Seasonal Pattern of Decomposition and N, P, and C Dynamics in Leaf litter in a Mongolian Oak Forest and a Korean Pine Plantation

Jaeeun Sohng,Yunmi Park,Mi-Ae Jeong,Pil Park,Byung Park,Ah Han

doi:10.3390/f5102561

Jaeeun Sohng, Yunmi Park + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/f5102561

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Abstract

Distinct seasons and diverse tree species characterize temperate deciduous forests in NE Asia, but large areas of deciduous forests have been converted to conifer plantations. This study was conducted to understand the effects of seasons and tree species on leaf litter decomposition in a temperate forest. Using the litterbag method, the decomposition rate and nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon dynamics of Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica), Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), and their mixed leaf litter were compared for 24 months in a Mongolian oak stand, an adjacent Korean pine plantation, and a Mongolian oak—Korean pine mixed stand. The decomposition rates of all the leaf litter types followed a pattern of distinct seasonal changes: most leaf litter decomposition occurred during the summer. Tree species was less influential on the leaf litter decomposition. The decomposition rates among different leaf litter types within the same stand were not significantly different, indicating no mixed litter effect. The immobilization of leaf litter N and P lasted for 14 months. Mongolian oak leaf litter and Korean pine leaf litter showed different N and P contents and dynamics during the decomposition, and soil P2O5 was highest in the Korean pine plantation, suggesting effects of plantation on soil nutrient budget.

Highlights

Leaf litter decomposition is a critical step in nutrient cycling and providing nutrients to plants [1].Various factors control leaf litter decomposition, including climate [2], topography [3,4], chemical characteristics of leaf litter [5,6], and terrestrial microbiota [7]
Each tree species affects leaf litter decomposition differently by providing leaf litters of different quality, which are closely related to the terrestrial microbial community and soil nutrient cycling [9,10]
The three stand types showed significant differences in soil total nitrogen content (TN) concentrations, which were highest in the oak stand and lowest in the Korean pine plantation in spring and autumn (p = 0.03)

Summary

Introduction

Various factors control leaf litter decomposition, including climate [2], topography [3,4], chemical characteristics of leaf litter [5,6], and terrestrial microbiota [7]. Among those factors, climate, especially temperature and precipitation, is a dominant factor determining leaf litter decomposition patterns in regions experiencing distinct seasonal climate change [8]. In temperate natural forests, plant leaf litter usually decomposes in a mixed-species environment. Stand conversion from natural forest to single species plantation changes leaf litter decomposition and eventually alters ecosystem functions [12]

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