Publication
Title
Inter- and intra-annual variations in canopy fine litterfall and carbon and nitrogen inputs to the forest floor in two European coniferous forests
Author
Abstract
Context The amount and chemistry of litterfall have been known to strongly vary among the years with important implications for ecosystem nutrient cycles, but there are few quantitative data describing such variations. Aims We studied the climatic implications on the variation in litterfall and its C and N input to soil in two distinct European coniferous forests. Methods Year-to-year variations in canopy litterfall were measured in a Scots pine stand (Hyytiälä, Finland) over 13 years, and a Douglas fir stand (Speulderbos, The Netherlands) over 3 years. Results Important inter-annual variations in litterfall were observed in Scots pine. Litterfall was mainly driven by leaf senescence; however, premature needle fall was observed in high wind speed and early frost events. The seasonal variation in litterfall was characterized by a maximum in September in Scots pine, and by a biphasic variation pattern in Douglas fir, in May and November. Lower seasonal variations and lower annual average in litterfall N content were observed in Scots pine. Conclusion Significant inter- and intra-annual variations in litterfall and chemistry and between the sites were demonstrated; and it depended on year-to-year differences in climate and extreme weather events.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Annals of forest science. - Paris
Publication
Paris : 2013
ISSN
1286-4560
DOI
10.1007/S13595-013-0273-0
Volume/pages
70 :4 (2013) , p. 367-379
ISI
000319413300004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
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Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 01.12.2014
Last edited 25.01.2023
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