Changes in humus forms in gaps of the canopy of semi-natural beech stand

Abstract

The article presents original results of research on the humus form dynamics in a semi-natural European beech stand in the National Natural Reserve Voděradské bučiny, in the area of Training Forest Enterprise at Kostelec nad Černými lesy (Czech University of Agriculture inPrague). The accumulation and soil chemical characteristics of particular humus forms were studied: dry matter amount, pH, soil adsorption and exchangeable acidity characteristics as well as plant available and total nutrient contents. The humus form samples were taken in four replications from the particular humus form layers (L, F, H, Ah), and the analyses were performed individually. Samplings were done in the parts of the stand with closed canopy, and they were compared with the state in gaps formed during natural and semi-natural forest regeneration (the stage of stand breaking up left to spontaneous development). The results confirmed marked changes in the quantity and quality of surface humus in the gaps. The amount of dry matter decreased by ca. 25% several years after canopy opening, especially in the H horizon, the pH, base content and base saturation increased, as well as the content of macronutrients (with the exception of total calcium). The results proved considerable changes in the humus forms during the natural and semi-natural forest cycles connected with the stand regeneration.