Dynamics, structure and properties of plant litterfall in a 120-year old beech stand in Middle Pomerania between 2007-2010

Abstract

Studies of plant litterfall mass, its dynamics, structure and chemical composition were conducted between 2007-2010 in a 120-year old beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stand located in Middle Pomerania. The annual mass of litterfall during the study period ranged from 2.793 to 5.398 t·ha-1 and its maximum was observed during the seed year. Leaves were the major component of plant litterfall and their contribution was 82.4-84.5% in the non-seed years and 47.2% during the seed year. Inflorescences, seeds, and seed coats were important components of litterfall during the seed year and accounted together up to 39.8% of the total litterfall mass. Particular fractions of litterfall significantly differed in the chemical composition. The highest concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were noticed in seeds and leaves collected in spring and the maximum content of calcium was observed in leaves collected in autumn. The weighted mean annual concentrations of nitrogen ranged within 0.81-1.13%, phosphate- 0.126-0.153%, potassium -0.298-0.485% and calcium -0.416-0.583%. The influx of elements with litterfall to the soil was: 167.3-225.9 kg·ha-1 of ash, 23.2-61.0 kg·ha-1 of nitrogen, 3.6-7.6 kg·ha-1 of phosphorus, 8.3-26.2 kg·ha-1 of potassium and 15.3-22.4 kg·ha-1 of calcium.