Use of the O Horizon of Forest Soils in Monitoring Metal Deposition in Latvia

The concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, V,Ni, Cr, Fe Ca, Mg and K were determined in the organicsoil layer (O horizon) of pine forests in Latvia. Theconcentrations were expressed on a mass, volume andsurface area basis. When concentrations were calculatedper unit mass of the O horizon, significant positivecorrelations between concentrations in the O horizon andPleurozium schreberi were achieved for mostelements (excepting Cr, Ca and K), and to lesser degreesfor Cu, Pb, Zn, V, Ni and Fe when calculated on a volumeor area basis. Non-rotated principal components analysisidentified a major soil factor related to bulk density(volume- and area-based concentrations). The main groupsof related elements defined by varimax-rotated PCAcomponents were similar for the mass- and volume-baseddata, and regions with elevated levels of these elementscould be related to local pollution sources, similar tothe patterns previously reported from surveys based onmoss.     

Patterns of afforestation on abandoned agriculture land in Latvia

Abandonment of agriculture land and subsequent natural afforestation have been common features of the contemporary Latvian rural landscape, particularly in the period since 1990. This process affects the structure, ecology and visual qualities of the landscape. The study examines spatial characteristics of afforestation in relation to various environmental factors. The study was conducted in the central part of Latvia, where there is abundant abandoned agriculture land and a great variety of spatial afforestation patterns. The most typical patterns in this area were linear, mosaic, and continuous afforestation, as well as development of afforestation from the forest edge. The results of the study show that the spatial patterns of natural afforestation of abandoned agriculture fields can be very diverse, and do not follow the classical secondary succession model. Afforestation can be delayed by a dense cover of herbaceous vegetation for a period of up to 20?years. There are many interacting factors that affect succession and development of afforestation patterns, such as soil properties, size and configuration of fields, previous land use and also the random nature of plant colonization by seed. Further studies on afforestation patterns would help to understand better their ecological, economic and social effects as well as to determine optimal solutions for the use of abandoned agriculture land.     

Influence of afforestation on soil genesis,morphology and properties in glacial till deposits

A study of soil morphological, physical and chemical properties was performed in woodland of different ages, in which spruce (Picea abies), aspen (Populus tremula) and birch (Betula pendula) growing stocks have colonized former agricultural land. The aim of the study was to clarify changes in soil genesis, morphology and properties due to the afforestation of abandoned agricultural land in glacial till deposits. The research showed that soil in these deposits (loamy sand, loam, clay) retains the morphological properties of agricultural land for up to 100 years. Secondary podzolization features in the soil profiles were observed within 100 years of the start of afforestation, whereas the diagnostic properties of Albic and Spodic horizons had not developed in the soil profile after 200 years. This study demonstrated that the morphological and physico-chemical properties of forest litter horizons, including the accumulation of organic substances, are dependent on forest age; however, changes in the properties of mineral soil horizons are mainly related to woodland age. Following the afforestation of agricultural lands, changes in soil pH_KCl, organic matter content and extractable Al and Fe concentrations occur more rapidly than changes in soil diagnostic properties and profile formation.     

Toxic impact of the de-icing material to street greenery in Riga, Latvia

There is little information on the ecological composition of snow on roads as well as the toxic effect of de-icing salt on the ecological status of the street trees (Tilia x vulgaris H.) in Latvia. Tilia x vulgaris is one of the most widespread tree species of street greenery in the boreo-nemoral zone – in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe. This investigation was done to find out the accumulation of de-icing salt (main elements – sodium and chlorine) in the snow–soil–plant system of street greenery in the central part of Riga (2004–2005), in order to reveal the toxic effect on the ecological status of the street trees (Tilia x vulgaris). Snow, soil and leaf samples were collected from 27 study sites (eight objects) in the central part of Riga with intense traffic and from three control sites (one object) located in a park area. In a majority of cases, the status of street trees could be characterized as damaged. There was a high heterogeneity in the Na and Cl concentrations even along one street. Significantly, increased levels of Na and Cl in urban snow, soil and leaf samples were found in comparison with the background values. There was close correlation between the Na, Cl concentration in the leaves and the extent of leaf necrosis. Principal new information on the critical level for observation visual Tilia x vulgaris leaf necrosis was stated based on our results: 0.14% Na and 0.66% Cl concentrations in the leaves.