Publication Date:
2001-11-01
Description:
In this study, a comparison between Pinus halepensis Miller and Cedrus atlantica (Endl) Carrière in reforested sites was carried out. Our major objectives were to study soil organic matter in the two stands to determine whether significant biochemical modifications of the C cycle occurred since stand establishment, and to evaluate the effect of the two tree species on soil formation.The study area is part of the Sicani range (western Sicily, Italy), and is characterised by homogeneous environmental features (topography, geology, slope, exposition, climate, etc.). Ten profiles were sampled in a plantation of Pinus halepensisand one of Cedrus atlanticafor each stand. Microbial biomass activity (qCO2, and Cmic:Corg), organic C contents, and organic C mineralization rates were compared between the Ah and Bw horizons of the soils in the two stands. The microbial biomass activity in A-horizons differed appreciably. The metabolic quotient was higher under Pinushalepensis while the Cmic to Corg ratio was higher under Cedrus atlantica, which indicated a possible stressed condition for soil microbial biomass in the Pinus halepensisstand The turnover of decomposable C did not differ significantly between the two soils, but the A-horizons of the Cedrus atlantica site appeared poorer in total organic C content. Key Words: Forest soil, soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil-vegetation relationship, organic matter dynamics, soil microbial biomass
Print ISSN:
0008-4271
Electronic ISSN:
1918-1841
Topics:
Geosciences
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Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
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