Decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics in small-diameter woody litter in four forest ecosystems in Washington, U.S.A.

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 499-509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Red Alder ◽  
N Release ◽  
Woody Litter ◽  
Western Washington

Decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics in small-diameter woody litter (twigs, cones, and branches) were studied in four ecosystems in western Washington: high elevation Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forbes) and low elevation Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco), western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), and red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.). Conifer twigs decomposed faster (k = 0.14–0.24 year−1) than cones (k = 0.09–0.12 year−1) and branches (k = 0.03–0.11 year−1). Decomposition constants were related better to initial lignin/initial N ratios (r = −0.64) than initial lignin concentrations. N was generally the least mobile nutrient while K was the most mobile. Many nutrients were strongly immobilized in conifer fine woody litter, including N, Mg, Mn, and Ca. There was little immobilization of N in red alder branches. N release from decomposing woody litter appears to be controlled by a critical C/N ratio. This critical C/N ratio, however, was not constant and increased as the substrate decomposition rate increased.

Decomposition and nutrient release from green needles of western hemlock and Pacific silver fir in an old-growth temperate rain forest9 Olympic National Park, Washington

1995 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 1049-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Edmonds ◽  
Ted B. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Mass Loss ◽  
National Park ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Olympic National Park ◽  
Significant Difference

Decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics (for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Na) were determined for green needles of western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forb.) in an old-growth forested watershed (58 ha West Twin Creek) in the Hoh River valley, Olympic National Park, Washington. The influence of temperature and substrate chemistry on decomposition was determined. Temperature was the dominant factor controlling decomposition rates in the first year in this watershed, with the fastest decomposition at an elevation of 275 m (lower watershed) and the slowest decomposition at 725 m (upper watershed). After 12 months mass loss averaged 36% in the lower watershed and 28% in the upper watershed. There was no significant difference in decomposition rates between species. Substrate chemistry, i.e., the lignin/N ratio, became a more important factor than temperature as decomposition proceeded. After 37 months mass loss for needles averaged 61% for western hemlock and 50% for Pacific silver fir, with no difference by watershed location. After 61 months both types of substrates appeared to be approaching similar substrate chemistry and similar decomposition rates and there were no significant differences by species or watershed location. Decomposition constants (k values) after 61 months were 0.26 and 0.20 year−1 for western hemlock needles in the lower and upper watershed, respectively, and 0.22 and 0.19 year−1 for Pacific silver fir needles in the lower and upper watershed, respectively. Nitrogen was immobilized during the first 12 months of decomposition in needles of both species and then released. No other elements were immobilized during the initial (0- to 12-month) decomposition period, except for Ca in Pacific silver fir needles. However, in the 37- to 61-month period there was a considerable immobilization of Mg and Na in both species in the upper and lower watershed and K and Mn in both species in the upper watershed.

Litter decomposition and nutrient release in Douglas-fir, red alder, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir ecosystems in western Washington

1980 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Red Alder ◽  
Cellulose Decomposition ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Western Washington

Decomposition rates and changes in the nutrient content of needle and leaf litter were examined in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii Mirb. Franco), western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forbes), and red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.) ecosystems in western Washington, U.S.A. Nylon litterbags (1-mm mesh) were placed in the stands in November and December 1974. Bags were collected after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and weighed, except in the Pacific silver fir stand when bags were collected after 6, 9, 14, and 24 months. Litter was analyzed for C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, lignin, and cellulose. Decomposition constants (k values) were determined. Fastest decomposition after 2 years occurred in red alder leaves, followed by Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir needles. There were significant differences in weight loss among species after 1 year, but no significant differences were evident after 2 years. Red alder leaves showed rapid weight loss in the 1st year but decomposed little in the 2nd year. Decomposition constants were highly positively correlated with minimum air temperatures and negatively correlated with C:N ratios. Low litter moisture tended to reduce decomposition in summer, particularly in the Pacific silver fir stand. Decomposition proceeded under snow in this ecosystem. The pattern of loss of elements from litterbags after 2 years varied from ecosystem to ecosystem, particularly for N. The following element mobility series resulted for the four ecosystems: red alder (K > Mg > Ca > P > N > Mn), Douglas-fir (K > P > Ca > Mg > Mn > N), western hemlock (K > Ca > Mg > N > Mn > P), and Pacific silver fir (K > Mg > Ca > Mn > P > N).

Long-term decomposition and nutrient dynamics in Pacific silver fir needles in western Washington

1984 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 395-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Needle Decomposition ◽  
Western Washington ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Coniferous Ecosystems

Long-term needle decomposition and nutrient dynamics (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn) were studied over a 6-year period in a Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forb.) ecosystem in western Washington, U.S.A. Weight loss of needles was 41.2% after 14 months and 64.3% after 6 years. Decomposition constants (k values) declined with time of decomposition, but tended to stabilize afer4–6years. The mean residence time of needles was estimated to be 9 years. After 4 years decomposition weight loss paralleled lignin loss. Nitrogen was strongly immobilized in needles with 242% of original mass of N remaining after 4 years and 213% after 6 years. Net mineralization occurred when the C:N ratio fell below 20. Phosphorus appeared to be slightly immobilized in the 9- to 48-month period. Only 49% of the original P mass remained after 6 years. None of the other elements was immobilized during the 6-year period. The element mobility series was N < P < Mn < Ca < Mg < K. Two-year litter bag studies in subalpine coniferous ecosystems are not long enough to study litter decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics.

Decomposition of Douglas-fir and red alder wood in clear-cuttings

1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 822-831 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Edmonds ◽  
Daniel J. Vogt ◽  
David H. Sandberg ◽  
Charles H. Driver
Keyword(s):  
Small Diameter ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Wood Decomposition ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Red Alder ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The University

Decomposition rates of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.) wood (simulating logging residues) were determined in clear-cuttings at the Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental Forest of the University of Washington, which is located approximately 120 km south of Seattle, WA. The influence of diameter (1–2, 4–6, and 8–12 cm), vertical location (buried, on the soil surface, and elevated), season of logging (summer and winter), aspect (north and south), and wood temperature, moisture, and chemistry on wood decomposition rates were determined. Red alder wood decomposed faster (k = 0.035–0.517 year−1) than Douglas-fir wood (k = 0.006–0.205 year−1). In general, buried wood decomposed faster than surface wood, which decomposed faster than elevated wood. Small diameter wood generally decomposed faster than larger diameter wood. Aspect and season of logging had little influence on decomposition rates. Moisture and temperature were the dominant factors related to Douglas-fir wood decomposition, with initial chemistry playing a minor role. Initial wood chemistry, particularly soda solubility, was the dominant factor related to red alder wood decomposition.

Patterns of nutrient concentration in basidiocarps in western Washington

1980 ◽  
Vol 58 (6) ◽  
pp. 694-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Vogt ◽  
R. L. Edmonds
Keyword(s):  
Forest Floor ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Weight Basis ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Fruiting Bodies ◽  
Lignicolous Fungi ◽  
Red Alder ◽  
Western Washington ◽  
Armillariella Mellea

Fruiting bodies and forest floor samples were collected and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Na content in red alder, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and Pacific silver fir ecosystems in western Washington. Different genera and species of fungi showed wide variation in the capability of concentrating nutrients within their fruiting bodies. Ranges of nutrient content for fruiting bodies were 0.66–11.27% N, 0.04–2.39% P, 7 – 32 080 ppm Ca, 2975 – 57 404 ppm K, 10–7096 ppm Mg, 3–1727 ppm Mn, 15–3975 ppm Fe, 18–6763 ppm Na, and 15–278 ppm Zn. Nitrogen, P, and K were concentrated in significantly higher levels in fruiting bodies versus the forest floor in all ecosystems. Nitrogen and K were concentrated at levels higher than 1% while P, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Na were concentrated at levels less than 1% of the dry weight of the fruiting bodies. Calcium was not concentrated by fungi in sporocarps, except for Armillariella mellea rhizomorphs (3.2% on dry weight basis). Lignicolous fungi were lower in N and K than nonlignicolous fungi.

Decomposition of logging residues in Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Pacific silver fir, and ponderosa pine ecosystems

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 914-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather E. Erickson ◽  
R. L. Edmonds ◽  
C. E. Peterson
Keyword(s):  
Ponderosa Pine ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Douglas Fir ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Western Hemlock ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Silver Fir ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Residue Decomposition

Logging residue decomposition rates were determined in four conifer forest ecosystems in the State of Washington, U.S.A. (coastal western hemlock, Puget lowland Douglas-fir, high-elevation Pacific silver fir, and eastern Cascade ponderosa pine), by examining wood density changes in a series of south-facing harvest areas with residues of different ages. Decomposition rates were determined for two diameter classes (1–2 and 8–12 cm) and two vertical locations (on and >20 cm above the soil surface). Pacific silver fir and ponderosa pine ecosystems had the lowest k values (0.005 and 0.010 year−1, respectively) followed by Douglas-fir (range, 0.004–0.037 year−1) and western hemlock (range, 0.010–0.030 year−1). Small-diameter residues decomposed at rates significantly slower than large-diameter residues in Douglas-fir and western hemlock ecosystems; this relationship was also implied in the other ecosystems. In all four ecosystems, dry season moisture contents were lower in smaller-diameter residues. Moisture levels associated with small-diameter residues were too low for significant decomposition to occur during the dry summer period and probably contributed to the slow annual decay rates. Residues located above the soil surface decomposed significantly slower than residues on the soil surface only in the Douglas-fir ecosystem. Dry season residue moisture, rather than initial lignin concentration, appeared to be the dominant factor determining residue decomposition rates on exposed harvested areas.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity in Decomposition Rates and Nutrient Release in Fine-Root Architecture of Pinus massoniana in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Shao Yang ◽  
Ruimei Cheng ◽  
Wenfa Xiao ◽  
Yafei Shen ◽  
Lijun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Order ◽  
Fine Root ◽  
C:N Ratio ◽  
Pinus Massoniana ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Root Decomposition ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
N Release ◽  
Residual N ◽  
Fine Root Decomposition

Fine-root decomposition contributes a substantial amount of nitrogen that sustains both plant productivity and soil metabolism, given the high turnover rates and short root life spans of fine roots. Fine-root decomposition and soil carbon and nitrogen cycling were investigated in a 1-year field litterbag study on lower-order roots (1–2 and 3–4) of Pinus massoniana to understand the mechanisms of heterogeneity in decomposition rates and further provide a scientific basis for short-time research on fine-root decomposition and nutrient cycling. Lower-order roots had slower decay rates compared with higher-order roots (5–6). A significantly negative correlation was observed between the decay constant mass remaining and initial N concentrations as well as acid unhydrolyzable residues. Results also showed that in lower-order roots (orders 1–2 and 3–4) with a lower C:N ratio, root residual N was released and then immobilized, whereas in higher-order roots (order 5–6) with a higher C:N ratio, root residual N was immobilized and then released in the initial stage. In the later stage, N immobilization occurred in lower-order roots and N release in higher-order roots, with the C:N ratio gradually decreasing to about 40 in three branching-order classes and then increasing. Our results suggest that lower-order roots decompose more slowly than higher-order roots, which may result from the combined effects of high initial N concentration and poor C quality in lower-order roots. During the decomposition of P. massoniana, N release or N immobilization occurred at the critical C:N ratio.

scholarly journals Effect of biochar addition on leaf-litter decomposition at soil surface during three years in a warm-temperate secondary deciduous forest, Japan

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukiya Minamino ◽  
Nobuhide Fujitake ◽  
Takeshi Suzuki ◽  
Shinpei Yoshitake ◽  
Hiroshi Koizumi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Leaf Litter Decomposition ◽  
Dry Conditions

AbstractThe addition of biochar to the forest floor should facilitate efficient carbon sequestration. However, little is known about how biochar addition effects litter decomposition, which is related to carbon and nutrient dynamics in forest ecosystems. This study evaluated the effect of biochar addition on leaf litter decomposition in a forest ecosystem. To examine whether leaf litter decomposition was stimulated above and below biochar, litterbag experiments were carried out for about 3 years in a field site where biochar was added at the rate of 0, 5 and 10 t ha−¹ (C0, C5 and C10 plots) to the forest floor in a temperate oak forest, Japan. Biochar addition at C10 significantly enhanced litter decomposition below biochar for 2 years after treatment and above biochar for 1 year after treatment. Litter water content in biochar plots tended to increase under dry conditions. Biochar addition enhanced litter decomposition because of increased microbial activity with increased moisture content and accelerated the decomposition progress rather than changing the decomposition pattern. However, the carbon emission through changing leaf litter decomposition was small when compared with the carbon addition by biochar, indicating that biochar could be an effective material for carbon sequestration in forest ecosystems.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document