The falling of a tree in the forest is the beginning of significant changes in the soil

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the project was to determine the vertical variability of soil under the influence of deadwood (DWD) in a temperate forest ecosystem. Methods: The laboratory analyses included soil layers of 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–20 cm and 20–40 cm, which were taken directly under the deadwood, as well as the forest litter layer and deadwood fragments. The control samples were taken 30 m away. Results: The decomposition processes of deadwood are associated with a 55% increase in soil organic carbon (SOC) deposition to a depth of -40 cm and a 36% increase in total nitrogen (N) content compared to soils without deadwood. DWD significantly increases exchangeable cations, especially at a depth of -5 cm to -20 cm. Deadwood contains slightly more hydrogen (H+) and aluminum ions (Al3+) than forest litter, but soil acidification is related to pedogenic processes rather than decomposition of deadwood in hyperacid forest soils. The soil surface under deadwood with a high degree of decomposition is characterised by a lower bulk density (BD) value than the soil where only forest litter was present. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that the physicochemical properties of forest soils change under the influence of deadwood such that the deeper layers beneath the logs take on propertie8s that make them similar to the shallower layers without deadwood. To summarise, leaving deadwood in the forest has a positive effect on soil fertility by enriching the soil with nutrients (Ca2+, K+, Na+, less Mg2+) and improving its physical properties.