Decomposition of woody debris in Western Australian forests

Abstract

Changes in mass and nutrients in experimental logs of six tree species during 5 years of exposure in the three major forest production regions of southwest Western Australia were measured to determine how climate, substrate quality, and substrate size interact to regulate decomposition of woody debris in this Mediterranean-type climate. Branch (3–5 cm in diameter) and bole (10–15 cm in diameter) material of the six species was set out in representative areas of a regenerating clear-cut Eucalyptusdiversicolor F. Muell. wet sclerophyll forest, selectively cut Eucalyptusmarginata Donn ex Smith dry sclerophyll forest, and clear-cut areas of a former Pinuspinaster Aiton plantation. Experimental logs were collected at about 0.5, 2, and 5 years after placement and were separated into bark and wood components. Samples of initial material were analyzed for moisture content, water-soluble and NaOH-soluble extractives, and nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg). At each collection, moisture content and changes in mass and nutrient concentration were determined for the sample logs. Eucalyptuscalophylla R.Br, the major associate of the two native forests, lost the most mass during this time, up to 65% of the initial mass (decomposition coefficient k = 0.22 year−1). Decomposition was least in P. pinaster and E. marginata, at about 24–26% of original mass (k = 0.05 year−1 and 0.07 year−1, respectively). Mass losses were greatest in Manjimup, the wettest site, and least at Gnangara, the driest site, but differences in overall levels of decomposition were small despite the range in climatic moisture regimes. Small logs decomposed faster than large logs. Changes in nutrient concentrations occurred in all logs at all sites, indicating activity by decomposer organisms and (or) leaching losses. Nitrogen was the only element to be immobilized over the 5-year period. Mineralization rates were of the order P ≈ Ca < Mg < K. Concentrations of compounds extractable in cold water and NaOH decreased during the 5 years of exposure. Differences in decomposition rates were partly explained by initial concentrations of N only; there appeared to be no relationship between decomposition and concentration of the other elements and extractives.