Influence of forest tending (Soopkakkugi) works on litterfall and nutrient inputs in a Pinus densiflora stand

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine litterfall and nutrient inputs following forest tending works (FTW) which are one of the most important forest management activities in Korea. We measured litterfall and nutrient (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg) inputs from needle litter in FTW and non-FTW (control) stands of approximately 40-year-old red pine (Pinus densiflora S. et Z.) forests in the Hwangmaesan Soopkakkugi model forest in Sancheonggun Gyeongsangnamdo, Korea. Seasonal inputs of litterfall components such as needle, broadleaf, branch, bark and total litter inputs followed a similar pattern between the FTW and control stands. Annual average needle and total litterfall were significantly lower in the FTW (2483 kg ha-1 yr-1; 4038 kg ha-1 yr-1) than in the control stands (3377 kg ha71 yr71; 5589 kg ha-1 yr-1) during the study period. Nitrogen concentration of needle litter was significantly affected by FTW (P < 0.05), while other nutrient (C, P, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations were not significantly different between the FTW and control stands. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the organic C, N, P and Ca inputs by needle litter following FTW, whereas K and Mg inputs were not significantly different between the FTW and control stands. The results indicate that the reduction of litterfall and nutrient inputs following FTW can be attributed to reduced needle litterfall and vary considerably nutrient cycle in FTW stands. © 2012 Korean Forest Society.