Nutrient concentration of down woody debris in mixedwood forests in central Maine, USA

Mike R. Saunders; Shawn Fraver; Robert G. Wagner

doi:10.14214/sf.112

Treesearch

Nutrient concentration of down woody debris in mixedwood forests in central Maine, USA

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Mike R. Saunders, Shawn Fraver, Robert G. Wagner

Year:

2011

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14214/sf.112

Source:

Silva Fennica. 45(2): 197-210.

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Abstract

Both nutrient concentrations and pre- and post-harvest pool sizes were determined across down woody debris decay classes of several hardwood and softwood species in a long-term, natural disturbance based, silvicultural experiment in central Maine. Concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, and Zn generally increased 2- to 5-fold with increasing decay class. Concentrations of Mn, Al and B did not differ among decay classes, while K decreased by 20-44% from decay class 1 to class 4. C:N-ratios declined with increasing decay class, while N:P-ratios increased from decay class 1 to 2 and then plateaued with further decay.

Keywords

Acadian Forest, hardwoods, softwoods, carbon-nitrogen ratios, decay classes, disturbance-based silviculture

Citation

Saunders, Mike R.; Fraver, Shawn; Wagner, Robert G. 2011. Nutrient concentration of down woody debris in mixedwood forests in central Maine, USA. Silva Fennica. 45(2): 197-210.