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Elements dynamics, from leaf to stable leaf litter residue and soil, for two functional types of tree planted on volcanic deposits

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Abstract

Purposes

The aim of this paper was to characterize elements dynamics, including resorption before leaf shedding and accumulation/release during decomposition, of two functionally different tree species, the N-fixing, broadleaf, deciduous black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), and the Mediterranean black pine (Pinus nigra Arn.), planted on recent unconsolidated volcanic deposits.

Methods

In two paired, 40 years old stands, we investigated the stoichiometry of thirteen elements in green leaves, newly shed leaf litter, stable litter residue and soil.

Results

Black locust leaves were richer in N, P, K, Mg and Mn; black pine needles were richer in Na, Fe, Zn, Cr, and Pb. Resorption efficiency was Pb > Zn > Fe ~ N ~ Mn ~ Mg > Cd ~ K > P in black locust, and Pb ~ Cu > Zn ~ Na > Mn > K ~ Cr in black pine. Compared to black pine, black locust newly shed litter was richer in K, Na, Mn, Cu, and Ni. During decomposition, black locust leaf litter released N, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Zn, Cu and Cd, and accumulated Fe, Ni, Cr and Pb, whilst black pine needles released N, Zn and Cd, and accumulated all the other elements. Compared to black locust black pine had a stable needle litter residue richer in all elements but N, whilst the mineral soil was poorer in all elements but Pb.

Conclusions

The two functionally different tree species have distinct element dynamics from leaf to far decomposed litter. Element sequestration in the stable residue of black pine litter, likely prevents their release in the mineral soil that is thus poorer in nutrients and minor elements compared to the soil of black locust.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and analysed during the current study are available from the first author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The Staff of the Forest Service and of the Vesuvius National Park are gratefully acknowledged for allowing us to use the field sites and for logistic support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy

    A. De Marco

  2. BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy

    A. De Marco

  3. Istituto Comprensivo Statale “Matilde Serao”, Via Dante Alighieri 38, 80040, Volla, NA, Italy

    P. Vittozzi

  4. Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy

    A. Virzo De Santo

Authors
  1. A. De Marco
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  2. P. Vittozzi
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  3. A. Virzo De Santo
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Contributions

Amalia Virzo De Santo and Anna De Marco contributed to the study conception and design and performed preparation and data collection. Anna De Marco and Paola Vittozzi carried out samplings and chemical analysis. Statistics, Tables and Figures were carried out by Anna De Marco. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Amalia Virzo De Santo and all the authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. Authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to A. Virzo De Santo.

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Responsible Editor: Tida Ge.

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De Marco, A., Vittozzi, P. & Virzo De Santo, A. Elements dynamics, from leaf to stable leaf litter residue and soil, for two functional types of tree planted on volcanic deposits. Plant Soil 482, 127–140 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05676-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05676-y

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