Soil chemistry changes in green alder [Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) C. Koch] stands in mountain areas

Abstract

The present study documents the effects of green alder [Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) C. Koch] on the uppermost forest soil layers in mountain areas, respectively in the summit part of the Jizerské hory Mts. Pedochemical characteristics of holorganic horizons in stands of this species, established in 1992 on a clear-cut caused by air pollution, were compared to the status of soils in stands of bog pine (Pinus rotundata Link.). Extreme site conditions and young age of both stand types resulted in low effects on the humus forms in the first decade. Despite of this, enrichment in total nitrogen content and tendency to acidification due to nitrate leaching were obvious and statistically significant in green alder stands.

Keywords

• air-pollution areas
• humus forms
• biological amelioration
• green alder