Effect of deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition on biochemical soil properties and carbon storage

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper was to estimate how the mass of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) deadwood in two decay classes affected biochemical processes and the accumulation of soil organic matter, as well as the extent of this impact. We evaluated deadwood mass, as well as the biological activity and influence of the distance from deadwood on biological activity and carbon (C) storage. The investigation was carried out in Magurski National Park, southern Poland, in four randomly selected study plots. The organic C and nitrogen contents and soil pH and texture were analysed. The study also included the determination of enzyme activities. The results obtained demonstrated that soil C storage and the biological activity of the soil were influenced by deadwood form, tree species and decay class. Significant differences in the C content in the soil between the logs of fir and pine trees were noted. With the advancement of the deadwood decomposition process, the C concentration and enzyme activity increased slightly. Lower C accumulation occurred further away from the deadwood. At a 100-cm distance from the deadwood, the influence of the logs was not evident. Higher C storage was found in the soil around the stumps than in the decaying logs. This study confirmed an important role of deadwood in forest ecosystems, i.e., maintaining species biodiversity and increasing C accumulation in the soil environment with a simultaneous increase in the biological activity of the soil.

Effect of Organic Matter Released from Deadwood at Different Decomposition Stages on Physical Properties of Forest Soil

“…Deadwood had contact with soil since the beginning of the decomposition process. The DCs of logs were estimated according to the classification of dead trees reported in Maser et al [17], which was used in previous studies [1,2,9,10] (Table 1). We selected logs with a diameter between 25 and 35 cm to ensure a direct comparison of observations.…”

“…Deadwood is a source of biodiversity and is an important element of the ecosystem that positively affects the physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of soil [1,2]. Wood from dead and fallen trees left in the ecosystem serves as the habitat of fungi, insects, and microorganisms, and it functions as a reservoir of nutrients [3].…”

“…Comparing the ionic composition of water leachate from coniferous and deciduous trees, the latter are characterized by higher cation concentrations than coniferous tree species [9]. The chemical, biochemical, and physical properties of soil change due to the interaction of the components released from the deadwood [1,10].…”

“…During the decomposition process, deadwood is incorporated into the soil through a process that releases nutrients and organic carbon compounds that significantly influence the soil's C balance and consequently other soil properties [1,8]. The present study mainly aimed to determine the influence of deadwood of various species at various degrees of decomposition on the basic physical properties of soil and the relationship of these characteristics with the chemical properties of soil, especially SOM content.…”

Comparing the Quantity and Structure of Deadwood in Selection Managed and Old-Growth Forests in South-East Europe

“…Deadwood is often referred to as coarse woody debris (CWD), which is typically defined as having a diameter > 7.5 cm [5]. Because CWD takes much longer to decompose than fine woody debris [6], it serves as a carbon (C) pool [7,8] and it also increases the C content in the soil [9,10]. In addition to regulating nutrient cycling [11], CWD is an important source of water, especially during drought periods [12].…”