Studies of the Development of Woodland Conditions Under Different Trees: VI. Soil Sodium, Potassium and Phosphorus

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Abstract
The litter layers and mineral soils of neighboring plots are compared for 3 series of forest species trials. The contents of both exchangeable and total Na, K and P in the litters and mineral soil are given and some of the differences between the soils of the plots are considered to result from the varied effects of the different tree species in changing soil properties. The three elements are expressed on both a percentage and a weight per unit area basis. Although the litters accumulated under stands of hardwood trees may contain greater proportions of Na, K or P than the litters of coniferous plantations, the greatest total amounts of the 3 elements are contained in the litter of the coniferous plots because of the great weight of organic matter accumulated. The results are discussed in relation to the nutrient uptake of forest plantations, the nutrient cycle under woodland conditions and the maintenance of soil fertility.