Chemical Composition of Litterfall in Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Forests
Author:
Dimitrova Violeta1, Damyanova Sonya2
Affiliation:
1. Forestry Department, University of Forestry, Kliment Ohridski Blv., 10, 1797, Sofia, BULGARIA 2. Ecology and Landscape architecture Department, University of Forestry, Kliment Ohridski Blv., 10, 1797, Sofia, BULGARIA
Abstract
The quantity and quality of litterfall in forests play an important role in their condition. Through it, a large part of the chemical elements are returned to the cycle of the ecosystem, it is an essential carbon depot, it affects regeneration, soil moisture, fertility, composition, fauna, and flora. The present study aims to evaluate the role of the litterfall as a depot of chemical elements. The total annual amount of elements returned to the beech forest ecosystem is 1264.97 kg.ha-1, of which macroelements are 1257.79 kg.ha-1, and microelements - are 7.19 kg.ha-1. The predominant elements are: carbon - about 80%, hydrogen - about 13%, nitrogen - 3%, and calcium - 2%. The remaining elements are represented in very small amounts – less than 1%. Microelements are presented in the following sequence: Mg >Mn >Fe >Zn >Pb >Cu.
Publisher
World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS)
Subject
General Energy,General Environmental Science,Geography, Planning and Development
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