Long-term decomposition and nutrient dynamics in Pacific silver fir needles in western Washington

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Long-term needle decomposition and nutrient dynamics (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Mn) were studied over a 6-year period in a Pacific silver fir (Abiesamabilis (Dougl.) Forb.) ecosystem in western Washington, U.S.A. Weight loss of needles was 41.2% after 14 months and 64.3% after 6 years. Decomposition constants (k values) declined with time of decomposition, but tended to stabilize afer4–6years. The mean residence time of needles was estimated to be 9 years. After 4 years decomposition weight loss paralleled lignin loss. Nitrogen was strongly immobilized in needles with 242% of original mass of N remaining after 4 years and 213% after 6 years. Net mineralization occurred when the C:N ratio fell below 20. Phosphorus appeared to be slightly immobilized in the 9- to 48-month period. Only 49% of the original P mass remained after 6 years. None of the other elements was immobilized during the 6-year period. The element mobility series was N < P < Mn < Ca < Mg < K. Two-year litter bag studies in subalpine coniferous ecosystems are not long enough to study litter decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics.