Publication Date:
2006-01-01
Description:
To characterize the spatial heterogeneity of selected soil microbiological characteristics in relation to soil moisture content within a natural beech stand, we collected soil samples at 50 m intervals along a 1,500 m long transect in a beech primeval forest at Vtáčnik mountains (Slovakia) from organic layers (OL and OF horizons) and the mineral A horizon (depth 0–10 cm) in July 2004 and June 2005. Gravimetric soil moisture, basal and substrate-induced respiration, respiration in situ and soil catalase activity were measured. Statistically significant differences in soil variables were found among horizons and partially among sampling dates. Soil microbial activity was closely correlated with soil moisture, especially in the OL horizon. No clear spatial autocorrelation of the assessed soil variables was found, but a significant correlation between years occurred. Moisture and microbial activity parameters were positively correlated with canopy openness in the A horizon, whereas no or negative correlations were observed in the overlying organic horizons.
Print ISSN:
0006-3088
Electronic ISSN:
1336-9563
Topics:
Biology
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