TREE LITTER PRODUCTION IN GREY ALDER (ALNUS INCANA) STANDS ON DRY AND WET MINERAL SOILS.

Forests play an important role in carbon storage and global carbon cycling. The processes of litter decomposition, movement within the soil, and incorporation into different soil layers play a crucial role in the functioning of forest ecosystems. These activities are important in regulating the cycling of soil organic matter and the storage and release of carbon into the atmosphere. Soil carbon and carbon input via litter has been well-recognized, however studied relatively less compared to other carbon pools, but local estimates are necessary to reduce uncertainties and due to climate change mitigation goals. The aim of the study is to evaluate differences in tree litter production in different age classes and forest types in grey alder (Alnus incana) dominated forests. In total 12 grey alder stands were selected to represent each age class (10-year interval) in two different soil moisture regimes (dry and wet mineral soils). In each stand 4 litter collectors were placed in a transect and samples collected every month for a full year. Each sample was air dried until constant weight and weighted afterwards to determine litter dry-weight. Our study results indicate seasonal differences in litter production, however significant differences between average litter production of grey alder stands in dry and wet mineral soils was not observed. Moreover, litter production amount is lower for younger stands and increases with age, as study results indicate that main factor determining litter production is stand basal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]