Decomposition and nitrogen dynamics of fine roots of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) at different sites

Abstract

Long-term decomposition and nitrogen dynamics of Norway spruce finest (<1 mm in diameter) and fine (<2 mm in diameter) roots were estimated using the root litter-bag techniques. The seasonal decomposition of the finest roots was investigated in a 40-year-old high site quality stand grown on brown lessive soil at different depths as part of productivity studies. The fine root decomposition studies were conducted on 8 permanent plots in the Estonia with the aim to describe the site variation. The initial material was collected from one of stands (high quality site) and incubated at the depth of 10 cm in 1989 (at one site 1990). The bags were collected once or twice a year except for one site, where the seasonal dynamics was investigated. In all initial and decomposing root samples oven-dry weight, ash and energy content and nitrogen concentration was determined. After five years the finest roots had lost 40% of their initial dry weight, half of it during the first year. The initial concentration of nitrogen was 1.29%, the mean concentrations varied during the incubation from 1.47 to 1.78%. After the first year fine roots had lost 21.0 to 32.7% of their initial dry weight, after two years the weight loss was 22.5 to 43.2%. The initial N concentration in fine roots was 0.73% and in the first years it varied from 0.97 to 1.40% at different sites.