Nilsson, Torbjörn
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Abstract
The temporal dynamics of 33 major, trace, and rare earth elements (REEs) were studied in the litter samples containing Swedish Norway spruce (Picea abies) (NSL) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) (SPL), with the aim to assess their release and accumulation dynamics. Litter bags (8 x 8 cm) were incubated in paired monoculture stands with both the species for up to 5 years from 1979 to 1984 according to a randomized block design comprising 25 blocks (1 x 1 m) within an area of 625 m(2). The decomposition rate was slightly higher for Scots pine litter (k = 0.315) than for Norway spruce litter (k = 0.217). During litter decomposition, at similar to 70% accumulated mass loss (AML), the concentration of trace elements increased by >50% in both litter types compared to initial concentrations. The concentration change took place in a non-linear pattern, and polynomial quadratic regression between concentration change and accumulated mass loss resulted in significant relationships (adj R (2) = 0.20-0.97; p = 0.15-0.95). A general upward convexity in the dynamics suggests that if further incubated in the field, decomposing litter could have accumulated more REEs in the organic matter. The results of this study can be useful for future studies in other ecosystems including metal-contaminated sites or element-depleted sites. Plant litter accumulation, its decomposition, and build-up of humic substances in the decomposing organic matter can act as a sink for elements and can be used as a management tool for ecological amelioration of metal-contaminated sites as well as natural systems that are impoverished, especially recuperating sites. The study's findings have implications beyond such sites and can be useful in any research that seeks to understand the patterns of accumulation and release related to decomposition in different ecosystems.
Keywords
litter decomposition; trace elements; rare earth elements; Scots pine; Norway spruce; coniferous forest; element dynamics
Published in
Frontiers in Environmental Science
2023, volume: 11, article number: 1190370
Publisher: FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
SLU Authors
UKÄ Subject classification
Environmental Sciences
Forest Science
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1190370
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/123733