University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Sanden, H; Mayer, M; Stark, S; Sanden, T; Nilsson, LO; Jepsen, JU; Wali, PR; Rewald, B.
(2020):
Moth Outbreaks Reduce Decomposition in Subarctic Forest Soils
ECOSYSTEMS. 2020; 23(1): 151-163.
FullText
FullText_BOKU
- Abstract:
- Tree mortality from insect infestations can significantly reduce carbon storage in forest soils. In subarctic birch forests (Betula pubescens), ecosystem C cycling is largely affected by recurrent outbreaks of defoliating geometrid moths (Epirrita autumnata, Operophtera brumata). Here, we show that soil C stocks in birch forests across Fennoscandia did not change up to 8 years after moth outbreaks. We found that a decrease in woody fine roots was accompanied by a lower soil CO2 efflux rate and a higher soil N availability following moth outbreaks. We suggest that a high N availability and less ectomycorrhiza likely contributed to lowered heterotrophic respiration and soil enzymatic activity. Based on proxies for decomposition (heterotrophic respiration, phenol oxidase potential activity), we conclude that a decrease in decomposition is a prime cause why soil C stocks of mountain birch forest ecosystems have not changed after moth outbreaks. Compared to disturbed temperate and boreal forests, a CO2-related positive feedback of forest disturbance on climate change might therefore be smaller in subarctic regions.
- Authors BOKU Wien:
- Mayer Mathias
- Rewald Boris
- Sanden Hans
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Betula pubescens
- disturbed subarctic forests
- Epirrita autumnata
- heterotrophic soil respiration
- Operophtera brumata
- root biomass
- soil carbon sequestration
- soil CO2 efflux
- soil enzyme activity
- structural equation modelling
Altmetric: