Forest Research: Open Access
Open Access

Jian Cui

Biography

My name is Jian Cui. I earned my doctorate in physical geography in Nanjing Normal University in 2011and then I am working in Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Science 2004, my main research direction is atmospheric N and S deposition and its ecological effects. I have been successful bid for one of the Natural Science Funds in 2012 and participated 5 research projects of Science and Technology Ministry. In 2008, my thesis of master degree was awarded the certificate of EXCELLENT THESIS, Anhu province, China (No: S2008047). Science 2013, I act as a reviwer of Kunming Unversity of Science and Technology. From now, I have published more than 40 academic theses in journals, such as Plant Soil, Atmos. Environ., J. Environ. Monit. and so on.

Research Interest

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) deposition is a topical environmental issue which leads either to benefits (fertilization) or drawbacks (acidification, accumulation of excess nutrients and reduction in biodiversity) and further captures the attention of policy makers in the world. N and S deposition has leveled off or stabilized in the developed countries such as US and Europe since late 1980s or early 1990s due to different types of protocols on reducing N and S in air. Under the pressure from various environmental groups, the Chinese government has implemented some control programs including the adjustment of energy structure since 2006. Consequently, SO2 emissions in China have leveled off. However, N and S deposition is still increasing, especially in Southeast China due to the growing agricultural and industrial activities. Recent modeling studies have suggested that China is now a hotspot for N deposition. In fact, the study on N deposition in China is still at the initial stage, and the reports of the dissolved organic N (DON) deposition in terrestrial ecosystems are even fewer. This represents a big gap in the knowledge of the magnitude and spatiotemporal variability of N deposition. Therefore, further studies on N and S deposition should be conducted in China.
Increases in the deposition of atmospheric nitrogen (N) influence N cycling in forest ecosystems and can result in several negative consequences including acidification and leaching of nitrate into groundwater. A large body of research to assess the risk and consequence of N saturation has been carried out in temperate regions, where industrial development occurred earliest. Forest ecosystems have been shown to vary in their responses to increased N deposition. The timing and magnitude of response are thought to depend largely on the nutrient status of the forest and how close it is to N saturation.
 Recently, I am devoting to the research on the characteristics of atmospheric N/S deposition in forest ecosystems in China, which will benefit to better understand N and S deposition and its cycle in forest ecosystems. In addition, this study will provide valuable data for assessing the effect of N and S deposition on forest ecosystems and help the creation of an effective policy to reduce N and S deposition in the future.