Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics following forest tending (Soopkakkugi) works in a Pinus densiflora stand

Choonsig Kim, Yowhan Son, Woo Kyun Lee, Jaeyeob Jeong, Nam Jin Noh, So Ra Kim, A. Ram Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-104
Number of pages6
JournalForest Science and Technology
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics following forest tending (Soopkakkugi) works in a Pinus densiflora stand'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this