Nitrogen addition stimulated soil respiration more so than carbon addition in alpine meadows

The soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) availability are important in the regulation of soil C cycling under climate change. Fertilizers alter soil C and N availability, which can affect C balance. However, the impact of fertilizers on C balance in grassland restoration has been equivocal and warrants more research. We determined the direct and indirect effects of the addition of three levels of C (sucrose) (0, 60, and 120 kg C ha−1 yr−1), three levels of N (urea) (0, 50, and 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and a combination of C plus N at each of the levels on soil respiration (Rs) dynamics and C balance in an alpine meadow in northern Tibet (4700 m above sea level). This study was undertaken during the middle of the growing season in 2011–2012. The addition of C and/or N stimulated CO2 emission, which was 2-fold greater in 2011 (102–144 g C m−2) than in 2012 (43–54 g C m−2). The rate of Rs increased with the addition of N, but was not affected with the addition of C plus N. Microbial biomass C, dissolved organic C and inorganic N were the main drivers of Rs. We concluded that N addition stimulated Rs to a greater extent than C addition in the short term. The application of fertilizer in the restoration of degraded grassland should be re-considered. •Soil microbial content was the main driver of soil respiration (Rs).•N availability stimulated Rs to a greater extent than C availability.•The addition of C and/or N stimulated CO2 emission by less than 31%.•The addition of C and/or N had no effect on C sequestration.