Abstract
Litterfall is the first phase of the biogeochemical cycle and returns nutrients to the soil. This paper demonstrates the quantita- tive distribution of the different components throughout the year in four stands of a beech time sequence. Litterfall increases as the forest evolves and as basal area increases: from 2.1 t/ha/an in the thicket to 4.7 t/ha/an in the mature high forest. Leaves represent 90% of the to- tal litterfall in the young stand and 70% in the oldest stand. The proportion of leaves decreases during forest rotation. Most of the catego- ries are related to the age and basal area, because of the architecture and maturity of the trees. Other factors could explain litterfall dynamics, e.g. human management or animals. Climate is a preponderant factor for the litterfall production and plays a role in the species phenology. The litterfall dynamics during the time sequence, and the observed shifts in phenology give rise to different pedogenetic pro- cesses.
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.
