Soil C and nutrient stores under Scots pine afforestations compared to ancient beech forests in the German Pleistocene: The role of tree species and forest history

Abstract

In the diluvial lowlands of northern Germany, the Netherlands and northern Poland, an estimated ∼5 Mio ha of Scots pine plantations (Pinus sylvestris) has been established on sandy soil in the last 250years replacing the former temperate broad-leaved forests after extended periods of cultivation in the Middle Ages. We examined the effect of variable stand continuity of pine plantations (recent vs. ancient: 51–128 vs. >230years) on the soil organic carbon (SOC) store and soil nutrient capital in comparison to ancient beech forests (>230years of continuity) which represent the potential natural forest vegetation. Recent and ancient pine stands had c. 75% larger organic layer C stores than ancient beech forests, while the total C stock in the soil (organic layer and mineral soil to 100cm) was ∼25% larger in the beech forests due to higher C concentrations in 0–50cm depth of the mineral soil. The soil stores of Ntot were ∼50% and the exchangeable Ca, K and Mg pools about three times larger under beech than under the pine stands. Resin-exchangeable P was enriched in the soils under ancient pine stands probably due to manuring in the past. After clear-cut and long cultivation, it may take >230years of forest presence to restore the greatly reduced mineral soil C and N pools. The C and N sequestration potential of the soils appeared to be particularly small under pine indicating a pronounced tree species (pine vs. beech) effect on soil C and N dynamics. We conclude that, in the face of rising greenhouse gas emissions, the limited soil C and nutrient storage potential of Scots pine plantations on sandy soils needs consideration when selecting suitable tree species for future forestry.