Abstract
Abstract. Trees modify the physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil underneath. Here we present results for seven tree species planted at a site that was contaminated by a mine spill – after which soil was cleaned up and remediated – and later was afforested. We studied the chemical composition (24 elements) in five ecosystem compartments (leaves, forest floor, roots, topsoil and deep soil). The variation in chemical concentration was highest at the level of canopy leaves and lowest at deep soil. The identity of tree species significantly affected the composition of all elements in the canopies but none in the deep soil underneath. Although the observed tree effects on topsoil chemistry were weak, the footprint is expected to be reinforced with age of the plantation, contributing to the phytostabilization of contaminating elements and to the carbon sequestration.
Highlights
Trees are ecosystem engineers, modifying soil physicochemical properties, nutrient cycling and microbial communities (Vesterdal and Raulund-Rasmussen, 1998; Aponte et al, 2011, 2013)
In this study we explored the chemical composition of five ecosystem compartments in the established mixed forest: canopy leaves, forest floor, tree roots, topsoil and deep soil
Tree canopies had the highest variability in the concentration of 23 elements; the mean coefficient of variation (CV) was 79 % (Table 1)
Summary
Trees are ecosystem engineers, modifying soil physicochemical properties, nutrient cycling and microbial communities (Vesterdal and Raulund-Rasmussen, 1998; Aponte et al, 2011, 2013). The behaviour of different elements in the afforested biogeochemical landscape will depend on their sources, their chemical bonding properties and their degree of biological control (Ladanai et al, 2010). In this study we explored the chemical composition of five ecosystem compartments in the established mixed forest: canopy leaves, forest floor, tree roots, topsoil and deep soil. The objectives were to characterize the chemical heterogeneity at canopy level, originated by planting different tree species, and to evaluate the strength of their footprint on soil properties, 16 years after plantation. What was the rank of variability among chemical elements by compartment? What was the mean chemical variability by ecosystem compartment? Was there a significant difference among tree species for every chemical element by ecosystem compartment? What was the rank of variability among chemical elements by compartment? What was the mean chemical variability by ecosystem compartment? Was there a significant difference among tree species for every chemical element by ecosystem compartment? In particular, was there a significant treespecies effect on soil?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
