Epsilon Open Archive

Abstract

Plant biomass, primary production and mineral cycling were studied in a mixed deciduous forest (Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L. and Corylus avellana L.) in southern Sweden. Plant biomass amount above and below ground was 201 and 37 t∙ha-1, respectively. Primary production above and below ground was an estimated 13.3 and 2.3 t∙ha-1, respectively. Carbon was the dominant element in the forest ecosystem, comprising 133 t∙ha-1. Other major elements were: N > Ca > K > Si > Mg > S > Mn > P > Fe and Na (range 1123 to 18 kg∙ha-1), followed by some trace elements. Yearly litterfall restored 6.0 t∙ha-1 organic matter or 2.3 t∙ha-1 carbon. Approximately 45% decomposed and returned to the soil during the year. Monitoring of other elements revealed that the ecosystem received inputs through dry and wet deposition, in particular 34.4 kg∙ha-1 S and 9.4 kg∙ha-1 of N yearly as throughfall. Determination of yearly biomass increase showed that the oak forest ecosystem was still in an aggradation or accumulation phase.