The influence of decomposing logs on soil biology and nutrient cycling in an old-growth mixed coniferous forest in Oregon, U.S.A.

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of coarse woody debris (CWD) on mineral soils at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the central Cascade Range of Oregon, U.S.A. Nutrients in CWD leachates were compared with (i) forest floor (control) leachates, (ii) over a decay chronosequence, and (iii) among CWD of four species. There were few differences among CWD leachates and forest floor leachates. Soils under CWD were warmer but not wetter than control soils. Water-soluble organic carbon was higher in soils under CWD than in controls at 5–15 cm depth (p < 0.02), but soil C concentrations did not differ. Gross N mineralization was faster in control soils. We found no differences in N, P, microbial biomass, Biolog plate assays, or enzyme activity in soils. Nutrient leachate differences among CWD species were small. Differences in solutions and in soils among CWD and controls were largest during the middle decay classes. This study suggests that either (i) CWD has no long-term effect and does not contribute large amounts of organic matter to the soil profile or (ii) the effect of CWD is so prolonged that no spatial affect is noticeable because all soils have been affected by CWD at some time.