Biomass, litterfall and nutrient content in Castanea sativa coppice stands of southern Europe

Abstract

Aboveground biomass and nutrient content, litterfall and nutrient return to the soil were studied in Castanea sativa Mill forests near Salamanca (Spain), Montpellier (France) and Catania (Italy). Best regression equations for the aboveground biomass were obtained by applying the allometric Y (biomass) = aX (DBH)b method. The three different regression equations were very similar, especially when comparing the Italian and French sites. The main source of difference concerned the different DBH repartition for trees at the six sites. Litter production was higher in the Spanish stand than in the Italian stands. N, Ca and Mg recycled in the same proportion in all stands. In contrast, twice as much P and K was recycled in the Italian stands than in the Spanish stand.