ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Key words Beech
;
Fir
;
Litter decomposition
;
Nutrient dynamics
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract The dynamics of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) in decomposing beech and fir litters was studied. N, P, Mg and Ca content increased in all litters, whereas K content decreased. Nutrient content correlated to mass loss with a few exceptions for K and P. Final N, K, Mg and Ca content was higher the lower the initial content and the higher the initial C/nutrient ratio was. Final P content correlated neither with initial P content nor with initial C/P ratio. All litters lost K very quickly, mainly by leaching. P was lost initially by leaching, although at a lower rate than K, and later by mineralization. Mg, Ca and N showed alternate phases of accumulation and release. Mg losses by leaching occurred only in litters with high initial Mg content; in litters with low initial Mg content, Mg losses occurred by mineralization. Ca and N were lost only by mineralization. A mobility series K〉P〉Mg〉Ca=N is suggested.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003740050409
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