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Influence of freeze-thaw process on soil physical, chemical and biological properties: A review
Received:August 22, 2016  
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KeyWord:freeze-thaw process;soil;physicochemical property;biological property
Author NameAffiliationE-mail
GAO Min State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China  
LI Yan-xia State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China liyxbnu@bnu.edu.cn 
ZHANG Xue-lian Beijing Soil and Fertilizer Extension Service Station, Beijing 100029, China  
ZHANG Feng-song Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resource Research, Beijing 100101, China  
LIU Bei State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China  
GAO Shi-ying State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China  
CHEN Xing-cai State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China  
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Abstract:
      Freeze-thaw process is a natural phenomenon in Northern China. The fluctuation of hydrothermal conditions may strongly influence soil physiochemical properties, microbial enzymatic activities and total microbial community abundance. The alternating contraction and expansion caused by freeze-thaw process may alter soil structure and water distribution, which especially reduce soil aggregates water stability and bulk density. Because of the fluctuations in soil temperature, water distribution and redox conditions, as a consequence of the freezing-thaw process will accelerate the soil nitrification and release of soluble organic acids. Accordingly, soil pH value, CEC and CaCO3 content will be reduced. The organic matter composition is typically affected during freeze-thaw process. In this process, various forms of organic carbon in soil aggregates will be exposed, dissolved organic matter(DOM) will be released into the aqueous phase and as a result, the soil components absorbed by soil aggregate and organic matter become more mobilized. However, previous studies mainly focused on the effects of freeze-thaw process on natural soils while other types of environmental matrixes have always been neglected. On the basis of previous studies, investigations into the effects of soil pollutants are recommended due to their deep connection with the soil organic components. Furthermore, large amounts of organic solid wastes like animal manure and farm waste have to be used in farmland. The organic wastes change the bulk density, enhance the microbial activity and carbon stock in the soil, protect soil from water erosion should be considered in freeze-thaw process.