Site-specific nutrient management in a bamboo forest in Southeast China

•SSNM, in comparison to FFP, increased average bamboo yield by approximately 4.3%.•FFP, compared to SSNM, caused an accumulation of inorganic nutrients prone to loss.•Inorganic N and P remaining in soils are prone to large losses via runoff.•SSNM enhanced microbial biomass and activity. Site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) provides a field-specific approach for dynamically applying nutrients to crops on an as-needed basis. The demand for bamboo in China cannot be met despite increases in domestic production and yield in recent years. Further increases in bamboo yield and improve ecological environment, with good economic returns, are feasible in most favorable growth environments of China through relatively straightforward adjustments in crop and nutrient management. We created a SSNM system for bamboo forestry starting in 2009. The influence of SSNM on nutrient availability and characteristics of soil microorganisms in comparison to the current farmer fertilizer practice (FFP) in a bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) forest was investigated from January to December 2011. The results showed that SSNM, in comparison to FFP, increased the average bamboo yield by approximately 4.3%. Fertilizer N, P, and K levels, however, decreased by 55%, 8%, and 16%, respectively. Higher resin N, P, and K availability by using FFP compared to SSNM indicated an accumulation of inorganic nutrients during periods when the bamboo demand for nutrients is low. These nutrients were, therefore, prone to large losses via runoff. Resin nutrient availability was shown to be a good indicator of plant nutrient uptake but not yield. Moreover, the addition of chemical fertilizer altered the microbial biomass C and N, the total amount of PLFA was higher via SSNM (295nmol/g) than those via FFP (262nmol/g), indicating SSNM also increased soil microbial activity. Overall, the SSNM system was found to reduce nutrient release to the environment while maintaining bamboo yields and soil ecological environment.