University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Gewählte Master / Diploma Thesis:
Lukas Kranzinger
(2014):
Impact of Litter Removal and Seasonality on Soil Greenhouse Gas Fluxes and Nutrient Cycling in an Austrian Beech Forest.
Master / Diploma Thesis - Institut für Bodenforschung (IBF),
BOKU-Universität für Bodenkultur,
pp 110.
UB BOKU
obvsg
FullText
- Abstract:
- Climate change is expected to cause the alteration of forest ecosystems, which may result in shifts in soil GHG fluxes. In addition soil nutrient cycling may be affected as well as the exchange of nutrients between soil, forest floor, atmosphere and the tree community. The presented study aims to demonstrate the influence of the litter layer on soil-greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient cycling. This Master’s thesis was conducted in a pure beech transect in the BOKU Forest Demonstration Center Rosalia, Lower Austria. Soil CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions were determined through weekly manual gas sampling from static headspace chambers from July to November 2012. Twelve pairs of gas measurement chambers were installed. Each pair consisted of two treatments: a control treatment and a no-litter treatment where the litter layer had been removed and replaced by a black garden foil, thereby stopping nutrient input from the litter into the soil, without changing soil moisture and temperature. In addition, monthly soil samples were taken adjacent to the chambers and analyzed to determine pH, total C, total N, NO3-, NH4+, PO43-, DOC/TN ,and microbial parameters such as microbial biomass C and N, glucose and respiration. Further, in the beginning and at the end of the measuring period, soil profile samples were collected to determine the distribution of C and N in the soil profile. The removal of the litter layer strongly reduced soil CO2 emissions on the no-litter treatment (by 35% on average). Other climatic factors such as increased soil temperature had a positive effect on CO2 emissions. The temperature sensitivity factor Q10 showed a higher sensitivity in the no-litter treatment, especially during summertime. The litter removal caused an increased CH4 uptake. Soil nutrient cycling was less disturbed by the litter removal than assumed. No significant differences in nutrient concentrations were found between the two treatments.
- Beurteilende(r): Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie
- 1.Mitwirkender: Zimmermann Michael