Rozkład liści buka w 120-letnim drzewostanie na obszarze Pomorza Środkowego

The aim of the study was to assess the intensity of beech leaves decomposition and nutrients release dynamics in a beech stand located on the area of Middle Pomerania (N Poland). The studies were conducted during 2007−2010 with litterbag method. The observed intensity of leaves decomposition was higher compared to data obtained by other authors, despite the fact that initial material had properties, which did not favour rapid decomposition (high content of lignin, low content of nitrogen and phosphorus and large C:N ratio). Rapid decomposition is probably an effect of relatively high content of nitrogen in the soil and mitigating influence of the sea on local climate. During three years of experiment 80% loss of leaves weight was observed. The rate of decomposition was 0.54. Dynamics of concentration and stocks of elements in most cases was typical. Accumulation of nitrogen, iron and aluminium, and rapid leaching of potassium was observed in the first stage of decomposition. The observed permanent downward trend of the content and stocks of phosphorus is typical for habitats poor in the element and is an effect of its intensive uptake by plant roots and microorganisms. The loss of calcium and magnesium stocks referred to leaves weight loss, and concentration of these elements did not show large fluctuations in time.