Variability and heterogeneity of humus forms at stand level: Comparison between pure beech and mixed beech-hornbeam forest

Abstract

We investigate the influence of tree canopy composition on humus form variability and heterogeneity by comparing a pure beech stand and a mixed beech-hornbeam one (70% beech and 30% hornbeam). Macro-morphological humus form descriptors were recorded using a spatially explicit sample design at stand level. Leaf litter composition and light intensity accounting for stand management as well as bulk density for harvesting practices (soil compaction) were also recorded. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and geostatistics were used to assess humus form variability and heterogeneity, as well as the spatial correlation between stand characteristics and humus forms. Humus form variability and activity were greater under the mixed stand than under the pure one. Geostatistics revealed that humus form patchiness was greater under the mixed stand than under the pure one and the improvement in decomposition processes seemed to be confined to spatial distribution of hornbeam litterfall. From a practical viewpoint, these results could provide ideas on the way of mixing tree species at stand level. We assume that with a given percentage of mull-forming tree species, a dispersed tree mixture provides a more extensive improvement than a clumped mixture.