The Effects of Forest Plantations on Some Lowland Soils I. A Second Sampling of Nutrient Stocks

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Abstract
Amounts of total and extractable major nutrients have been measured in soils under a variety of tree plantations at three sites in Lowland Britain. The measurements repeat a study performed at these sites 23 years previously. Comparisons are made between total stocks of litter and soil nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium under broadleaved and coniferous trees planted on contrasted lowland soils. Accumulation is shown under some conifers but few broadleaves except for alder, under which progressive increases in nitrogen are suggested. Nutrient stocks are shown to be related to growth rate. The results reported also lend some support to the view that the effects of different tree species on development of soil properties are less significant, when viewed over a whole rotation, than measurements made early in the rotation, especially in the canopy closure to first thinning period, would suggest.