Abstract: Salix babylonica L., Triticum aestivum L., Chenopodium album L. and Amaranthus cruemus L. were grown in the N-deficient soil in open-top chambers blown with ambient or doubled ambient CO2 air, and their growth was measured. Soil samples were collected to assess the influence of doubled CO2 on the soil microbial biomass C (Cmic) and N (Nmic). Results showed that the biomass of shoot and root was increased by doubled CO2 in the four species of plants. Doubled CO2 increased Cmic in S. babylonica and decreased Cmic in T. aestivum and C. album. On the other hand, Nmic in three species except T. aestivum was stimulated by doubled CO2. Doubled CO2 had no significant effect on Cmic in A. cruentus and Nmic in T. aestivum. However, the ratios of Cmic- to -Nmic of all four species were consistently declined under doubled CO2 treatment. It implies that CO2 enrichment may have positive influence on the quality of organic matter of N-low soil in global change.

Key words: Doubled CO2, Plant growth, Soil microbial biomass, Soil organic matter