Biogeochemistry of Urban Forests

Abstract

The biogeochemistry of urban forests is strongly influenced by the urban environment. Precipitation beneath the canopy of trees is enriched by dry deposition abundant in an urban atmosphere. The litterfall production depends on the soil fertility and available water of urban forests just like the rural forests. The rates of literfall decomposition are retarded by air pollution and high ratios of C/N but migration of earthworms from nearby gardens and high rates of N deposition can offset the retardation. The tree biomass cannot be calculated through known equations derived from rural forests. New equations have to be constructed. Urban forests have to be monitored in time and include various rates of disturbance common in urban lands.