Abstract
Key messageThe deadwood of different tree species with different decomposition rates affects soil organic carbon sequestration in Estonian and Polish forests. In warmer conditions (Poland), the deadwood decomposition process had a higher rate than in cooler Estonian forests. Soil organic matter fractions analysis can be used to assess the stability and turnover of organic carbon between deadwood and soil in different experimental localities.ContextDeadwood is an important element of properly functioning forest ecosystem and plays a very important role in the maintenance of biodiversity, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration.AimsThe main aim was to estimate how decomposition of deadwood of different tree species with different decomposition rates affects soil organic carbon sequestration in Estonian and Polish forests.MethodsThe investigation was carried out in six forests in Poland (51° N) and Estonia (58° N). The study localities differ in their mean annual air temperature (of 2 °C) and the length of the growing season (of 1 month). The deadwood logs of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), common aspen (Populus tremula L.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) were included in the research. Logs in three stages of decomposition (III–V) were selected for the analysis.ResultsThere were differences in the stock of soil organic carbon in two experimental localities. There was a higher soil carbon content under logs and in their direct vicinity in Polish forests compared to those in the cooler climate of Estonia. Considerable differences in the amount of soil organic matter were found. The light fraction constituted the greatest quantitative component of organic matter of soils associated with deadwood.ConclusionA higher carbon content in surface soil horizons as an effect of deadwood decomposition was determined for the Polish (temperate) forests. More decomposed deadwood affected soil organic matter stabilization more strongly than less decayed deadwood. This relationship was clearer in Polish forests. Higher temperatures and longer growing periods primarily influenced the increase of soil organic matter free light fraction concentrations directly under and in close proximity to logs of the studied species. The slower release of deadwood decomposition products was noted in Estonian (hemiboreal) forests. The soil organic matter mineral fraction increased under aspen and spruce logs at advanced decomposition in Poland.
Highlights
Deadwood is a ubiquitous element of both protected and managed forest ecosystems (Harmon et al 1986; Wambsganss et al 2017)
Thermal conditions influence the activity of soil microorganisms and the mesobiota participating in the processes of decomposition as well as the humification of detritus and deadwood accumulated on the soil surface
Our study has demonstrated the influence of the warmer sites in Polish forests. In warmer conditions (Poland) on intensified decomposition and formation of primarily free light fraction soil organic matter (SOM)
Summary
Deadwood is a ubiquitous element of both protected and managed forest ecosystems (Harmon et al 1986; Wambsganss et al 2017). Deadwood is an important carbon (C) reservoir in the forest ecosystem. During the decomposition of deadwood, C is partly emitted to the atmosphere and partly stored as C resources in the soil. Błońska et al (2017) demonstrated that soil C accumulation and enzyme activity in the soil were influenced by deadwood form, tree species, and decay class. Carbon is stored in the soil mostly as soil organic matter (SOM), and deadwood affects the quality and quantity of SOM (Zalamea et al 2007). Soil organic matter is heterogeneous, and consists of different fractions that are characterized by different degrees of stability (Von Lützov et al 2006). The mineral soil light fraction, may become stabilized by occlusion inside aggregates (resulting in the socalled occluded light fraction) (Von Lützov et al 2006). The stabilized fraction of SOM, known as the heavy fraction, is the mineral-associated fraction (Grüneberg et al 2013; Saidy et al 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
