Effect of litter decomposition and nutrient release from shrub litter on enzymatic activity and C/N/P stoichiometry of soils in a temperate pine forest

Abstract

Forest litter is an important factor in shaping the soil environment. In the temperate climate zone, there is a lack of research on the impact of shrubs on the properties of forest soils. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of litter decomposition and nutrient release from litter with an admixture of shrubs on enzymatic activity and C/N/P stoichiometry of soils. The study included pine monocultures and pine stands with an admixture of rowan or alder buckthorn or European hazelnut. In our experiment, we determined the chemical properties of litter of various shrub species. We determined the chemical composition of leachates from decomposing litter and the rate of decomposition of litter of different species. We determined the C/N/P stoichiometry and enzymatic activity of soils affected by litter of various species of shrubs. The quality of litter and the rate of its decomposition is an important factor shaping the properties of forest soils. Components released from the decomposition of litter with the shrubs had a positive effect on the C/N/P stoichiometry of soils and enzyme activity. The results obtained in this experiment confirm the possibility of using shrubs, especially alder buckthorn and European hazelnut, to improve the properties of forest soils. As a result of the decomposition of alder buckthorn or European hazelnut litter, the soil becomes enriched with nutrients. The decomposition of litter with shrub admixture occurs much faster compared to pine litter, which has a positive effect on the C/N/P stoichiometry and the enzymatic activity of soils.