Influence of different tree densities on CO2 flux from soil in Norway spruce monoculture

Abstract

One of the most important components of the carbon cycle in forest ecosystems is the CO2exchange between soil and atmosphere. Hence, forestry management has the potential to change flux and sink of the carbon dioxide in the soil. The objective of this study is to analyze and to compare soil respiration during the 2010 vegetation season in commercial Norway spruce (Picea abies(L.) Karst.) forest stands. Research plots are located at the Drahanská vrchovina Highlands (on the eastern edge of the Bohemian Massive), where optimal conditions for Norway spruce stands cultivation can be found in the Czech Republic (600–700 m a. s. l.). Measured soil respiration data and other soil characteristics were evaluated in young monoculture stands with different methods of forestry management. The volume of C released from the soil was measured in the range of 8.2–9.4 t.ha-1.year and the velocity of respiration at 10 °C in the range of 2.7–3.0 μmol.m-2.s-1, depending on the tree density. The amount of C leached from the forest floor was found to be near 0.08 t.ha-1per year.