Abstract
In this work, we studied the effects of centenary Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) afforestation on topsoil properties conducted in a deforested area that was previously occupied by a natural European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest. Organic layers and topsoil Ah mineral horizons (0–10 cm) were sampled in the Scots pine and European beech forests of Moncayo Natural Park (north-eastern Spain). The physical (stoniness, aggregate stability, and water repellency persistence and intensity), chemical (total organic C, total N, C/N, pH, and exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Al3+, and Fe3+), and physicochemical (cation exchange capacity) properties of soil were analyzed. Total organic C and N were also obtained for litter samples. The studied topsoils shared a series of common properties, such as a high stoniness and aggregate stability, very low base content, high cation exchange capacity, and extreme acidity. Soils that developed under the pinewood showed a higher soil water repellency intensity. However, K+ content was significantly higher in the beechwood soil. In both forest types, total organic C and N were similar in topsoil and litter (Hemimoder type), although C and N were pooled in different O-layers. Results indicate that pine afforestation in a deforested area was an adequate measure for soil protection since it did not show significant differences in the long term (ca. 100 years) compared to the nearby natural beech stands.
Highlights
Afforestation has historically been the main measure applied in Spain for soil protection [1,2].Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most commonly used afforestation species due to its ecological plasticity [3]
The objective of this study was to analyze the changes in litter accumulation and selected physical and chemical soil properties after the afforestation of Scots pine that took place ca. 100 years ago in an area previously covered by a natural European beech forest in Moncayo Natural Park
Beech forest understory is mainly composed of Vaccinum myrtillus L. and Erica arborea L., while Ilex aquifolium L. and Deschampsia flexuosa L. can be found in the pine forest
Summary
Afforestation has historically been the main measure applied in Spain for soil protection [1,2]. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most commonly used afforestation species due to its ecological plasticity [3]. In Spain, Scots pine covers up to one million hectares [4], more than one-third of which has been planted [5]. The long-term effects of pine reforestations on soil properties have not been extensively studied [1]
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