L. corniculatus, very likely due to H+ released during nitrification of N released from plant litter and an increase in partial pressure of CO2 from microbial respiration. In contrast, K was largely retained in the soils, probably due to fixation by clay minerals and microbial immobilization. Only the pure sand treated with L. corniculatus litter leached K, resulting in 4-6 fold greater leaching losses compared to all other treatments. Nitrogen released from L. corniculatus litter was almost completely nitrified and was nearly doubled as compared to that from C. epigejos, resulting in greater N leaching. The results of our study allow identifying the general function and processes of vegetation patches in young ecosystems formed as a result of initial parent material characteristics and invading vegetation with respect to litter decomposition, soil solution composition, nutrient retention and leaching, and effects on the soil mineral phase. These patterns are not mere additive effects of parent materials plus plant litter, but reflect differences in biogeochemical process intensities and could result in an increasing heterogeneity of soil properties, nutrient availability, and element leaching fluxes with time.}, language = {en} } @misc{SlazakFreeseMatosetal., author = {Slazak, Anna and Freese, Dirk and Matos, Eduardo da Silva and Nii-Annang, Seth and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Phosphorus pools in soil after land conversion from silvopasture to arable and grassland use}, series = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, volume = {177}, journal = {Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science}, number = {2}, issn = {1522-2624}, doi = {10.1002/jpln.201200334}, pages = {159 -- 167}, abstract = {Differences in soil P among silvopasture, grassland, and arable lands have been well established. Nevertheless, most of the reports compare soil properties under long-term sites. Thus, there exists little information on the effect of the conversion of silvopasture to arable or grassland use on soil P pools. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of converting silvopasture system (SP) into arable cropping and grassland system on the distribution of P pools and potential P bioavailability. We compared the following systems: SP system, SP converted to arable cropland (SP-AL), SP converted to grassland (SP-GL), and for comparative purposes, a long-term arable cropland (AL). The P fractionation was performed by a sequential extraction scheme, using acid and alkaline extractants on samples collected from the 0-10 and 10-20 cm soil layers. It was assumed that the large variations in soil-P fractionations are caused by the different management practices associated with land conversion. The results of P fractionation showed a dominance of calcium-bound P, HCl-extractable Pi constituted up to 36\% of the soil total P (TP). However, the type of land use did not affect this P fraction. On the other hand, the reduction in labile-Pi and NaOH-Pi fractions observed at the SP-AL site may have led to the decline in readily available P. The soil total organic P (TPo) content was 8\% and 17\% lower at SP-AL compared to SP and SP-GL site, respectively. Labile organic-P (labile-Po) content was markedly higher at SP site compared to arable soils, and was ≈ 10\% of TPo. The NaOH-Po constituted the highest fraction of the organic-P pool (55\%-79\% of TPo) across all the study systems, and was positively correlated with TPo (p < 0.01). The study indicates that conversion of SP system in temperate regions to arable cropping with conventional tillage seems to result in the reduction of P availability compared to SP, indicating SP as an important land-use practice.}, language = {en} } @misc{DillyRepmannFrankeetal., author = {Dilly, Oliver and Repmann, Frank and Franke, Gabriele and Gr{\"u}newald, Holger and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Microbial Characteristics of Young Soils on Disposal Sites of Coal Combustion Waste in Bosnia and Herzegovina}, series = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, volume = {28}, journal = {Geomicrobiology Journal}, number = {7}, issn = {1521-0529}, doi = {10.1080/01490451.2010.512032}, pages = {574 -- 581}, abstract = {Microbial communities are essential for a range of soil functions and adjust to soil development, environmental conditions and pollution level by community structure, abundance and activity. At desolated landfills of coal combustion waste (CCW) that were un-covered and covered with shallow soil material layers, soil microbial indicators were estimated for both the ecological and eco-toxicological evaluation. The young CCW sites with pH values of 9.5 and substantial coal-derived organic carbon showed significant microbial biomass content and nitrogen mineralization rates. At the 0 to 15 year old landfills, the microbial biomass content and activities increased significantly with age. However, large spatial variations occurred due to the variation of the cover material thickness, the degree of ash-aging and the tillage practices. Carbon dioxide was even sequestered at young CCW sites as indicated during laboratory incubation with an open apparatus purging continuously ambient air. In accordance, the respiratory quotient went down to 0.03 mol CO2 evolution rate per mol O2 uptake rate, indicating that the CO2 evolution rate is limited as an overall quality indicator. Within 15 years, these 'Technosols' showed pH values of 7.7 and decalcified while changes in microbial biomass content and activity rates were mainly related to N availability. We concluded that the available As, B, Cr and Ni pollution at CCW sites seemed largely immobilised by organic matter and alkalinity and therefore did not to inhibit the microbial colonisation and development of high microbial activity within 15 years. However, the ash disposals pose a contamination risk by wind erosion and a future risk to human or environmental health when toxic metals will be released in soil at low pH values, low organic matter and low antagonistic ion contents.}, language = {en} } @misc{SutLohmannFischerRepmannetal., author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Fischer, Thomas and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Long-Term Release of Iron-Cyanide Complexes from the Soil of a Manufactured Gas Plant Site}, series = {Journal of Environmental Protection}, volume = {4}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Protection}, number = {11B}, issn = {2152-2219}, doi = {10.4236/jep.2013.411A2002}, pages = {8 -- 19}, abstract = {Iron-cyanide (Fe-CN) complexes have been detected at Manufactured Gas Plant sites (MGP) worldwide. The risk of groundwater contamination depends mainly on the dissolution of ferric ferrocyanide. In order to design effective reme- diation strategies, it is relevant to understand the contaminant's fate and transport in soil, and to quantify and mathe- matically model a release rate. The release of iron-cyanide complexes from four contaminated soils, originating from the former MGP in Cottbus, has been studied by using a column experiment. Results indicated that long-term cyanide (CN) release is governed by two phases: one readily dissolved and one strongly fixed. Different isotherm and kinetic equations were used to investigate the driving mechanisms for the ferric ferrocyanide release. Applying the isotherm equations assumed an approach by which two phases were separate in time, whereas the multiple first order equation considered simultaneous occurrence of both cyanide pools. Results indicated varying CN release rates according to the phase and soil. According to isotherm and kinetic models, the long-term iron cyanide release from the MGP soils is a complex phenomenon driven by various mechanisms parallely involving desorption, diffusion and transport processes. Phase I (rapid release) is presumably mainly constrained by the transport process of readily dissolved iron-cyanide complexes combined with desorption of CN bound to reactive heterogeneous surfaces that are in direct contact with the aqueous phase (outer-sphere complexation). Phase II (limited rate) is presumably driven by the diffusion controlled processes involving dissolution of precipitated ferric ferrocyanide from the mineral or inner-sphere complexation of fer- ricyanides. CN release rates in phase I and II were mainly influenced by the pH, organic matter (OM) and the total CN content. The cyanide release rates increased with increasing pH, decreased with low initial CN concentration and were retarded by the increase in OM content.}, language = {en} } @misc{DuemigVesteHagedornetal., author = {D{\"u}mig, Alexander and Veste, Maik and Hagedorn, Frank and Fischer, Thomas and Lange, Philipp and Spr{\"o}te, Roland and K{\"o}gel-Knabner, Ingrid}, title = {Organic matter from biological soil crusts induces the initial formation of sandy temperate soils}, series = {Catena}, volume = {122}, journal = {Catena}, doi = {10.1016/j.catena.2014.06.011}, pages = {196 -- 208}, abstract = {Different development stages of algae-dominated and moss-dominated biological soil crusts (BSCs) were sampled on a natural sand dune (b17 years old) and on an experimental sand dune (b8 years old) along a catena, including gradients of vegetation cover, location on the slope, as well as composition and thickness of BSC organisms in northeastern Germany. The accumulation of BSC-derived organic carbon (OC)was determined for bulk materials and fractions less than 63 μm. The OC composition was characterized by solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy and the carbohydrate-C signature. 14C contents were determined to assess the origin and dynamics of OC. From the radiocarbon contents, two OC pools were differentiated: recent BSC-derived and lignite-derived "old" OC. Downward movement of OC into the underlying substratewas found only undermoss-dominated BSCs at the old sand dune. BSC-derived OC was mainly composed of carbohydrate-C and, to a lesser extent, alkyl C and N-alkyl C, with considerably higher contributions of alkyl C in the young dune, indicating differences in the composition of extracellular polymeric substances produced by the BSCs with age. This is consistent with higher proportions of water-soluble OC of moss-dominated BSCs at the old dune, which is leached in the underlying substrate and initiates soil formation. Because of the channeling effect of mosses, OC depth translocation along with suspended colloidal substances contribute to OC accumulation in substrates.}, language = {en} } @misc{HerbrichZoennchenSchaaf, author = {Herbrich, Marcus and Z{\"o}nnchen, Claudia and Schaaf, Wolfgang}, title = {Short-term effects of plant litter addition on mineral surface characteristics of young sandy soils}, series = {Geoderma}, volume = {239-240}, journal = {Geoderma}, issn = {0016-7061}, doi = {10.1016/j.geoderma.2014.10.017}, pages = {206 -- 212}, abstract = {Initial stages of soil development are characterized by structural changes of mineral surfaces over time. The specific surface area (SSA) is closely related to pedogenic properties and soil organic matter (SOM). Interactions between SOM and mineral surfaces induce quantitative and qualitative changes in SSA and corresponding soil properties. However, the knowledge about ranges, effects and mechanisms of organic coverage in the very initial phase of pedogenesis is very limited. Therefore, our objective was to study these processes in young sandy soils and the effects of plant litter addition. Soil samples taken from the constructed catchment "Chicken Creek" were used in a microcosm experiment over 80 weeks. The silt and clay fractions of samples (b63 μm) were analyzed before the experiment and after 40 and 80 weeks. The effects of litter addition and weathering on SSA were assessed using the BET-N2 sorption approach. We found increases of SSA between 16.4\% and 41.6\% within the 80 week experimental period, but a relative reduction in S. A due to organic coverage of these new surfaces after plant litter addition. The removal of the soil organic matter (SOM) by muffling increased SSA (6.8-12.9\%). The results for SSA corresponded to changes in surface specific parameters like cation exchange capacity (CEC), surface enthalpy and the fractional coverage of mineral surfaces by SOM. In conclusion, the results showed that the soilswere clearly in a very initial state of soil development. However, the potential of these young sandy soils to adsorb nutrients and soil organic matter as one of the main important soil functions clearly increased within the relatively short experimental period and changes in SSA indicate relatively large increases in mineral surfaces within short time periods during the initial phase of soil development compared to long-term pedogenesis.}, language = {en} } @misc{BoehmKanzlerFreese, author = {B{\"o}hm, Christian and Kanzler, Michael and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Wind speed reduction as influenced by woody hedgerows grown for biomass in short rotation alley cropping systems in Germany}, series = {Agroforestry Systems}, volume = {88}, journal = {Agroforestry Systems}, number = {4}, issn = {1572-9680}, doi = {10.1007/s10457-014-9700-y}, pages = {579 -- 591}, abstract = {The cultivation of fast growing trees on agricultural sites is an area undergoing a growth in interest due to the rising demand for woody biomass as a source of bioenergy. Short rotation alley cropping systems (SRACS) represent a promising possibility to combine annual crops for food, fodder or bioenergy with woody plants for biomass production, doing so through an integration of hedgerows of fast growing trees into conventional agricultural sites. Against such developments, the question has arisen as to what extent hedgerows in SRACS can act as an effective windbreak despite their management-related low height of only a few meters. On the basis of multiannual recorded wind velocity data in high resolution at two sites in Germany, it could be shown that the wind speed on crop alleys was reduced significantly by such hedgerows. At the central point of 24 m wide crop alleys, the wind speed decreased on an annual average basis by more than 50 \% when compared to the wind speeds of open field. The overall amount of reduction was strongly dependent on the location within the crop alleys, the height of trees, the distance between two hedgerows, and their orientation. In reflection upon these results, it was concluded that the establishment of SRACS could lead to enhanced soil protection against wind erosion and thus to ecological and economic benefits for agricultural sites.}, language = {en} } @misc{RodionovNiiAnnangFischeretal., author = {Rodionov, Andrei and Nii-Annang, Seth and Fischer, Thomas and Gattinger, Andreas and Bens, Oliver and Raab, Thomas and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Cross-linked polyacrylates in post-mining substrates: persistence and effects on plant growth}, series = {Soil Use and Management}, volume = {30}, journal = {Soil Use and Management}, number = {1}, issn = {1475-2743}, doi = {10.1111/sum.12103}, pages = {78 -- 87}, abstract = {Application of hydrophilic polymers composed of cross-linked polyacrylate can improve soil water-holding capacity and accelerate the restoration of post-mining substrates. In this work, we studied the persistence of a polyacrylate polymer incorporated into a soil and its impact on plant nutrients at a reclamation site of former lignite mining in Lusatia (Germany). In contrast to autumn application, the incorporation of the polymer enhanced the sequestration of plant-derived carbon in the soil, which was reflected by a significant increase in the concentration of a lignin marker. Attenuated total reflexion-Fourier transform infrared spectra (ATR-FTIR) and total elemental contents in the applied polymer suggested an intensive cation exchange between the polymer framework and the soil-forming substrate. In addition, there was an enrichment of carbonaceous material, which seems to reduce the swelling and thus the water-holding capacity of the cross-linked polyacrylate. Conversely, this process protected the polymer structure from rapid decomposition.}, language = {en} } @misc{UlrichPiwczynskiZaplataetal., author = {Ulrich, Werner and Piwczynski, Marcin and Zaplata, Markus Klemens and Winter, Susanne and Schaaf, Wolfgang and Fischer, Anton}, title = {Small-scale spatial variability in phylogenetic community structure during early plant succession depends on soil properties}, series = {Oecologia}, volume = {175}, journal = {Oecologia}, number = {3}, doi = {10.1007/s00442-014-2954-2}, pages = {985 -- 995}, abstract = {During early plant succession, the phylogenetic structure of a community changes in response to important environmental filters and emerging species interactions. We traced the development of temperate-zone plant communities during the first 7 years of primary succession on catchment soils to explore patterns of initial species assembly. We found pronounced small-scale differences in the phylogenetic composition of neighbouring plant assemblages and a large-scale trend towards phylogenetic evenness. This small-scale variability appears to be mediated by soil properties, particularly carbonate content. Therefore, abiotic environmental conditions might counteract or even supersede the effects of interspecific competition among closely related species, which are usually predicted to exhibit patterns of phylogenetic evenness. We conclude that theories on phylogenetic community composition need to incorporate effects of small-scale variability of environmental factors.}, language = {en} } @misc{OuldBabaPethHornetal., author = {Ould Baba, Hamoudy and Peth, Stephan and Horn, Rainer and Bens, Oliver and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Quantification of mechanical strength and sliding stability of an artificial water catchment (Chicken Creek)}, series = {Soil \& Tillage Research}, volume = {146}, journal = {Soil \& Tillage Research}, issn = {0167-1987}, doi = {10.1016/j.still.2014.05.013}, pages = {66 -- 78}, abstract = {Natural shear forces due to gravity along inclined terrain surfaces are controlled by the inclination of the terrain, material composition and its mechanical properties, stratification and hydraulic stress states. Both shear forces and shear strength under a given inclination of the terrain surface strongly depend on the interaction between mechanical and hydraulic stresses. These internal conditions as well as the interactions between these various components are fundamentals in all nonplanar regions under arable, forest or grassland management and they dominate also under various geoscientific aims. Generally, soil creep is a slow soil movement downslope under gravity. It can occur even on gentle slopes when the shear forces exceed the shear strength of the soil. Deposited material on slopes is more sensitive to such movements than well-developed soils due to the absence of a pronounced soil structure, site and management dependent hydraulic properties and functions, which results in low soil strength. We applied the described measurements and the modelling approaches to investigate and to analyse the stability of an artificially constructed water catchment (Chicken Creek) in the mining district of Cottbus/Germany, where glacial sand was deposited above a clay layer with an inclination of about 3.5\%. At the lower part of the catchment, an impermeable barrier (claywall)was positioned transversally to the main slope. Mechanical and hydraulic parameters of the soil layers were determined on soil samples taken from the field site. The measured values were inserted as input parameters for the finite element model (Plaxis 2D) to simulate soil movements and their effect on the stability of the catchment. The obtained results showed that the kind of construction negatively affected the physical low soil strength (low precompression stress) although the bulk density was very high (1.7-1.9 g/cm3 for the sandy material). Hydraulic conductivity revealed a significant anisotropy with higher hydraulic conductivity values in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, finite element results showed that the design of the newly formed landscape remains weak concerning mass movements too. The high water table in the sandy material in conjunction with low soil strength enhances the downslope movement and increases the shear stress near the clay wall at the lower end of the slope, which finally results in soil creep processes. These results also proof that such geotechnical and modelling approach is also suitable to validate or to predict mass movements and the internal processes responsible for these internal mass erosion.}, language = {en} } @misc{MantovaniVesteFreese, author = {Mantovani, Dario and Veste, Maik and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Black locust (Robina pseudoacacia L.) ecopysiological and morphological adaptations to drought and their consequence on biomass production and water-use efficiency}, series = {New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science}, volume = {44}, journal = {New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1186/s40490-014-0029-0}, pages = {11}, abstract = {Background: Successful plantation efforts growing Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) in the drier regions of Hungary and East Germany (Brandenburg), have demonstrated the potential of black locust as an alternative tree species for short-rotation biomass energy plantations. Methods: The response of black locust to water limitation was investigated in a lysimeter experiment. Plants were grown under three different soil moisture regimes, with values set at 35\%, 70\%, and 100\% of the soil water availability, namely WA35, WA70, and WA100. Their morphological adaptation and productivity response to water constraint were assessed together with their water-use efficiency. Furthermore, the ecophysiological adaptation at the leaf level was assessed in terms of net photosynthesis and leaf transpiration. Results: During the growing season, plants in the WA35, WA70, and WA100 treatments transpired 239, 386, and 589 litres of water respectively. The plants subjected to the WA35 and WA70 treatments developed smaller leaves compared with the plants subjected to the WA100 treatment (66\% and 36\% respectively), which contributed to the total leaf area reduction from 8.03 m2 (WA100) to 3.25 m2 (WA35). The total above-ground biomass produced in the WA35 (646 g) and WA70 (675 g) treatments reached only 46\% and 48\% of the biomass yield obtained in the WA100 (1415 g). The water-use efficiency across all treatments was 2.31 g L-1. At vapour pressure deficit (VPD) values <1.4 kPa trees growing under the WA35 soil moisture regime showed a stomatal down-regulation of transpiration to 5.3 mmol m-2 s-1, whereas the trees growing under the WA100 regime did not regulate their stomatal conductance and transpiration was 11.7 mmol m-2 s-1, even at VPD values >2 kPa. Conclusions: Black locust plants can adapt to prolonged drought conditions by reducing water loss through both reduced transpiration and leaf size. However, under well-watered conditions it does not regulate its transpiration, and therefore it cannot be considered a water-saving tree species.}, language = {en} } @misc{TsonkovaBoehmQuinkensteinetal., author = {Tsonkova, Penka and B{\"o}hm, Christian and Quinkenstein, Ansgar and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Application of partial order ranking to identify enhancement potantials for the provision of selected ecosystem services by different land use strategies}, series = {Agricultural Systems}, volume = {135}, journal = {Agricultural Systems}, issn = {0308-521X}, doi = {10.1016/j.agsy.2015.01.002}, pages = {112 -- 121}, abstract = {Conventional agricultural practices have often been associated with negative externalities, such as land degradation, pollution of soil and water resources, loss of biodiversity, and decreased provision of ecosystem services (ES). In response to these negative effects, the number of indicator-based attempts to assess ES provided by land use systems has increased. However, decisions regarding the importance of the different ES are usually made subjectively. Following an objective approach through the use of a partial order ranking method, this study aimed to assess several non-provisioning ES supplied by alley cropping system (ACS) in comparison with conventional agriculture (CA). The main objective of the study was to verify the applicability of partial order ranking to an ecologically-based assessment, focusing on soil, water, and biodiversity indicators. Results from 40 hypothetical scenarios representing various site conditions of agricultural fields in Germany were calculated using the Ecosystem Services Assessment Tool for Agroforestry (ESAT-A), a toolbox designed to assess selected ES of ACS following an empirical approach. The results were ranked using partial order and were visualized by a Hasse diagram. The findings depict partial order ranking as a promising technique to support decision making in order to find priority scenarios and indicators where the provision of ES can be enhanced by establishing ACS. The minimal scenarios under CA identified with simultaneously low values of all indicators were perceived as target scenarios for establishing ACS. The values of the indicators for the current land use system need to be taken into account in order to avoid scenarios where high tradeoff was suggested. Additionally, this approach can be extended and utilized at the field level to aid farmer decisions on which land use strategy is the most suitable alternative to increase the provision of ES.}, language = {en} } @misc{MedinskiFreeseBoehm, author = {Medinski, Tanya V. and Freese, Dirk and B{\"o}hm, Christian}, title = {Soil CO2 flux in an alley-cropping system composed of black locust and poplar trees, Germany}, series = {Agroforestry Systems}, volume = {89}, journal = {Agroforestry Systems}, number = {2}, issn = {1572-9680}, doi = {10.1007/s10457-014-9764-8}, pages = {267 -- 277}, abstract = {Understanding of soil carbon dynamics after establishment of alley-cropping systems is crucial for mitigation of greenhouse CO2 gas. This study investigates soil CO2 fluxes in an alley-cropping system composed of tree strips of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and poplar (Populus nigra 9 P. maximowiczii, Max 1) trees and adjacent to them crop strips (Lupinus/Solarigol). Soil CO2 flux was measured monthly over a period from March to November 2012, using a LI-COR LI-8100A automated device. Concurrently with CO2 flux measurements, soil and air temperature, soil moisture, microbial C and hot water-extractable C were determined for the soils nearby soil collars. Root biomass was determined to a depth of 15 cm. In all sampling areas, soil CO2 flux increased from May to July, showing a significant positive correlation with air and soil temperature, which can be a reflection of increase in photosynthesis, and therefore supply of carbohydrates from leaves to rhizosphere, over the warm summer months. A positive correlation between CO2 flux and soil moisture over the warm period indicates an enhancing role of soil moisture on microbial mineralization and root respiration. Average CO2 flux values observed over March-November period did not differ significantly between sampling areas, showing 2.5, 3.2, and 2.9 lmol m-2 s-1 values for black locust, poplar and crops, respectively. Significantly higher CO2 flux values over the summer period in trees could be attributed to the higher photosynthetic activity and higher root density compared to crops.}, language = {en} } @misc{SutLohmannRepmannRaab, author = {Sut-Lohmann, Magdalena and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas}, title = {Retardation of iron-cyanide complexes in the soil of a former manufactured gas plant site}, series = {Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A}, volume = {50}, journal = {Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A}, number = {3}, issn = {1532-4117}, doi = {10.1080/10934529.2015.981116}, pages = {282 -- 291}, abstract = {The soil in the vicinities of former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) sites is commonly contaminated with iron-cyanide complexes (ferric ferrocyanide). The phenomenon of cyanide mobility in soil, according to the literature, is mainly governed by the dissolution and precipitation of ferric ferrocyanide, which is only slightly soluble (<1 mg L!'1) under acidic conditions. In this paper, retention properties of the sandy loam soil and the potential vertical movement of the solid iron-cyanide complexes, co-existing with the dissolution, sorption and precipitation reactions were investigated. Preliminary research conducted on a former MGP site implied colloidal transport of ferric ferricyanide from the initial deposition in the wastes layer towards the sandy loam material (secondary accumulation), which possibly retarded the mobility of cyanide (CN). A series of batch and column experiments were applied in order to investigate the retardation of iron-cyanide complexes by the sandy loam soil. Batch experiments revealed that in circumneutral pH conditions sandy loam material decreases the potassium ferro- and ferricyanide concentration. In column experiments a minor reduction in CN concentration was observed prior to addition of iron sulfide (FeS) layer, which induced the formation of the Prussian blue colloids in circumneutral pH conditions. Precipitated solid iron-cyanide complexes were mechanically filtered by the coherent structure of the investigated soil. Additionally, the reduction of the CN concentration of the percolation solutions by the sandy loam soil was presumably induced due to the formation of potassium manganese iron-cyanide (K2Mn[Fe(CN)6]).}, language = {en} } @misc{BoldtBurischNaethSchneideretal., author = {Boldt-Burisch, Katja and Naeth, M. Anne and Schneider, Bernd Uwe and H{\"u}ttl, Reinhard F.}, title = {Linkage between root systems of three pioneer plant species and soil nitrogen during early reclamation of a mine site in Lusatia, Germany}, series = {Restoration Ecology}, volume = {23}, journal = {Restoration Ecology}, number = {4}, issn = {1526-100X}, doi = {10.1111/rec.12190}, pages = {357 -- 365}, abstract = {In 2005, a 7-ha artificial watershed (Chicken Creek) was built on a post mined landscape in Lusatia, Germany from sandy substrates of Pleistocene origin, commonly used in reclamation. The watershed was developed to investigate the initial phase of soil and ecosystem development under natural conditions. At this early stage, mineral nitrogen in young sandy soils is primarily limited and nitrogen fixing legumes become key components of natural succession. Local abundant pioneering legumes Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium arvense and one pioneer grass species Calamagrostis epigeios were investigated 5 years after watershed construction. In this study, we investigated the influence of spatial root and nodule distribution of these species on soil nitrogen accumulation. Soil, including roots, was sampled from field monoliths covered with the aforementioned plant species. Root systems of both legumes were mainly restricted to the upper 20 cm of soil, whereas roots of C. epigeios also developed strongly at greater depths. A positive relationship was found, with higher plant densities associated with higher root densities which were associated with higher nodule densities for legumes and which were all associated with significantly higher soil nitrogen content relative to non-vegetated areas. This research provides rare information on the role root systems of pioneer legumes play in soil nitrogen input in the early stage of soil and ecosystem development during revegetation by natural succession.}, language = {en} } @misc{FischerGypserSubbotinaetal., author = {Fischer, Thomas and Gypser, Stella and Subbotina, Maria and Veste, Maik}, title = {Synergic hydraulic and nutritional feedback mechanisms control surface patchiness of biological soil crusts on tertiary sands at a post-mining site}, series = {Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics}, volume = {62}, journal = {Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics}, number = {4}, issn = {0042-790X}, doi = {10.2478/johh-2014-0038}, pages = {293 -- 302}, abstract = {In a recultivation area located in Brandenburg, Germany, five types of biocrusts (initial BSC1, developed BSC2 and BSC3, mosses, lichens) and non-crusted mineral substrate were sampled on tertiary sand deposited in 1985- 1986 to investigate hydrologic interactions between crust patches. Crust biomass was lowest in the non-crusted substrate, increased to the initial BSC1 and peaked in the developed BSC2, BSC3, the lichens and the mosses. Water infiltration was highest on the substrate, and decreased to BSC2, BSC1 and BSC3. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed that the lichens and BSC3 were associated with water soluble nutrients and with pyrite weathering products, thus representing a high nutrient low hydraulic feedback mode. The mosses and BSC2 represented a low nutrient high hydraulic feedback mode. These feedback mechanisms were considered as synergic, consisting of run-off generating (low hydraulic) and run-on receiving (high hydraulic) BSC patches. Three scenarios for BSC succession were proposed. (1) Initial BSCs sealed the surface until they reached a successional stage (represented by BSC1) from which the development into either of the feedback modes was triggered, (2) initial heterogeneities of the mineral substrate controlled the development of the feedback mode, and (3) complex interactions between lichens and mosses occurred at later stages of system development.}, language = {en} } @misc{DimitrovaRepmannRaabetal., author = {Dimitrova, Tsvetelina and Repmann, Frank and Raab, Thomas and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Uptake of ferrocyanide in willow and poplar trees in a long term greenhouse experiment}, series = {Ecotoxicology}, volume = {24}, journal = {Ecotoxicology}, number = {3}, issn = {1573-3017}, doi = {10.1007/s10646-014-1398-0}, pages = {510}, abstract = {Phytoremediation of sites contaminated with iron cyanides can be performed using poplar and willow trees. Poplar and willow trees were grown in potting substrate spiked with ferrocyanide concentrations of up to 2,000 mg kg-1 for 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Soil solution and leaf tissue of different age were sampled for total cyanide analysis every week. Chlorophyll content in the leaves was determined to quantify cyanide toxicity. Results showed that cyanide in the soil solution of spiked soils differed between treatments and on weekly basis and ranged from 0.5 to 1,200 mg l-1. The maximum cyanide content in willow and poplar leaves was 518 mg kg-1 fresh weight (FW) and 148 mg kg-1 FW respectively. Cyanide accumulated in the leaves increased linearly with increasing cyanide concentration in the soil solution. On the long term, significantly more cyanide was accumulated in old leaf tissue than in young tissue. Chlorophyll content in poplar decreased linearly with increasing cyanide in the soil solution and in leaf tissue, and over time. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for poplars after 4 weeks of exposure was 173 mg l-1 and for willow after 8 weeks of exposure—768 mg l-1. Results show that willows tolerate much more cyanide and over a longer period than poplars, making them very appropriate for remediating sites highly contaminated with iron cyanides.}, language = {en} } @misc{MantovaniVesteBoldtBurischetal., author = {Mantovani, Dario and Veste, Maik and Boldt-Burisch, Katja and Fritsch, Simone and Koning, Laurie Anne and Freese, Dirk}, title = {Carbon allocation, nodulation, and biological nitrogen fixation of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) under soil water limitation}, series = {Annals of Forest Research}, volume = {58}, journal = {Annals of Forest Research}, number = {2}, issn = {2065-2445}, doi = {10.15287/afr.2015.420}, pages = {259 -- 274}, abstract = {The pioneer tree black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a drought-resistant tree and, in symbiosis with Rhizobium, able to fix dinitrogen from the atmosphere. It is, therefore, an interesting species for marginal lands where soil amelioration is sought in addition to economic gain. However, the interaction between soil water availability, carbon allocation and nitrogen fixation is important for a successful establishment of trees on marginal lands and has not yet been investigated for black locust. Twoyear-old trees were grown under various soil water conditions and drought cycles. The stable isotopic composition of C (δ 13C) and N (δ 15N) of the leaves was used to identify i) the effective drought condition of the treatments and ii) the portion N accrued from the atmosphere by the biological nitrogen fixation. Drought-stressed plants significantly reduced their total aboveground biomass production, which was linearly linked to tree transpiration. The shoot:root ratio values changed from 2.2 for the drought-stressed to 4.3 for the well-watered plants. Our investigation shows that drought stress increases the nodule biomass of black locust in order to maintain biological nitrogen fixation and to counteract the lower soil nitrogen availability. The biological nitrogen fixation of drought-stressed trees could be maintained at relatively higher values compared to the well-watered trees. The average leaf nitrogen content varied between 2.8\% and 3.0\% and was not influenced by the drought stress. Carbon fixation, carbon allocation, and biological nitrogen fixation are to some extent balanced at low irrigation and allow Robinia to cope with long-term water constraints. The combination of black locust's ecophysiological and morphological plasticity make it interesting as a biomass source for bioenergy and timber production, even in nutrient-limited and drought-affected areas of Europe.}, language = {en} }