ISSN:
1573-5036
Keywords:
cellulose
;
lignin
;
litter
;
nitrogen
;
Pinus radiata
;
tannins
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract The quality of substrates in plantation forest litter, and their chemistry, can influence decomposition and N cycling. We studied the decomposition of Pinus radiata D. Don needles suspended on branches in windrows, for 3 yr after clear-cutting, using improved solid-state 13C NMR and chemical analysis. The NMR spectra suggested that the concentration of condensed tannins was 12–22%, and showed they were chemically altered during the period 4–12 months after clear-cutting. The spectra showed no evidence for further chemical modification of the tannins during the second or third years. Data for P. radiata needle decomposition in New Zealand indicated rapid loss of mass in the first 3 months, and condensed tannins did not appear to prevent mineralization of C or N. The tannin and lignin concentrations increased with decomposition of the needles, which was consistent with the early mineralization of readily available C compounds.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1004783502067
