Struktura, dynamika i właściwości opadu roślinnego w 110-letnim drzewostanie bukowym z domieszką sosny i świerka

The aim of this study was to characterise the aboveground litterfall in a 110−year−old beech stand with admixture of pine and spruce based on a 3−year measurement series. The studies were conducted in 2007−2009 in the Leśny Dwór Forest District (NW Poland). The input of litterfall during the study period amounted from 3.234 to 4.871 t/ha/year. Beech, pine and spruce contributed in the total litterfall mass in 50.8−70.1%, 11.4−11.9% and 1.6−24.0% respectively. Beech leaves were the main component of litterfall, accounting for 39.6−52.4%. In the masting year for beech (2009), seed coats and beech seeds had also a significant share in the mass of litterfall. The bark beetle outbreak, which occurred during the study period, influenced the dynamics and properties of spruce needle fall. In the outbreak year (2008), a several fold increase in the mass of needle fall, mainly green needles, from spruce trees was observed. The beech leaf fall compared with other components of the stand was rich in phosphorus, potassium and calcium, and moderately rich in nitrogen, had the lowest C:N and C:P ratios and the highest pH value. The needle fall of pine and spruce was much less rich in nutrients and strongly acidic. It also showed a broad range of C:N and C:P values.