Effects of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) on the humus forms in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) stands

Abstract

The effects of silver fir (Abies alba Miller) on the soil compared to Norway spruce (Picea abies (Linnaeus) H. Karsten) were evaluated. Altitude of the study site is 790 m a.s.l., mild slope of 10° facing SW, forest site is spruce-beech on acid soil. The forest floor and top soil horizons (L + F1, F2 + H, Ah) were sampled in 4 replications beneath unmixed Norway spruce and silver fir groups. Comparing the soil-forming effects of both species, few significant differences were found in the Ah horizon – contents of total C, N, exchangeable Al and plant available Ca were higher beneath spruce. The soil improving role of silver fir compared to spruce was confirmed at the studied locality.