Soil organic matter in European forest floors in relation to stand characteristics and environmental factors

Abstract

Published data on the quantities of organic matter in the forest floor (SOM_fl) of European forest stands were collated. Studies of SOM_fl were included if the total sampled surface was at least 0.15 m², the surface of a single sample was at least 100 cm², live material was sorted out, and ash or carbon content was determined. Data from 59 forest stands were compared with regard to stand characteristics and environment. Using a single variable, tree genus was most important for the amount of SOM_fl (R ² _adj = 0.34). The amounts in spruce stands (41 × 10³ kg ha⁻¹) were significantly higher than those in larch, Douglas fir, oak and birch stands (4–11 × 10³ kg ha⁻¹). The best significant multiple model was genus combined with stand age and basal area (R ² _adj. = 0.72). The importance of litter quantity and quality for differentiating the tree genera is discussed.

Key words:

• boreal
• humus layer
• litter
• stand age
• temperate
• tree genus