scholarly journals Succession of Mite Assemblages (Acari, Mesostigmata) during Decomposition of Tree Leaves in Forest Stands Growing on Reclaimed Post-Mining Spoil Heap and Adjacent Forest Habitats

Forests ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cezary Urbanowski ◽  
Paweł Horodecki ◽  
Jacek Kamczyc ◽  
Maciej Skorupski ◽  
Andrzej Jagodziński
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Vertical Movement ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Spoil Heap ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Forest Habitats

Mites significantly contribute, prevalently by vertical movement, to mixing of the organic layer with the mineral soil, thus they may be important in renewing soils. Our aim was to analyze the changes in abundance and species richness of mesostigmatid assemblages on decomposing leaves of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Betula pendula Roth, Pinus sylvestris L. and Quercus robur L. in pine and birch stands growing on a reclaimed spoil heap and adjacent forests. In December 2013, 1024 litterbags (mesh size = 1 mm) containing leaf litter of broadleaved and coniferous trees (mean initial dry weight per sample = 5.789 g) were laid out in the same number and kind in each of the two sites. Mites were extracted from litterbags which were collected every 3–6 months for 3 years. In total, 6466 mites were identified in 59 taxa. Total abundance was higher on forest habitats (5174 specimens) compared to the spoil (1292), and in birch compared to pine stands, both in forest (3345, 1829, respectively) and spoil habitats (981, 311). Throughout the experiment, mites were most abundant on oak litter samples (2063 specimens), while the remaining litter types had similar abundances (1455–1482). At the beginning of the experiment (3–6 months) mite abundance was very low, but was higher on forest habitats. The highest abundance was found after 9 months—144 specimens in pine stands on the spoil heap and 685 in birch stands on forest habitats. During the study, 49 taxa were found on forest and 29 on heap habitats. In birch stands, 37 and 22 taxa were found, whereas in pine 30 and 21, on forest and heap, respectively. The most frequent species on the heap were Amblyseius tubae Karg, Asca bicornis Canestrini et Fanzago, and Asca aphidioides Linneaeus, whereas in forest habitat—Zercon peltatus C.L. Koch, Veigaia nemorensis C.L. Koch, and Trachytes aegrota C.L. Koch. Habitat conditions, tree species and litter type significantly determined the mesostigmatid species composition, richness and abundance. By selection of dominant tree species during afforestation, it is possible to significantly affect the soil fauna composition, and thus indirectly the rate of decomposition.

scholarly journals Soil carbon and nutrient stocks under Scots pine plantations in comparison to European beech forests: a paired-plot study across forests with different management history and precipitation regimes

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Diers ◽  
Robert Weigel ◽  
Heike Culmsee ◽  
Christoph Leuschner
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Nutrient Pools ◽  
Total N ◽  
Precipitation Regimes ◽  
Pine Stands

Abstract Background Organic carbon stored in forest soils (SOC) represents an important element of the global C cycle. It is thought that the C storage capacity of the stable pool can be enhanced by increasing forest productivity, but empirical evidence in support of this assumption from forests differing in tree species and productivity, while stocking on similar substrate, is scarce. Methods We determined the stocks of SOC and macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and magnesium) in nine paired European beech/Scots pine stands on similar Pleistocene sandy substrates across a precipitation gradient (560–820 mm∙yr− 1) in northern Germany and explored the influence of tree species, forest history, climate, and soil pH on SOC and nutrient pools. Results While the organic layer stored on average about 80% more C under pine than beech, the pools of SOC and total N in the total profile (organic layer plus mineral soil measured to 60 cm and extrapolated to 100 cm) were greater under pine by about 40% and 20%, respectively. This contrasts with a higher annual production of foliar litter and a much higher fine root biomass in beech stands, indicating that soil C sequestration is unrelated to the production of leaf litter and fine roots in these stands on Pleistocene sandy soils. The pools of available P and basic cations tended to be higher under beech. Neither precipitation nor temperature influenced the SOC pool, whereas tree species was a key driver. An extended data set (which included additional pine stands established more recently on former agricultural soil) revealed that, besides tree species identity, forest continuity is an important factor determining the SOC and nutrient pools of these stands. Conclusion We conclude that tree species identity can exert a considerable influence on the stocks of SOC and macronutrients, which may be unrelated to productivity but closely linked to species-specific forest management histories, thus masking weaker climate and soil chemistry effects on pool sizes.

scholarly journals Site Type Effect on Litter Decomposition Rates: A Three-Year Comparison of Decomposition Process between Spoil Heap and Forest Sites

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Horodecki ◽  
Jagodziński
Keyword(s):  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Degraded Lands ◽  
Spoil Heap ◽  
Forest Sites ◽  
Pine Stands

Research Highlights: Direct comparison of leaf litter decomposition rates between harsh soil conditions of degraded lands and adjacent “closer to natural” forest areas has not been done before. Background and Objectives: We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by determining the differences in amounts of carbon and nitrogen released by species-specific litter depending on decomposition rates in various stand and habitat conditions, which enables selection of the most ecologically and economically appropriate (for fast soil organic layer development) tree species for afforestation of reclaimed lands. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on the external spoil heap of the “Bełchatów” lignite mine (Central Poland) and adjacent forests. In December 2013, we established a litterbag experiment beneath the canopies of birch and pine stands. We used litter of Alnus glutinosa (Gaertn.), Betula pendula (Roth), Pinus sylvestris (L.), and Quercus robur (L.) collected ex situ, which we installed (after oven-drying) beneath the canopies of eight stands. The experiment lasted for three years (with sampling of three-month intervals). Results: Harsh soil conditions of degraded lands are unfavorable for litter mineralization. It was found that 23%–74% of decomposed materials were mineralized in spoil heap stands, whereas in forest stands these amounts ranged from 35%–83%. Litter of Q. robur in birch stands on the spoil heap is predicted to take 12 years longer for total decomposition than in forest stands of the same species. This hinders organic carbon turnover and could result in elongation of the time for full biological and economic reclamation of degraded lands. On the other hand, decomposition of relatively fast decomposable litter (A. glutinosa and B. pendula) in pine stands on the spoil heap was faster than in pine stands in forest sites (17% and 13% faster, respectively). We did not observe this trend for decomposition of more recalcitrant litter types of P. sylvestris and Q. robur. Conclusions: The results show the value of selective choice of tree species for afforestation of post-mining areas to accelerate the development of technogenic soil substrates. We recommend introducing all tree species studied in the cluster form of admixtures as all of them could bring some profits in ecological and economical reclamation.

scholarly journals Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometry of organic matter in Swedish forest soils and its relationship with climate, tree species, and soil texture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Spohn ◽  
Johan Stendahl
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Forest Soils ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Mean Annual Temperature ◽  
P Concentration

Abstract. While the carbon (C) content of temperate and boreal forest soils is relatively well studied, much less is known about the ratios of C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) of the soil organic matter, and the abiotic and biotic factors that shape them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore carbon, nitrogen, and organic phosphorus (OP) contents and element ratios in temperate and boreal forest soils and their relationships with climate, dominant tree species, and soil texture. For this purpose, we studied 309 forest soils with a stand age >60 years located all over Sweden between 56° N and 68° N. The soils are a representative subsample of Swedish forest soils with a stand age >60 years that were sampled for the Swedish Forest Soil Inventory. We found that the N stock of the organic layer increased by a factor of 7.5 from −2 °C to 7.5 °C mean annual temperature (MAT), it increased almost twice as much as the organic layer stock along the MAT gradient. The increase in the N stock went along with an increase in the N : P ratio of the organic layer by a factor of 2.1 from −2 °C to 7.5 °C MAT (R2 = 0.36, p < 0.001). Forests dominated by pine had higher C : N ratios in the litter layer and mineral soil down to a depth of 65 cm than forests dominated by other tree species. Further, also the C : P ratio was increased in the pine-dominated forests compared to forests dominated by other tree species in the organic layer, but the C : OP ratio in the mineral soil was not elevated in pine forests. C, N and OP contents in the mineral soil were higher in fine-textured soils than in coarse-textured soils by a factor of 2.3, 3.5, and 4.6, respectively. Thus, the effect of texture was stronger on OP than on N and C, likely because OP adsorbs very rigidly to mineral surfaces. Further, we found, that the P and K concentrations of the organic layer were inversely related with the organic layer stock. The C and N concentrations of the mineral soil were best predicted by the combination of MAT, texture, and tree species, whereas the OP concentration was best predicted by the combination of MAT, texture and the P concentration of the parent material in the mineral soil. In the organic layer, the P concentration was best predicted by the organic layer stock. Taken together, the results show that the N : P ratio of the organic layer was most strongly related to MAT. Further, the C : N ratio was most strongly related to dominant tree species, even in the mineral subsoil. In contrast, the C : P ratio was only affected by dominant tree species in the organic layer, but the C : OP ratio in the mineral soil was hardly affected by tree species due to the strong effect of soil texture on the OP concentration.

scholarly journals Simulation of the long-term carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Dutch forest soils under Scots pine

1998 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-449 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.-J. Groenenberg ◽  
W. de Vries ◽  
H. Kros
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Forest Soils ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Root Turnover ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Transformation Rate ◽  
Organic Layers ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Scots Pine Stands

Abstract. Dynamics of C and N in forest soils in the Nutrient Cycling and Soil Acidification Model (NUCSAM) are described by the transformation and decomposition of three organic matter compartments, litter, fermented material and humic material. These three compartments are allocated to the morphological distinguishable L, F and H horizons of the organic layer. Changes in the pools of these organic compartments are described with first order equations for decomposition and transformation. Rate constants for decomposition and transformation were derived by calibrating the model to measured organic matter pools in organic layers of a chrono-sequence of five first succession Scots pine stands between 15 and 120 years old. Simulated pools of organic matter in the organic layers were in agreement with measured pools in the five pine stands, except for the first thirty years of the H-horizon. During this period, an increase in organic matter in the H horizon was simulated while no H horizons were observed in the field. The simulated total pool of organic matter in the organic layer agreed well with values from a field inventory in 20 other Scots pine stands, but the simulated distribution over the three horizons differed from the field measurements which varied among sites. For the Scots pine stands the model was able to simulate the organic matter accumulation in the top 40-cm of the mineral soil; derived almost completely from fine root turnover. The accumulated pool of nitrogen in the organic layer was in agreement with measured pools for the oldest Scots pine stand but was too high for the younger stands. Especially, the accumulation of N in the F-horizon was too fast, presumably due to an overestimated retention of nitrogen.

scholarly journals Phytodepuration of Nitrate Contaminated Water Using Four Different Tree Species

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 515
Author(s):  
Luca Regni ◽  
Maria Luce Bartucca ◽  
Euro Pannacci ◽  
Francesco Tei ◽  
Daniele Del Buono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Photosynthetic Activity ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Contaminated Water ◽  
Buffer Strips ◽  
Sambucus Nigra ◽  
Salix Alba ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
Corylus Avellana L ◽  
Agricultural Areas

Water pollution by excessive amounts of nitrate (NO3−) has become a global issue. Technologies to clean up nitrate-contaminated water bodies include phytoremediation. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate four tree species (Salix alba L., Populus alba L., Corylus avellana L. and Sambucus nigra L.) to remediate nitrate-contaminated waters (100 and 300 mg L−1). Some physiological parameters showed that S. alba L. and P. alba L. increased particularly photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, dry weight, and transpired water, following the treatments with the above NO3− concentrations. Furthermore, these species were more efficient than the others studied in the phytodepuration of water contaminated by the two NO3− levels. In particular, within 15 days of treatment, S. alba L. and P. alba L. removed nitrate quantities ranging from 39 to 78%. Differently, C. avellana L. and S. nigra L. did not show particular responses regarding the physiological traits studied. Nonetheless, these species removed up to 30% of nitrate from water. In conclusion, these data provide exciting indications on the chance of using S. alba L. and P. alba L. to populate buffer strips to avoid NO3− environmental dispersion in agricultural areas.

Using LiDAR Point Clouds in Determination of the Scots Pine Stands Spatial Structure Meaning in the Conservation of Lichen Communities in “Bory Tucholskie” National Park

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-103
Author(s):  
Piotr Wężyk ◽  
Paweł Hawryło ◽  
Marta Szostak ◽  
Karolina Zięba-Kulawik ◽  
Monika Winczek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Structure ◽  
National Park ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Point Clouds ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Active Protection ◽  
Scanning Lidar ◽  
Pine Stands ◽  
Biometric Features

Abstract The aim of the research carried out in 2018 and financed by the Forest Fund was the analysis of biometric features and parameters of pine stands in the area of the “Bory Tucholskie” National Park (PNBT), where a program of active protection of lichen was initiated in 2017. Environmental analyses were conducted in relation to selected biometric features of trees and stands using laser scanning (LiDAR), including ULS (Unmanned Laser Scanning; RIEGL VUX-1) and TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning; FARO FOCUS 3D; X130). Thanks to the application of LiDAR technology, the structure of pine stands was precisely determined by means of a series of descriptive statistics characterizing the 3D spatial structure of vegetation. Using the Trees Crown Model (CHM), the analysis of the volume of tree crowns and the volume of space under canopy was performed. For the analysed sub-compartments, GIS solar analyses were carried out for the solar energy reaching the canopy and the ground level due to active protection of lichen. Multispectral photos were obtained using a specialized RedEdge-M camera (MicaSense) mounted on the UAV multi rotor platform Typhoon H520 (Yuneec). Flights with a thermal camera were also performed in order to detect places on the ground with high temperature. Plant indices: NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI and GRVI were also calculated for sub-compartments. The data obtained in 2017 and 2018 were the basis for spatial and temporal analyses of 4-D changes in stands which were related to the removal of some trees and organic layer (litter, moss layer).

scholarly journals Leaf morphology of 89 tree species from a lowland tropical rain forest (Atlantic forest) in South Brazil

2004 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 933-943 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Regina Torres Boeger ◽  
Luiz Carlos Alves ◽  
Raquel Rejane Bonatto Negrelle
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Leaf Morphology ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cell Layer ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Parenchyma Cell ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Vascular Bundles ◽  
South Brazil

We examined the leaf morphology and anatomy of 89 tree species growing in an area of coastal Atlantic Forest in South Brazil. The majority of the species (> 75%) had small (notophyll and microphyll) elliptical simple leaves with entire margins. These leaves presented a typical anatomical structure consisting of a single epidermal cell layer, single palisade parenchyma cell layer, and spongy parenchyma with 5 to 8 cell layers. The sclerenchyma was limited to the vascular bundles. The majority of the tree species (91%) had leaves with mesomorphic characteristics. Few species depicted leaves with xeromorphic features as would be expected in such oligotrophic sandy soil. These mesomorphic features appeared to be associated to high efficiency mechanisms for nutrient cycling that compensated for the low nutrient content of the mineral soil.

The effect of litter type and macrofauna community on litter decomposition and organic matter accumulation in post-mining sites

Biologia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Frouz
Keyword(s):  
Litter Quality ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Soil Macrofauna ◽  
Salix Caprea ◽  
Mining Sites ◽  
Soil Mixing ◽  
Fauna Composition ◽  
One Year

AbstractField microcosms consisting of mineral soil (spoil substrate) and two types of litter taken either from an unreclaimed site with spontaneously developed vegetation (mostly Salix caprea) or from an alder plantation (a mixture of Alnus glutinosa and A. incana) were exposed in spontaneously developed or reclaimed sites at a post-mining heap near Sokolov (Czech Republic) for one year. The litter types differed remarkably in C:N ratio which was 29 for spontaneous litter and 14 for alder litter. The two microcosm types were either accessible or not accessible to soil macrofauna. The effect of macrofauna exclusion on soil mixing was complex and depended on litter quality and the site that determined soil fauna composition. In reclaimed sites where macrofauna was dominated by saprophags, mainly earthworms, the macrofauna access increased soil mixing. In sites where predators dominated, the macrofauna exclusion probably suppressed fragmentation and mixing activity of the mesofauna.

scholarly journals Free atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> enrichment increased above ground biomass but did not affect symbiotic N<sub>2</sub>-fixation and soil carbon dynamics in a mixed deciduous stand in Wales

2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Hoosbeek ◽  
M. Lukac ◽  
E. Velthorst ◽  
A. R. Smith ◽  
D. L. Godbold
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Co2 ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Net Primary Production ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Co2 Enrichment ◽  
Alnus Glutinosa ◽  
Plant Litter ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Face Experiment ◽  
Leaf N Content

Abstract. Through increases in net primary production (NPP), elevated CO2 is hypothesized to increase the amount of plant litter entering the soil. The fate of this extra carbon on the forest floor or in mineral soil is currently not clear. Moreover, increased rates of NPP can be maintained only if forests can escape nitrogen limitation. In a Free atmospheric CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiment near Bangor, Wales, 4 ambient and 4 elevated [CO2] plots were planted with patches of Betula pendula, Alnus glutinosa and Fagus sylvatica on a former arable field. After 4 years, biomass averaged for the 3 species was 5497 (se 270) g m−2 in ambient and 6450 (se 130) g m−2 in elevated [CO2] plots, a significant increase of 17% (P = 0.018). During that time, only a shallow L forest floor litter layer had formed due to intensive bioturbation. Total soil C and N contents increased irrespective of treatment and species as a result of afforestation. We could not detect an additional C sink in the soil, nor were soil C stabilization processes affected by elevated [CO2]. We observed a decrease of leaf N content in Betula and Alnus under elevated [CO2], while the soil C/N ratio decreased regardless of CO2 treatment. The ratio of N taken up from the soil and by N2-fixation in Alnus was not affected by elevated [CO2]. We infer that increased nitrogen use efficiency is the mechanism by which increased NPP is sustained under elevated [CO2] at this site.

scholarly journals 15N natural abundances in two podsol soils of two spruce forests differing in their atmospheric N deposition conditions

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 416-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.P. Sah
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Vertical Gradient ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Organic Layer ◽  
Atmospheric N Deposition ◽  
Spruce Forests ◽  
Humus Layer ◽  
N Enrichment ◽  
Deposition Conditions

This study aims to investigate the changes in isotope ratios in foliage and soils of the two spruce forests [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] differing greatly in their atmospheric N deposition and climatic conditions. As expected, both N concentrations and <sup>15</sup>N values in both needles and litter were found to be significantly higher in the Solling stand (N-saturated) compared to the Hyytial&auml; stand (N-poor). For the N-limited site (Hyytial&auml; plot), a typical vertical gradient of the soil <sup>15</sup>N-enrichment (both in organic and mineral soil) was observed. The N-saturated site (Solling) differs from the N-limited site (Hyytial&auml;) with respect to the <sup>15</sup>N abundance trend in organic layer. In the upper organic layer up to O-f horizon, i.e. mor layer (0&ndash;3.5 cm depth) of Solling plot, there is almost a trend of slight soil <sup>15</sup>N-depletion with increasing depth, and then there is a <sup>15</sup>N-enrichment from O-h horizon (humus layer) of organic layer to mineral soil horizons. This is explained by the presence of prominent NO<sub>3</sub><sup>&ndash;</sup> leaching at this plot

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document