不同密度华北落叶松叶凋落物年际分解动态研究

不同林分密度下叶凋落物基质物质、养分动态及分解速率研究对人工林密度管理具有重要的实践意义。2009—2011年应用分解网袋法对不同林分密度等级下叶凋落物3年间的分解速率、养分动态及化学成分的变化进行测定分析,结果表明:1)凋落物叶失重率年际变化为倒"V"型变化;高密度林分Ⅰ失重率在第3年与其它林分密度存在极显著差异,说明密度对凋落物分解的影响有时间效应。2)分解速率所体现出的林分密度调控效应与失重率及木质素与氮的比值在试验的3年内均保持负相关的变化规律,故木质素/氮、失重率可作为凋落物分解速率的预测指标;可用灰分含量作为周转时间的指示指标。3)N,K的养分动态为释放—固定循环模式;P为平衡波动—固定模式,Mg为持续固定模式,Ca表现出单一的释放—固定变化模式。     

Biomass,decomposition and nutrient release of Vaccinium myrtillus leaf litter in four forest stands

Biomass and nutrient transfer (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) leaf litter fall, as well as decomposition and nutrient release, were studied in four mature forest stands situated in Central and South Sweden. Bilberry leaf litter fall amounted to between 33 and 55 kg ha^‐1 yr^‐1 in the four stands. Only minor differences between sites were noted for litter concentrations of N, P and Ca, whereas K and Mg showed somewhat larger variability. Relative amounts of the five nutrient elements in the litter fall were generally in the order N > Ca > K > Mg > P. The amounts of nutrients returned to the forest floor by the annual leaf litter fall in the stands ranged from 0.4 to 0.8 kg ha^‐1 for N, 0.4 to 0.6 kg ha^‐1 for Ca, 0.2 to 0.7 kg ha^‐1 for K, 0.1 to 0.2 kg ha^‐1 for Mg and 0.04 to 0.08 kg ha^‐1 for P.

The decomposition of the local bilberry leaf litter was followed by means of litterbags during three years. At all sites there was an extremely rapid mass loss from the litter (between 45% and 54%) during the first four to five months of decomposition. After this initial phase, the decomposition rates decreased markedly and after three years the accumulated mass losses of the litters varied between 64% and 78% at the studied sites. After two and three years of decomposition, three of the sites exhibited almost similar litter mass losses whereas at the fourth site the litter was decomposed to a significantly lower degree. The pattern of nutrient release from the decomposing bilberry leaf litter differed somewhat from site to site. Minor differences were, however, noted for P, Ca and Mg while N and K were more strongly retained in the litter at one of the sites.     

Nutrient export and harvest residue decomposition patterns of a Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden plantation in temperate climate of Uruguay

The potential export of nutrients from Eucalyptus plantations harvested for pulp production may be high. However, depending on the harvest method, the nutrients from the residue can be recycled. The aims of this study were (i) to quantify the content and distribution of nutrients in different residue components at harvest for a Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden plantation; and (ii) to quantify the decomposition rates of the harvest residues, and the return of nutrients to the soil in the temperate climate conditions of Uruguay. Six trees of a 9-year-old E. dunnii plantation with average diameter at breast-height (DBH) were harvested, and the biomass produced and the N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents in commercial and non-commercial logs, leaves, branches, bark and litter were estimated. Decomposition of the remains of leaves, branches, non-commercial logs, bark and litter was studied in the field for 2 years. Although commercial logs accounted for 61% of the biomass produced, only 27% of the N, 35% of the P, 18% of the K, 16% of the Ca and 41% of the Mg present in the forest were exported with the product. When logs are exported without de-barking in the site, the nutrient export would increase to 41%, 55%, 46%, 68% and 66% of the total extraction of N, P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively. Residue decomposition showed that the leaves lost the highest proportion of biomass (half life 0.86 years), and bark was most resistant to decomposition in the field (half life 5.36 years). As regards the nutrients, K was lost most rapidly and Ca showed the slowest loss, while N, P and Mg losses were generally more gradual, and proportional to the decomposition rate.     

不同林龄油松人工林叶凋落物分解特性

2005年在北京市延庆县营盘村附近中山采用网袋法,比较21、29、36年生油松叶凋落物分解动态、分解速率、基质质量的差异.结果表明:在所观测的14个月内,不同林龄油松叶凋落物分解动态差异较小,均呈快椔龡快的规律,翌年5至7月份凋落物分解速率低于2005年同期的分解速率.21 a、29 a、36 a油松叶凋落物分解速率分别为26.97％、26.10％和23.96％,半分解周期分别为2.21 a、2.29 a和2.54 a,周转期分别为9.54 a、9.91 a和10.94 a.凋落物分解速率、半周转期、周转期失重率仅在0.1水平上差异显著.林龄对叶凋落物N影响最大(P=0.004),对粗灰分(P=0.028)影响显著.林龄对纤维素、木质素、粗脂肪、粗蛋白影响不显著.不同林龄叶凋落物C/N(P=0.009)、木质素/N(P=0.048)显著差异,C/N、木质素/N与叶凋落物分解速率相关系数均为-0.333.     

Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Phyllostachys bambusoides and Arundinaria racemosa, India

We investigated decomposition and nutrient release patterns of leaf and sheath litter of two important highland bamboo species (viz. Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. (Zucc.) and Arundinaria racemosa Munro) by using a litter bag technique. Our objective was to improve understanding of the addition of organic matter and nutrients to soil from the litter of two abundant highland bamboo species, species that support the local population of the region in many ways. N concentration and N/P ratio were significantly higher (p<0.01) in leaf litter of P. bambusoides. Significantly, larger values of lignin concentration, C/N ratio, and lignin/N ratio were found in the sheath litter of A racemosa. Weight loss of both leaf and sheath litter was strongly positively correlated with N and N/P ratio, and significantly negatively correlated (p<0.01) with C/N ratio. Lignin/N had a negative correlation with decay rate. In both species, only lignin concentration of the litter showed strong positive correlation with N release. Litter decomposition and N release patterns were similar for the two bamboo species, whereas, P release rate from leaf litter was higher in P. bambusoides and differed significantly between sheath and leaf litter for both species. The complex pattern of nutrient release through mineralization and immobilization during litter decomposition ensures nutrient availability in both managed and natural bamboo stands subjected to anthropogenic disturbances.     

Local basal area affects needle litterfall,nutrient concentration,and nutrient release during decomposition in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus halepensis</Emphasis> Mill. plantations in Spain

Key message

Stand density has a positive effect on C, K and Mg concentration in needle litterfall and a negative one on C, N, Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Zn, and Cu release from needle litter. Consequently, forest management practices such as thinning decrease nutrient concentration in needle litterfall and accelerate nutrient release from decomposing needles in Pinus halepensis plantations in Spain.

Context

Silvicultural practices usually include stand density reduction resulting in changes in litterfall and litter decomposition rates. Little is known about the effect on nutrient concentrations in litterfall and nutrient release during decomposition even when this is the main path of nutrient return to soils.

Aims

The aims of the study are to evaluate the seasonal pattern of nutrient concentration in litterfall, to study how nutrients are released from needle litterfall during decomposition, and to assess whether local basal area of the stand affects nutrient concentration of litterfall and nutrient release during litter decomposition.

Methods

Eight plots were established on each of four stands covering the widest range in local basal area. A littertrap and 15 litterbags were placed on each plot. Periodically, needle litterfall and litter contained in the litterbags were analyzed for C, N, Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn.

Results

Local basal area had a positive effect on C, K, and Mg concentration in needle litterfall and a negative effect on the release of all the nutrients studied but Fe and Mn during the first 2 years of litter decomposition.

Conclusion

Density management of stands has an impact on nutrient cycling, reducing nutrient concentration in needle litterfall, and accelerating nutrient release during decomposition.

     

Litterfall,decomposition and nutrient release of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Shorea robusta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tectona grandis</Emphasis> in a sub-tropical forest of West Bengal,Eastern India

We studied leaf litter fall, decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis by using a litter bag technique to better understand the release pattern of nutrients to soil from leaf litter. Annual litterfall varied from 13.40 ± 2.56 t ha^?1 a^?1 for S. robusta to 11.03 ± 3.72 t ha^?1 a^?1 for T. grandis and the decay constant (k) of decomposed leaf litter was distinctly higher for T. grandis (2.70 ± 0.50 a^?1) compared to S. robusta (2.41 ± 0.30 a^?1). Biomass loss was positively correlated with the initial litter C, WSC, C/N and ash content in S. robusta and N, P and K concentration for T. grandis. Biomass was negatively correlated with lignin and L/N ratio for S. robusta and L, WSC, L/N and C/N ratio for T. grandis (P < 0.01). Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and nutrient accumulation index (NAI) of S. robusta was higher than for T. grandis. The retranslocation of bioelements from senescent leaves ranked as P > N > K. Annual N, P and K input to soil through litterfall differed significantly between the two species in the following order: N>K>P. S. robusta was superior in terms of K and P return and T. grandis was superior in terms of N return. The two tree species showed a similar patterns of nutrient release (K > P > N) during decomposition of their leaf litter. Nutrients of N, K and P were the primary limiting nutrients returned to soil through litterfall with important roles in soil fertility and forest productivity.     

长白山云冷杉针阔混交林半分解层凋落物生态功能

[目的]以长白山天然云冷杉针阔混交林为研究对象,分析凋落物的现存量及持水性能和养分归还量等,从水源涵养和养分归还两方面阐述森林凋落物的生态功能。[方法]基于等距离网格布点法,在4块1 hm~2样地上采集凋落高峰期前(8月下旬)半分解层的凋落物样品400个,并对其生态功能指标进行测定分析。[结果]4块云冷杉针阔混交林样地半分解层凋落物现存量均值为19.50 t·hm~(-2);持水量均值为5.56 t·hm~(-2),持水率均值为64.08%;全碳(C)、全氮(N)和全磷(P)的养分浓度均值分别为421.68、18.86和1.26 g·kg~(-1),养分归还量均值依次为8.16、0.36和0.02 t·hm~(-2),养分利用效率大小顺序为PNC。[结论]天然云冷杉针阔混交林各样地间虽存在差异,但其半分解层凋落物的水源涵养和养分归还等生态功能均较好,林下凋落物分解速度较快,持水性能较好,养分归还量较多。     

Effects of clear-cutting on decomposition processes in leaf litter and the nitrogen and lignin dynamics in a temperate secondary forest

The effects of clear-cutting on the decomposition rate of leaf litter and on nitrogen (N) and lignin dynamics were investigated in a temperate secondary forest. Decomposition processes were examined over an 18-month period by the litterbag method and compared between a clear-cut site and an adjacent uncut control site using leaf litter from five dominant tree species (Clethra barvinervis, Quercus serrata, Camellia japonica, Ilex pedunculosa and Pinus densiflora). The decomposition rate for litter from C. barvinervis, Q. serrata and I. pedunculosa was significantly greater in the clear-cut plot than in the control plot, and there was no significant difference between plots for C. japonica and P. densiflora. Water content of litter was consistently lower in the clear-cut plot than in the control plot. Nitrogen mass increased after 6 months in the control plot, whereas no net increase of N was observed in the clear-cut plot. Nitrogen concentration increased with respect to accumulated mass loss of litter and was consistently lower in the clear-cut plot for all five species. The mass of lignin remaining in decomposing litter was generally lower in the clear-cut plot, but lignin concentration in decomposing litter was not significantly different between the clear-cut and control plots.     

Nutrient dynamics associated with leaf litter decomposition of three agroforestry tree species (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Azadirachta indica,Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis>) of Bangladesh

Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., and Melia azedarach L. are little studied species in nutrient return capabili- ties from leaf litter decomposition to maintenance of the soil fertility despite their importance in agroforestry practices of Bangladesh. A leaf litter decomposition experiment was conducted using a litterbag tech- nique to assess the nutrient return efficiency of these species. The de- composition rate of leaf litter was highest for M. azedarach and lowest for D. sissoo. Rainfall and temperature of study sites showed a signifi- cant (p<0.05) positive relationship with the rate of leaf litter decomposi- tion. The highest decay constant was observed for M. azedarach (6.67). Nitrogen and Phosphorus concentration in leaf litter showed a decreased trend sharply at the end of the first month, whereas rapid decrease of Potassium concentration was reported within 10 days. Conversely, higher concentration of nutrient was observed at the later stages of decomposi- tion. All three species showed a similar pattern of nutrient release (K > N > P) during the decomposition process of leaf litter. Among the studied species, D. sissoo was best in terms of N and P return and A. indica was best in terms of K return.     

Leaf Litter Decomposition,Litterfall, and Effects of Leaf Mulches from Mixed and Monospecific Plantations in Costa Rica

Abstract

Rates of litter decomposition and nutrient release from litter provide valuable information on the capacity of different tree species to replenish soil nutrients in degraded tropical areas. Leaf litter decomposition, leaf litterfall, plantation floor leaf litter, and mulch performance were studied for four indigenous timber species, Virola koschnyiWarb, Dipteryxpanamensis(Pittier) Record and Mell, Terminalia amazonia(J.F. Gmel.) Exell., and Albizia gua-chapele(H.B.K.) Little, grown in mixed and monospecific plantations in the Atlantic humid lowlands of Costa Rica. Terminalia amazonialitter decomposed the fastest: no litter remained after 6 months. After 12 months, D. panamensis, A. guachapele, and the mixed litter decomposed completely, while 15% of the original weight of V. koschnyilitter remained. Differences in decomposition rates were closely related to leaf nutrient content. Total annual leaf litterfall was highest in T. amazonia(872.9 g/m²), followed by D. panamensis, V. koschnyi, and the mixed plots. A. guachapelehad the lowest leaf litterfall (236.0 g/m²). The highest plantation-floor leaf litter was found in V. koschnyiand D. panamensis.Both litterfall and plantation-floor litter accumulation fluctuated least in the mixed plots. A. guachapeleand D. panamensismulch most positively affected maize seedling growth, followed by the mixed mulch. Recommendations are drawn from the results to suggest species choice for sustainable land management in the region.     

Seasonal changes in litter fall and its quality from three sub-tropical fruit tree species at Nelspruit, South Africa

Litter fall from upper storey trees in agroforestry systems contributes to nutrient cycling for the benefit of all components of the system besides serving as mulch. This study examined the seasonal changes in the quantity and quality of leaf litter fall from three sub-tropical fruit trees viz: avocado (Persea americana L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.) and litchi (Litchi chinensis L.) which have potential for use in agroforestry. Leaf litter production was estimated using nylon mesh litter traps erected over five randomly selected trees of each species in a completely randomised design. Litter quality was determined by analysing ash content and polyphenol, carbon, cellulose, lignin and nutrient concentrations over a 2?year period (2007?C2008). Total annual leaf litter production during the study period (dry matter basis) was 8.3, 6.3 and 5.6?t?ha^?1?year^?1 for litchi, mango and avocado, respectively. In both years, leaf litter fall was greatest during autumn and lowest during winter in all species. There were no significant differences in S, Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations in the leaf litter, but polyphenol, N, P and K concentrations differed significantly (P?<?0.05) between species. It was concluded that litter quality from all three tree species was low and would require appropriate management to improve its quality.     

沿海沙地吊丝竹林凋落物及养分动态研究

对沿海沙地吊丝竹林的凋落物及养分月动态特征进行连续观测分析,研究结果表明:竹林凋落物量月动态呈现双峰型模式,2个峰值分别出现在2004年10月和2005年4月,这2个月凋落物量占全年总量的26.90%;2005年1月和7月凋落物量较少,只占全年总量的8.92%。各营养元素在凋落物中组分平均值大小排列顺序为:N>K>P>Mg>Ca。凋落物N、P、K、Mg归还量月动态全年呈现出2个峰值期,分别出现在2004年10~11月和2005年4~5月;Ca只有单峰值期,出现在2004年10~11月。凋落物各营养元素归还量最大是N,年归还总量为58.32 kg.hm-2,最小是Ca,只有0.61 kg.hm-2。N、P、K、Mg、Ca在峰值期养分归还量分别占全年比例的48.44%、47.12%、50.48%、53.49%和36.30%。沿海沙地吊丝竹林凋落物年养分归还量为97.54 kg.hm-2。     

Variation in the chemical composition of green leaves and leaf litters from three deciduous tree species growing on different soil types

The chemical composition of green leaves and leaf litters of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), oak (Quercus robur) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) were determined for 26 sites grouped into high fertility (HF) and low fertility (LF) soils according to base saturation and N-mineralization potentials. Measurements were made of total carbon, acid detergent fibre (ADF), Klason lignin, holo-cellulose, sugar constituents of hemicellulose and phenylpropanoid derivatives of lignin, and nutrient concentrations (N, Ca, P, Mg, K and Mn). Leaf and litter constituents varied within and between species according to soil groups, but beech showed contrasting responses to oak and chestnut. Beech leaves had lower ADF, lignin and cellulose on HF soils than LF soils, whereas oak and chestnut leaves had higher ADF, lignin and cellulose on HF than the LF soils. Conversely, the same constituents in beech leaf litter were higher on HF soils than LF soils, but lower in oak and chestnut leaf litter on HF soils than LF soils. The phenylpropanoid derivatives of lignin and sugar constituents of hemicellulose also showed similar variations in relation to soil groups with contrasting patterns for in leaves and litters. Re-absorption of N from leaves before litter fall was negatively correlated with soil N mineralization potential for beech (highest on LF soils) but showed an unexpected, positive relationship for oak and chestnut (highest on HF soils). These intra-specific differences of leaf and litter chemistry in relation to soil fertility status are unprecedented and largely unexplained. The observed patterns reflect phenotypic responses to soil type that result in continuum of litter quality, within and between tree species, that have been shown in related studies to significantly influence litter decomposition rates.     

模拟外源性氮磷对马占相思凋落叶分解及土壤生化特性的影响

[目的]研究外源性氮和磷对马占相思凋落叶的分解速率、分解过程中N、P、K含量和土壤生化特性的影响,以便为森林土壤养分管理提供参考。[方法]以广东省云勇林场马占相思林下凋落叶为试验材料,采用尼龙网袋分解法,设置对照(CK)、施N(10 g·m~(-2))、施P(5 g·m~(-2))、施N+P(N 10 g·m~(-2)+P 5 g·m~(-2))4种处理,每隔3个月取样1次,并测定凋落叶残留量和N、P、K含量。[结果]表明:施N、P和N+P处理对马占相思凋落叶的分解均为促进作用。各处理马占相思凋落叶的N含量在分解过程中大致保持稳定,施P和N+P处理的凋落叶P含量在分解过程中总体呈波动性上升,而各处理的凋落叶K含量变化规律不明显。施N、P和N+P处理提高了马占相思林土壤的有机质和全N含量,促进脲酶、磷酸酶及过氧化氢酶的活性。[结论]施N、P和N+P处理促进了马占相思凋落叶的分解,有利于马占相思林的养分循环。     

Ecological studies on subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in Okinawa, Japan: Litter production and nutrient input

Patterns of litterfall and nutrient input in a subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest in northern Okinawa, Japan, were studied during May, 1996–April, 1999. The mean annual rate of litterfall in the five sampling plots ranged from 6.84 to 8.93 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, of which 63.3–68.5% were leaves; 22.4–29.1% woody parts (including branches < 5.0 cm in diameter and bark); 2.8–5.0% sexual organs and 4.6–6.3% miscellaneous material. Significant differences were found among plots and among years. Significantly monthly differences pronounced seasonal patterns in litterfall were observed. Total litterfall and leaf litter showed negative correlations with relative basal area of the dominant species,Castanopsis sieboldii; and showed positive correlations with mean height of the stands. The dominant species,C. sieboldii produced an average of 2.36 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ of leaf litter, which covered 30.5% of the annual litter production, and the nutrient input from those litterfall contributed 32.3, 28.3, 30.2, 22.2, 32.5, and 30.5% of total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na, respectively. Nutrient use efficiency in litter production was high, especially for P and K compared with other broad-leaved forests in Japan indicating that P and K may be limiting in Okinawan evergreen broad-leaved forest.     

Nutrient use and uptake in Pinus taeda

We quantified nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content, use (nutrient amount for one growth year), retranslocation (nutrients recycled before foliage senescence), uptake (use minus retranslocation), volume production per unit of uptake and fertilizer-uptake efficiency (percent applied taken up) in a 2 x 2 (nutrient and water) factorial experiment replicated four times in an 8-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand growing on a nutrient-poor sandy soil in Scotland County, North Carolina, USA. Over 14 years, we applied 1140, 168, 393, 168 and 146 kg ha(-1) of elemental N, P, K, Ca and Mg fertilizer, respectively, and an average of 710 mm year(-1) of irrigation. All plots received complete vegetation control. Fertilization about doubled tissue N, P, K and Mg contents at age 21, whereas irrigation resulted in smaller increases in nutrient contents. Maximum annual uptake was 101, 9.3, 44, 37 and 13 kg ha(-1) year(-1) and volume production per unit of nutrient uptake was 0.35, 3.5, 0.66, 1.1 and 3.1 m(3) kg(-1), for N, P, K, Ca and Mg, respectively. Irrigated plots had greater volume production per unit of N, P, K and Mg uptake than control plots, likely because irrigation allowed photosynthesis to continue during dry periods. Fertilized plus irrigated plots had less volume production per unit of these elements than the fertilized plots either because nutrient uptake exceeded the requirement for optimum growth or because available water (rainfall plus irrigation) was insufficient for the leaf area achieved with fertilization. At age 19, fertilizer-uptake efficiencies for N, P, K, Ca and Mg were 53, 24, 62, 57 and 39%, respectively, and increased with irrigation to 68, 36, 78, 116 and 55%, respectively. The scale of fertilizer uptake was likely a result of low native site nutrient availability, study longevity, measurement of all tissue components on site, a comprehensive assessment of coarse roots, and the 3-m rooting depth. Ecosystem nitrogen retention (applied nitrogen found in living plant material, litter fall and soil to 150-cm depth) was estimated at 79% at age 17, a value that would likely be greater when including soil nitrogen to rooting depth and calculating retention at age 21 when the study ended. The ecosystem retention value provides evidence that intensive site resource management can be accomplished with low likelihood of applied materials moving offsite.     

Thinning intensity affects microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activities associated with litter decomposition in a Chinese fir plantation

Microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activities are critical to maintaining material circulation during litter decomposition in forests. Thinning, an important and widely used silvicultural treatment, changes the microclimate and promotes forest renewal. However, how thinning affects microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activities during litter decomposition remains poorly understood. We conducted thinning treatments in a Chinese fir plantation in a subtropical region of China with four levels of tree stem removal (0, 30, 50, and 70%), each with three replicates, and the effects of thinning on microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activities were studied 7 years after treatment by collecting litter samples four times over a 1-year period. Microbial functional diversity and enzymatic activities were analyzed using Biolog Ecoplates (Biolog Inc., Hayward, CA, USA) based on the utilization of 31 carbon substrates. Total microbial abundance during litter decomposition was lower after the thinning treatments than without thinning. Microbial functional diversity did not differ significantly during litter decomposition, but the types of microbial carbon-source utilization did differ significantly with the thinning treatments. Microbial cellulase and invertase activities during litter decomposition were significantly higher under the thinning treatments due to changes in the litter carbon concentration and the ratios of carbon and lignin to nitrogen. The present study demonstrated the important influence of thinning on microbial activities during litter decomposition. Moderate-intensity thinning may maximize vegetation diversity and, in turn, increase the available substrate sources for microbial organisms in litter and promote nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.     

The chemical composition of needle and leaf litter from Scots pine, Norway spruce and white birch in Scandinavian forests

Needle litter from 14 stands of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris,L.), 13 stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) andleaf litter from three stands of white birch (Betula pubescensEhrh.) were analysed for chemical composition. The concentrationsof the elements N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn as well as solid organiccomponents (lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses) and solubleswere determined. When the average chemical compositions werecompared the Scots pine needle litter was clearly the most nutrient-poorlitter type. Of the solid organic-chemical components the ligninfraction dominated in the spruce and birch litter whereas thecellulose dominated in the pine needle litter. When Norway spruce and Scots pine were growing in adjacent standson soils with the same bedrock origin the spruce litter hadsignificantly higher concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca,Mg, Mn) than the pine needle litter. At sites where Norway spruceand white birch were growing in adjacent stands, the birch leaflitter had generally higher concentrations of nutrients. However, significant or nearly significant differences were onlyobtained for Mg (P = 0.002), K (P = 0.056) and N (P = 0.087),probably due to the few replicates of stands compared. Concerningorganic chemical components, the spruce needle litter had significantlyhigher concentrations of lignin and mannan than all the otherlitters and lower levels of ethanol-soluble substances, celluloseand galactan than the pine needle litter. Further, it had lowerconcentrations of water solubles, rhamnan and xylan than thebirch litter. No relationships were established between the nutrient statusof the conifer litters and the site index H100 (the dominantheight of the trees at a reference age of 100 years) of thestands. Concentrations of solid carbohydrates in the litterswere, however, positively correlated with site index (P <0.001). Further, the concentration of nitrogen in the pine needlelitter was negatively correlated with the latitude of the sites(P < 0.01). The influence of litter chemistry on the decompositionof litter and nutrient cycling of forests is discussed.     

Influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on amount and nutrient content of litterfall in a regrowth eucalypt forest

The effects of fertilizer treatment on nutrient transfers to the forest floor were examined in regrowth Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell. forest. Dry weight and nutrient content of leaf litterfall and total litterfall were measured for 3 years in a stand to which two levels of N (0, 200 kg ha^-1 year^-1) were applied each year at each of three levels of a single initial application of P (0, 30, 200 kg ha^-1). Annual accessions of litter to the forest floor were significantly increased by additions of both N (by 17%, 18% and 21% in the 3 years) and 200 kg P ha^-1 (by 8%, 8% and 4% in the 3 years) but there was no interaction between effects of N and P treatments. Fertilizer application also had a significant effect on the nutrient content of leaf litterfall and total litterfall. Concentration of N in leaf litterfall was 9% to 23% greater on plots treated with N fertilizer compared to untreated plots. The amounts of N in litterfall were about 30% greater on N-treated compared to untreated plots. On plots treated with 200 kg P ha^-1, P concentrations in leaf litter were 50% to 100% greater than in litter from plots receiving no P. Application of 200 kg P ha^-1 increased the amounts of P in annual litterfall by 32% to 87%. The greatest increase in P accessions occurred soon after fertilizer treatment. The amounts of Ca, K, and Na in litterfall were also significantly increased by fertilizer application. For Ca and K this was due partly to increases in element concentrations in litterfall following application of treatments. The effect of fertilizers on internal recycling of plant nutrients and on litter accumulation and nutrient dynamics in forest floor litter is discussed.