Effects of vegetation restoration in karst areas on soil nitrogen mineralisation

Nitrate nitrogen, the primary form of inorganic nitrogen, increased by 19.38% in the 0-40 cm soil layer of the 20-year-old shrubland compared to the cultivated land. Soil NH₄ ⁺-N levels varied during the incubation period, decreasing by the 14^th day and rising again by the 21^st day. Soil NO^3--N and total inorganic nitrogen levels initially increased, then declined, and eventually stabilized, reaching their highest levels on the 14^th day. During vegetation restoration, the soil NR and NMR decreased gradually with increasing incubation time. The 15-year shrub, 20-year shrub, and 40-year woodland showed the potential to increase soil NR and NMR. Furthermore, the 15-year shrub and 20-year shrub also increased soil AR. The Mantel test analysis indicated positive correlations among total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), silicon (Si), AR, NR, and NMR. While available phosphorus (AP) and NMR demonstrated positive correlations with NR and NMR. Furthermore, TN, TP, TK, and Si were found to be positively correlated with AR, NR, and NMR, whereas AP and NO₃ ^--N showed negative correlations with AR, NR, and NMR. It is worth noting that NH₄ ⁺-N had the greatest effect on AR, while the bulk density (BD) significantly affected the NR. Furthermore, ammonium nitrogen (AN) and soil organic carbon (SOC) were identified as the primary contributors to NMR. This study provides a theoretical basis for comprehending the influence of vegetation restoration on soil nitrogen mineralization and its role in ecosystem restoration.