Nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in relation to stand age of Eucalypus regnans F. Muell.

Abstract

Laboratory and in situ rates of N mineralization in soils from Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests were measured fortnightly for two years in stands aged 9, 40, 80 and about 250 years (overmature), and for one year in stands aged 5 and 46 years. Rates of anaerobic mineralization (the laboratory test) showed little seasonal or annual variation. In contrast, rates of in situ mineralization varied markedly with season, being highest in spring and summer. Anaerobic mineralization was highly correlated with stand age to 80 years, but decreased between ages 80 and 250 years (...)