Influences of community composition on biogeochemistry of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) systems

Abstract

Litterfall and decomposition processes were compared among four forest plantations that were dominated by loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L) but that differed.in terms of presence or absence of deciduous and herbaceous components. Based on aboveground litterfall, the pine-only community was the most productive but had the slowest turnover of organic matter in the forest floor. The presence of deciduous and/or herbaccous vegetation caused more rapid turnover of forest litter and altered the nature of immobilization/mineralization patterns for N and P in the same material. Temporal patterns of N and P changes in the forest floor were much more dynamic in mixed pine-deciduous communities and suggest more intense competition between microbes and vegetation for those elements. Mineralization pulses are more frequent and occur on a different temporal scale in the pine plus deciduous communities also. Results are discussed in terms of their potential importance during ecosystem restoration/manipulation efforts that increase or decrease the presence of particular vegetation components within forest communities.

Citation

Lockaby, B.G.; Miller, J.H.; Clawson, R.G. 1995. Influences of community composition on biogeochemistry of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) systems. American Midland Naturalist. 134: 176-184.