Abstract
This study was conducted to determine mass loss rates and nutrient dynamics from decomposing litter following forest-tending (Soopkakkugi) works (FTW) which are one of the most important forest management activities in Korea. We measured litter decomposition rates for 2 years in FTW and non-FTW (control) stands of approximately 40-year-old red pine (Pinus densiflora S. et Z.) forests in the Hwangmaesan Soopkakkugi model forest in Sancheonggun Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Mass loss rates from decomposing needle litter were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the FTW than in the control stands for three of the six sampling dates during the study period. Nutrient concentrations and nutrients remaining such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium from decomposing litter were significantly different (P < 0.05) between the FTW and control stands because of decreased mass loss rates by increased gaps following FTW. The results indicate that FTW clearly influence litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics from decomposing needle litter because of the change of environmental factors caused by partial canopy removal such as FTW.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 99-104 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Forest Science and Technology |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by a National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (No. R01-2006-000-10863-0, A307-K001).
Keywords
- Canopy removal
- Nutrient cycling
- Nutrient dynamic
- Thinning
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Forestry
- Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law