Linking litter decomposition to soil carbon stocks under non-native tree species
Abstract
Due to their presumed drought tolerance and fast growth rates, the non-native tree species Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Grand fir (Abies grandis) have emerged as viable silvicultural alternatives to Norway spruce (Picea abies) in Austrian forests. However, the effect of these species on the forest soil carbon (C) cycle remains uncertain. If the contribution of these tree species to the forest composition increases in the near future, this information is urgently needed in order to lower the uncertainties of C sequestration estimates for the forestry sector. This project will, therefore, investigate soil C stocks and litter decomposition under Douglas fir and Grand fir in comparison to Norway spruce. Genecological field sites of the Department of Forest Genetics, Austrian Research Centre for Forests (BFW) will be utilized for a field study in 2018. Soil C stocks and litter decomposition will be determined for Norway spruce, Douglas fir and Grand fir plots in Lower and Upper Austria. Litter decomposition will be analyzed by means of a novel mass loss approach. The method will be developed in the project and allows for an in situ partitioning of litter mass loss into CO2 efflux, leaching of dissolved organic C and litter fragments. By means of the method litter decomposition will be linked to soil C stocks under the respective tree species. It is hypothesized that tree species with a higher partitioning into leaching of dissolved organic carbon have higher soil C stocks. This is one of the first studies investigating the effects of non-native tree species on soil C stocks in Austrian forests. Furthermore, it is the first in situ study partitioning mass loss during litter decomposition in forest ecosystems. The results will be an important information for forest managers which intend to use non-native tree species as an alternative to Norway spruce. The research will also give new insights into the complex process of litter break down and its role in the soil C cycle.
Publikationen
Linking litter decomposition to soil carbon stocks under non-native and native tree species
Autoren: Bischofer, L.M; Berger, T.W; Mayer, M Jahr: 2018
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Linking litter decomposition to soil carbon stocks under Norway spruce, Douglas fir and European larch
Autoren: Bischofer, L.M.; Berger, T.W.; Mayer, M. Jahr: 2018
Journal articles
Litter decomposition and soil carbon storage in Norway spruce, Douglas fir, and European larch stands
Autoren: Bischofer, L.; Berger, T.W.; Mayer, M. Jahr: 2019
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Do Norway spruce, Douglas fir and European larch stands differ in litter decomposition and belowground carbon storage?
Autoren: Bischofer, L; Berger, TW; Godbold, DL; Mayer, M Jahr: 2019
Journal articles
Project staff
Torsten Winfried Berger
Ao.Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Torsten Winfried Berger
torsten.berger@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-91217
Project Leader
30.07.2019 - 31.12.2019
Mathias Mayer
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Mathias Mayer
mathias.mayer@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-91243
Project Leader
01.03.2018 - 29.07.2019