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Seasonal release characteristics of Ca, Mg and  Mn of foliar litter of six tree species in subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest.

MA Zhi-liang, GAO Shun, YANG Wan-qin, WU Fu-zhong   

  1. (Sichuan Province Key Laboratory of Ecological Forestry Engineering/Longterm Research Station of Forest Ecosystem in Rainy Zone of West China/Institute of Ecology & Forestry, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)
  • Online:2015-10-18 Published:2015-10-18

Abstract: Seasonal release dynamics of Ca, Mg and Mn during decomposition of foliar litter of Pinus massoniana, Cryptomeria fortunei, Cunninghamia lanceolata, Cinnamomum camphora, Toona ciliate, and Quercus acutissima were investigated in subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest employing the method of litterbag. After oneyear decomposition, the release rates of Ca, Mg and Mn in foliar litter of the studied tree species ranged from -13.8% to 92.3%, from 4.0% to 64.8%, and from 41.6% to 81.1%, respectively. Ca dynamics in foliar litter of P. massoniana, C. camphora exhibited the pattern of accumulating early and releasing later, while that of the other four tree species showed direct release. Similarly, the dynamics of Mg released from foliar litter of C. camphora showed the pattern of accumulating early and then releasing, while that of the other five tree species exhibited continuous release. Meanwhile, the dynamics of Mn released from foliar litter of C. fortunei and T. ciliate exhibited early accumulation, and subsequent release, while that of the other four tree species showed continuous release. The releases of Ca, Mg and Mn in foliar litter were greatly influenced by seasonal rainfall, and varied with tree species. Furthermore, the rates and amounts of Ca, Mg and Mn released from foliar litter were higher in rainy season than in dry season. In conclusion, the initial nutrient concentrations and precipitation were two key factors influencing the release dynamics of Ca, Mg and Mn during decomposition of foliar litter in the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest.