Biomass and nutrient distribution in two eucalypt forest ecosystems

Abstract

Abstract The distribution of biomass and nutrients (N, P, K, Na, Mg, and Ca) among components of a Eucalyptus regnans forest and a mixed Eucalyptus obliqua‐Eucalyptus dives forest near Melbourne in southern Victoria have been determined and are discussed. Both forests were found to have relatively low root biomass. Trees and soil accounted for more than 80% of each nutrient present in both ecosystems. The results of nutrient distribution studies in Australian eucalypt forests and in temperate forests elsewhere in the world are compared. These comparisons suggest that the above‐ground living biomass in eucalypt forests contains no abnormally high or low quantities of macronutrients in relation to coniferous or deciduous hardwood forests. Detailed comparison among ecosystems is rendered difficult by the variable treatment given to roots and soils.