Comparison of the chemical properties of forest floors, decaying wood, and fine roots in three ecosystems on Vancouver Island

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Abstract
Elemental concentrations were measured and compared for LF horizons, H horizons, decaying wood, and fine (< 2 mm) roots of three ecosystems on northern Vancouver Island. The principal tree species of these ecosystems were western hemlock (Tsugaheterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.), amabilis fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forbes), and western red cedar (Thujaplicata Donn.). The H horizons had greater Mg and Na values than the LF horizons, while the opposite result was found for K and loss on ignition (LOI). The decaying wood represents a significant accumulation of nutrient-deficient biomass that could immobilize N. The decomposing fine roots will temporarily immobilize N while possibly increasing the concentration of elements such as Fe, Al, and Mn. These materials should be separated from forest floor samples in order to represent more accurately the nutrient status of forest floor horizons.

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