The effect of stand structure on litter decomposition in Pinus sylvestris L. stands in Turkey

Abstract

Key message Canopy closure and stand age significantly affected the litter decomposition. Therefore, stand-specific decomposition constants (k) should be calculated in forest carbon models for more accurate carbon budget estimation. Furthermore, to reduce the carbon release from decomposing litter, regeneration cutting should be carried out at later ages, and heavy thinning should not be implemented in mature as well as overmature stands.• Context Decomposition of litter has an important role in primary production with its influence on nutrient release for plant uptake and carbon flux in forest ecosystems. Thus, understanding the effects of the intervention on litter decomposition is crucial for carbon management in forestry. • AimsThe effects of stand structure and exposure on litter decomposition rate in Pinus sylvestris stands were investigated.• Methods Samples were taken from young to overmature stands with open to dense canopy. The litterbag method was used to measure the mass loss of the litter. The k values were calculated from the mass loss of decaying litter. Carbon and nitrogen contents of the litter were determined. • ResultsCutting caused the decomposition to accelerate at a rate of up to 58% depending on its intensity. The k values were found to fluctuate over time from 0.189 in moderately dense-canopied stands to 0.317 in open-canopied overmature stands. Stand basal area, incubation time, and remaining carbon concentration of the litter accounted for 75% of the variation in the k value. • ConclusionChanges in the stand structure affect the litter decomposition rate in forest ecosystems. Heavy thinning can alter the litter decomposition process drastically, while moderate thinning may not have a clear effect in the long run.

Spatial Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon in the Forests of Nepal

“…These factors affect the activities of fauna and organisms in the soil [72], leading to variations in soil respiration intensity and the formation of SOC [73,74]. In fact, an increase in tree canopy cover helps reduce soil temperature [75][76][77] and slows down the rate of litter decomposition [78], resulting in more SOC retention.…”

The Seasonal Impact of Thinning Intensities on Soil Carbon Cycling in the Lesser Xing’an Range, Northeast China

“…Thinning indirectly impacts litter and fine root decomposition rates by changing the understory's light, temperature, and humidity levels [49]. Reduced canopy cover increases sunlight exposure, elevates surface temperature, and potentially alters soil moisture, collectively enhancing litter decomposition [50].…”

The impact of different management on pine-based agroforestry system and litter accumulation on the population and activity of cellulolytic bacteria

“…Pine is a widespread and dominant species in agroforestry, with the Chir pine (Roxburghii pine) being the most extensive species in India (Bisht et al 2016) and Sumatra pine (Pinus merkusii) is a famous tree in Indonesia (Sallata 2013); it is one of the major tree species in agroforestry systems. These trees produce a large quantity of litter with a complex lignocellulose structure, resulting in slow decomposition (Soong et al 2015;Çömez et al 2021). The accumulation of this material can pose a hazard to the biogeochemical cycle, ecosystem, and energy flows worldwide (Zhou et al 2015).…”