Author(s)

Boqin Li

Corresponding Author

Boqin Li

Abstract

This essay analyzes soil nutrient dynamics around non-priority ancient Platycladus orientalis in Beijing’s Shijingshan Moshikou area, focusing on ecological and urban public health impacts. To address urban marginal ecosystem gaps, it examined 15 random 0–20 cm soil profiles near Fahai Temple Forest Park, targeting non-nationally protected green-label ancient trees. Urban parks with such understudied trees boost wellbeing, recreation, microclimate mitigation, and ecological balance, yet their soil nutrients—especially in resource-limited Moshikou—are under-researched. We measured the key parameters including pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK). Findings showed soil pH ranged 6.50–8.12, mostly alkaline (7.65–8.12)—a trait affecting nutrient bioavailability and heavy metal mobility. OC varied 16.2–69.0 g/kg (high in L15: 69.0 g/kg, low in L1: 16.2 g/kg, raising fertility/structure concerns). TN (1.76–4.73 g/kg) and plant-available AN (117–641 mg/kg, peak in L11: 641 mg/kg) fluctuated sharply; AP (4.6–179.2 mg/kg) and AK (103–577 mg/kg) also varied, with L11 having abnormally high AP (179.2 mg/kg). No single parameter was extremely high/low alone—extremes occurred in groups. With reference samples and replicates, data was relatively accurate. Soil traits matter for public health: alkalinity reduces heavy metal bioavailability, while nutrient dynamics affect Platycladus orientalis vigor and residents’ ecological benefits. The study fills gaps in marginal urban forest ecosystems, providing basic data for managing resource-limited suburbs to balance ecological resilience and public health.

Keywords

Soil Nutrient Dynamics, Urban Marginal Ecological Systems, Soil Parameters, Urban Public Health Implications, Resource-Constrained Suburban Areas