Inter-crown versus under-crown area: Contribution of local configuration of trees to variation in topsoil morphology, pH and moisture in Abies alba Mill. forests

Abstract

This investigation of three Abies alba stands differing in stem density (338-715 per ha) and vertical structure (one-storeyed or multi-layered) explored the relations between distance from neighbouring tree stems and local canopy openness and selected topsoil properties. The null hypothesis was that in relatively densely stocked forests of close-random stem distribution topsoil morphology, pH and moisture do not differ in inter-crown and under-crown patches. In three plots 1.1 ha in area, soil samples were taken in a square grid 5.0 × 5.0 m and analysed using semivariogram estimation and spatial autocorrelation. The local configuration of trees around the sampled locations was characterised using hemispheral photography and a local stand density index based on tree locations and diameters. The largest portion of the total variation in the soil variables analysed (68-100%) was attributable to small-scale variation in scales <5 m. In all stands, irrespective of density and vertical structure, local stand density/canopy openness correlated positively/negatively with ectohumus layer thickness but negatively/positively with upper soil pH and moisture. Variation in the local configuration of trees explained up to 17% of the total variation in organic horizon thickness, up to 22-29% in topsoil pH (depending on the horizon) and up to 19-27% in topsoil moisture. The results indicate that even in stands of random tree patterning, stem neighbourhood and small-scale variation in canopy density may contribute significantly to topsoil heterogeneity and potentially affect the functioning and structure of forest floor vegetation. © 2011 The Author(s).