Chin J Plan Ecolo ›› 1989, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (1): 42-48.

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Litter Dynamics and Its Return of Nutrients in Natural Birch-Korean Pine Forests

Li Jing-wen, Liu Chuan-zhao, Ren Shu-wen, Zhan Hong-zhen   

  • Published:1989-01-10
  • Contact: Jing Jia-hai

Abstract: The mean annual litter in Birch-Korean Pine forests is 5.8 t/ha (dry weight) over a 3-year study period in the Lesser Xing anling mountains. The seasonal pattern of litter exhibits a distinct autumal peak as the weather grows cold (September to October). Return of the nutrients: Ca, N, K, Mg and P elements in the litterfall per year are 67.0, 56.9, 14.8, 9.5 and 6.6 kg/ha respectively, totaling 155.0kg/ha. Nutrient content in the deciduous leaf litter is obviously greater than that determined for all other coniferous leaf litters. In spite of the fact that the annual litter of deciduous trees only amounts to about 1/3 of the total in the mixed forest, the litter leaves of deciduous trees, however Still have a fairly large percentage (43.4) of nutrients returned to the soil. Therefore, retaining some deciduous trees in forest management with Korean Pine stands would be useful for improving soil fertility and promoting stand growth.