Metla Project 3252

Tree species and forest soil fertility

[  Suomeksi  |  Objectives  |  Results  |  Project leader  |  Researchers  |  Publications  |  Metla Research  ]

Duration: 1999-2006   Keywords: Betula pendula, C mineralization, N transformations, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, fine roots, nutrient cycling, organic matter, soil microbes, tree species
Research project group: Distinct projects 1 - Structure and function of forest ecosystems

Objectives

The aim was to increase understanding of the mechanisms how different tree species affect soil properties. The study focused on the effects of tree species on 1) understorey vegetation, 2) fine root biomass and growth dynamics, 3) organic matter quality and microbial processes in C and N cycling, 4) litterfall and litter decomposition and 5) characteristics of soil water, and soil nutrient status and release.


Results

Main research site was a tree species experiment with about 70-year old stands of silver birch, Norway spruce and Scots pine, in Kivalo 50 km from the arctic circle but part of the studies were also performed in other tree species experiments in other parts of Finland. More detailed result descriptions

Project leader: Smolander, Aino
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa Unit, PL 18, FI-01301 VANTAA, FINLAND
Phone: +358 29 532 5494
E-mail: aino.smolander@metla.fi

Other researchers: Brügger, Thomas (2002), Helmisaari, Heljä-Sisko, VA (2003-06), Kanerva, Sanna (2002-05), Kiikkilä, Oili, VA (2002-04), Kitunen, Veikko, ME (2002-06), Lindroos, Antti-Jussi, VA (2002-06), Loponen, Jyrki (2003-04), Makkonen, Kirsi (2002), Nieminen, Tiina, VA (2005-06), Tapanila, Tarja, ME (2006)


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Updated 12.06.2012
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