CHANGES IN SOIL TEXTURE UNDER DEADWOOD IN BROAD-LEAVED FORESTS

Source abstract

Deadwood plays a key role in maintaining biodiveristy and ecological functions of forest ecosystems. The study evaluates the effect of 34 downed logs on soil texture of Podzols, Retisols, and Phaozems in broadleaved forests after single and mass windthrows. Paired t-test showed significant changes in the texture of soils under overlying logs compared to nearby plots: under deadwood the proportion of sand significantly decreased while the proportion of silt and clay fractions significantly increased. The study showed essential changes in particle size distribution in the upper horizon of different soil types in forests with coarse woody debris. This result should be considered for evaluating the potential of the soil buffer properties, including the carbon sequestration capacity of forest soil.