Nutrient fluxes via litterfall in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) stands growing on post-arable soils

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of litterfall as a link in biogeochemical cycling of certain elements (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in silver birch stands growing on post-arable soils under temperate climatic conditions (Poland). The study covered three stands on sandy soils (21, 29, and 40 years old) and three on loamy soils (15, 33, and 41 years old). Litterfall was collected during 2020–2021 and analysed using standard procedures. Elemental contents were determined also in green leaves collected from the tree crowns in early summer to determine intensity of retranslocation. The total litterfall production varied from 2576 to 5293 kg ha−1, depending on the stand and year. These values are typical of temperate forests. Litterfall production was positively correlated with stand age. Leaves made up the major fraction, followed by twigs. Silver birch litterfall was generally rich in nutrients compared to many other tree species typical for temperate climatic zone. Nutrient fluxes to the soil were in the upper limits reported in the literature. It may partially be an effect of the post-arable history of these stands. Large fluxes of nutrients to the soil via litterfall are important in the context of the high nutritional demands of the studied tree species. This study also showed that silver birch strongly retranslocates N, P, and K from senescing leaves, whereas Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn are accumulated in these organs.

Nutrient distribution in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) biomass grown in nutrient-poor soil

“…Generally, the development of plant cover accelerates nutrient cycling, thus contributing to improving soil fertility and productivity (Maun 2009). Litterfall, as a source of nutrients (Campbell et al 1994;Jonczak et al 2016Jonczak et al , 2023) and a precursor of humic substances (Fioretto et al 2005), plays a crucial role in this area. Its decomposition allows the formation of litter (O) and humic (A) horizons, which provide effective protection for the soil surface against the impact of external factors, including wind and water action.…”

“…However, the contents tend to correlate with the bioavailability at the site (Uri et al 2007) and the stand age (Gawęda et al 2014). Nutrient distribution is uneven in birch organs, with the highest contents occurring in the leaves, followed by the bark and ne roots (Ovington and 2023) showed that silver birch intensively retranslocates de cient nutrients (N, P, K) from senescing leaves, the litterfall of that tree is generally rich in those elements, in comparison to other broadleaved, and particularly coniferous, tree species (Berg and Staaf, 1987;Johansson 1995;Brandtberg et al 2004;Jonczak et al 2023). The decomposition of silver birch is a rapid process (Hynynen et al, 2010;Shorohova and Kapitsa 2016).…”

“…1999). Studies byJonczak et al (2023) have shown that, although silver birch intensively retranslocates de cient nutrients, including N, P, and K, their in ux to the soil via litterfall is the highest in post-arable stands when compared to other tree species.The elemental composition of silver birch biomass has already been studied by several authors, who obtained varying results. This highlights the complicated nature of this topic.…”