Production, accumulation and nutrient content of Sitka spruce litterfall.

  • M.L. Carey Research Branch, Forest and Wildlife Service, Sidmonton Place, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
  • E.P. Farrell Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, University College, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Keywords: Soil nutrients, Sitka spruce, Picea sitchensis, nutrient recycling, litter decomposition, organic matter, fertilisers, mycorrhizae, silviculture, litterfall.

Abstract

Litterfall measurement in three stands of Sitka spruce showed that on average 5,500 kg/ha was shed per annum. This contained 72 kg of nitrogen, 5 kg of phospharus and 14 kg of potassium. Because litter production exceeds decomposition large amounts accumulate. On average the litter layers had a D.M. content of 50,000 kg/ha containing 915 kg of nitrogen, 50 kg of phosphorous and 130 kg of potassium. The high figures for production and accumulation, and the variation between sites, appeared to be related to crop density.
Published
1978-11-01
How to Cite
Carey, M. and Farrell, E. (1978) “Production, accumulation and nutrient content of Sitka spruce litterfall.”, Irish Forestry. Available at: https://journal.societyofirishforesters.ie/index.php/forestry/article/view/9395 (Accessed: 24April2024).
Issue
Vol. 35, No. 1, 1978
Section
Articles