Warunki glebowe eutroficznych lasów jodłowych Beskidu Niskiego oraz Sądeckiego

The paper presents the properties of soils of eutrophic fir forest stands in lower montane zone in Beskid Niski and Beskid Sądecki Mts. (southern Poland). Efforts were made to put some order in the issues related to the site system, in which the fir plays a dominant role. The study was conducted in 10 study sites reflecting the living conditions of eutrophic silver fir forest. On each plot the topography conditions were described, soil pit was done and samples for laboratory analysis were taken. We determined the following soil characteristics: pH, the content of C and N, particle size, the contents of Ca, Mg, Na and K, exchangeable acidity, aluminum content and hydrolityc acidity. Additionally, diameter at the breast height and height of firs were measured. Cambisols (Epidystric, Hyperdistric and Eutric) are soils typical for eutrophic fir forest stands. The study confirmed that the eutrophic fir forests occupy mainly moderately cool slopes: north, east and north−east. The eutrophic fir forests prefer the lower parts of the slopes or low hills. Eutrophic nature of the soil occupied by the fir forests confirms the quality of accumulated humus. The mull humus type was found the most frequently. Only in two cases moder humus type was noted. The advantageous properties of humus−mineral horizon reflects decomposition level of organic matter expressed as the proportion C/N (range from 11.2 to 19.1). Particle size of Cambisols of eutrophic fir forest stand was very diverse and was associated with the nature of the parent material. Fertility of the soils was reflected in the trophic soil index for mountain area (SIGg=30−37), which was confirmed by the high site index of these stands.