Release of nutrients from decomposing white birch leaves and Scots pine needle litter

Abstract

BERG, B., & H. STAAF, 1987. Release of plant nutrients from decomposing white birch leaves and Scots pine needle litter. Pedobiologia 30, 55—63. The changes in nutrients N, p, K, Ca, Mg and Mn were followed for four years in decomposing leaves of white birch (Betula pubescensEHRH.) and needles of Scots pine (Pinus silveshris L.). Birch leaves had higher concentrations for all the studied nutrients. In the first winter there was a heavy release by leaching of the nutrients p, K, Mg and Mn from birch leaves whereas only K was leached from the needles. After this initial period a steady release, largely in proportion to litter mass loss, could be noted for most elements. In birch leaves a period of accumulation preceded the release phase of nitrogen. The nutrient release rate per unit mass loss was consistently higher in foliage litter of birch than of pine. After 2—3 years of decomposition, cencentrations of most nutrient elements were similar in the two litter types except for nitrogen and phosphorus. The results suggest that bireh leaf litter produces a humus which is 2—3 times richer in nitrogen than pine needles.