Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Thinning affects Pinus sylvestris needle decomposition rates and chemistry differently depending on site conditions

  • Published:
Biogeochemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Changes in mass and chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris senescent needles were studied over a 5 year period in Mediterranean (MF) and Continental forests (CF) in the Pyrenees under varying levels of thinning (P0: reference, no thinning; P20: removal of 20% basal area, P30: removal of 30% basal area). Decomposition rates were higher in MF (k = 0.423 year−1) than in CF (k = 0.245 year−1). However, the maximum decomposition limit was higher in MF (87.9%) compared to CF (78.1%). The relative importance and timing of rainfall, and cellulose and lignin abundance on the decomposition process was similar among both sites. However, air temperature and degree-days only affected CF (the colder site) during the initial stages of decomposition, while litter moisture was significant only in MF (the drier site) in the latter stages of decomposition. Nutrient and carbon dynamics showed temporal patterns similar to those reported in higher latitudes (except for Ca), however, indicators of N mineralization such as C/N and lignin/N at the study sites were lower than values reported in the literature. Decreases in decomposition rates after thinning were higher in MF than in CF, indicating that this ecosystem could, in the short term, be more sensitive to human intervention. Thinning had similar temporary qualitative effects at both sites, slowing decomposition, increasing N and P immobilization and decreasing Ca immobilization. However, quantitative effects of thinning were site dependent in that the magnitude of nutrient immobilization was higher in CF. A conceptual model is presented to explain effects of thinning on litter N dynamics. These temporary changes are not trivial as nutrient immobilization and accumulated organic matter losses over a thinning cycle may affect tree growth particularly during short rotations and intensive fast-growing plantations. Under similar nutrient availability conditions, sites where nutrient release occurs faster may show higher post-thinning tree growth rates.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aber JD, Melillo JM, McClaugherty CA (1990) Predicting long-term patterns of mass loss, nitrogen dynamics, and soil organic matter formation from initial fine litter chemistry in temperate forest ecosystems. Can J Bot 68:2201–2208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aerts R (1997) Climate, leaf litter chemistry and leaf litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems: a triangular relationship. Oikos 79:439–449

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Allen HL (2001) Silvicultural treatments to enhance productivity. In: Evans J (ed) The forest handbook, vol 2. Applying forest science for sustainable management, vol 2. Blackwell Science, Oxford, pp 129–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin AT, Vivanco L (2006) Plant litter decomposition in a semi-arid ecosystem controlled by photodegradation. Nature 442:555–558

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bachiller A, Montero G, Ortega C, Cañellas I et al (1999) Aboveground productivity and nutrient dynamics in a reforestation of Pinus pinaster Ait. with different intensities of thinning. Investigación Agraria, Sistemas y Recursos Forestales 8:175–206

    Google Scholar 

  • Baeumler R, Zech W (1997) Atmospheric deposition and impact of forest thinning on the throughfall of mountain forest ecosystems in the Bavarian Alps. For Ecol Manage 95:243–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Belchansky GI, Petrosyan VG, Douglas DC (1998) Community structure, plant diversity and microclimate of boreal forest types in the Russian Ural. In: Dallmeier F, Comiskey A (eds) Forest biodiversity research, monitoring and modeling. Man and The Biosphere series, vol 20. UNESCO, Paris, pp 101–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg B (1988) Dynamics of nitrogen (15 N) in decomposing Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) needle litter. Long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest. IV. Can J Bot 66:1539–1546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B (2000) Initial rates and limit values for decomposition of Scots pine and Norway spruce needle litter: a synthesis for N-fertilized forest stands. Can J For Res 30:122–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, Ekbohm G (1991) Litter mass-loss rates and decomposition patterns in some needle and leaf litter types-long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest. VII. Can J Bot 69:1449–1456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, Laskowski R (2006) Litter decomposition: a guide to carbon a nutrient turnover. Adv Ecol Res 38:1–428

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, McClaugherty C (1987) Nitrogen release from litter in relation to the disappearance of lignin. Biogeochemistry 4:219–224

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, Staaf H (1980) Leaching, accumulation and release of nitrogen in decomposing forest litter. In: Clark FE, Rosswall T (eds) Terrestrial nitrogen cycles. Ecological Bulletin, vol 33. Swedish Natural Science Research Council, Stockholm, pp 163–178

    Google Scholar 

  • Berg B, Berg MP, Bottner P, Box E, Breymeyer A, Calvo de Anta R, Couteaux M, Escudero A, Gallardo A, Kratz W, Madeira M, Mälkonen E, McClaugherty C, Meentemeyer V, Muñoz F, Piussi P, Remacle J, Virzo de Santo A (1993) Litter mass loss rates in pine forests of Europe and Eastern United States: some relationships with climate and litter quality. Biogeochemistry 20:127–159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bird S, Coulson RN, Crossley DA Jr (2000) Impacts of silvicultural practices on soil and litter arthropod diversity in a Texas pine plantation. For Ecol Manage 131:65–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco JA (2004) La práctica del aclareo y su influencia en la estructura y función de dos bosques de pino silvestre del Pirineo Navarro. PhD thesis, Public University of Navarre

  • Blanco JA, Zavala MA, Imbert JB, Castillo FJ (2005) Sustainability of forest management practices: Evaluation through a simulation model of nutrient cycling. For Ecol Manage 213:209–228

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco JA, Imbert JB, Castillo FJ (2006a) Influence of site characteristics and thinning intensity on litterfall production in two Pinus sylvestris L. forests in the western Pyrenees. For Ecol Manage 237:342–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco JA, Imbert JB, Castillo FJ (2006b) Effects of thinning on nutrient pools in two contrasting Pinus sylvestris L. forests in the western Pyrenees. Scand J For Res 21:143–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco JA, Imbert JB, Castillo FJ (2008) Nutrient return via litterfall in two contrasting Pinus sylvestris forests in the Pyrenees under different thinning intensities. For Ecol Manage 256:1840–1852

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blanco JA, Imbert JB, Castillo FJ (2009) Thinning affects nutrient resorption and nutrient use efficiency in two Pinus sylvestris stands in the Pyrenees. Ecol Appl 19:682–698

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bray RH, Kurtz LT (1945) Determination of total, organic and available forms of phosphate in soils. Soil Sci 59:39–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapin FS, Matson PA, Mooney HA (2002) Principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. Springer-Verlag, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Chigineva NI, Aleksandrova AV, Tiunov AV (2009) The addition of labile carbon alters fungal communities and decreases litter decomposition rates. Appl Soil Ecol 42:264–270

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Covelo F, Gallardo A (2002) Effect of pine harvesting on leaf nutrient dynamics in young oak trees at NW Spain. For Ecol Manage 167:161–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duchesne LC, Wetzel S (1999) Effect of clear-cutting, prescribed burning and scarification on litter decomposition in an eastern Ontario jack pine (P. banksiana) ecosystem. Int J Wild Fire 9:195–201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fioretto A, Musacchio A, Andolfi G, DeSanto AV (1998) Decomposition dynamics of litter of various pine species in a Corsican pine forest. Soil Biol Biochem 30:721–727

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fontaine S, Mariotti A, Abbadie L (2003) The priming effect of organic matter: a question of microbial competition? Soil Biol Biochem 35:837–843

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garay I (2004) Influencia de distintas intensidades de aclareo sobre la colonización de microartrópodos de hojarasca en descomposición en dos bosques de Pinus Sylvestris del Pirineo navarro. Segundo año. BSc thesis, Public University of Navarre

  • González G, Seastedt TR (2001) Soil fauna and plant litter decomposition in tropical and subalpine forest. Ecology 82:955–964

    Google Scholar 

  • Government of Navarre (2006) Meteorología y climatología de Navarra. Available via Government of Navarre. http://meteo.navarra.es/. Cited 20 Oct 2006

  • Gurlevick N, Kelting DL, Allen HL (2003) The effect of vegetation control and fertilization on net nutrient release from decomposing loblolly pine needles. Can J For Res 33:2491–2502

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harmon ME, Silver WL, Fash B, Chen H, Burke IC, Partons WJ, Hart SC, Currie WS LIDET (2009) Long-term patterns of mass loss during the decomposition of leaf and fine root litter: an intersite comparison. Glob Change Biol 15:1320–1338

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heal OW, Anderson JM, Swift MJ (1997) Plant litter quality and decomposition: an historical overview. In: Cadisch G, Giller KE (eds) Driven by nature: plant litter quality and decomposition. CAB International, Wallingford, UK

  • Hendrickson OQ, Chatarpaul L, Robinson JB (1985) Effects of two methods of timber harvesting on microbial processes in forest soil. Soil Sci Soc Am J 49:739–746

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hobbie SE (2005) Contrasting effects of substrate and fertilizer nitrogen on the early stages of litter decomposition. Ecosystems 8:644–656

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hobbie JE, Hobbie EA (2006) N-15 in symbiotic fungi and plant stimates nitrogen and carbon flux rates in Arctic tundra. Ecology 87:816–822

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horwitz W (ed) (1980) Official methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 13th edn. A.O.A.C., Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Iriarte A, Puertas F (2003) Thinning experiment in a natural stand of Pinus sylvestris L., Aspurz (Navarre). In: Proceedings of IUFRO meeting “Silviculture and sustainable management in mountain forests in the western Pyrenees. Isaba. 15–19 Sep 2003

  • Kainulainen P, Holopainen JK (2002) Concentrations of secondary compounds in Scots pine needles at different stages of decomposition. Soil Biol Biochem 34:37–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klemmedson JO (1985) Needle decomposition and nutrient release in Ponderosa Pine Ecosystems. For Sci 31:647–660

    Google Scholar 

  • Kunhamu TK, Kumar BM, Viswanath S (2009) Does thinning affect litterfall, litter decomposition, and associated nutrient release in Acacia mangium stands of Kerala in Peninsular India? Can J For Res 39:792–801

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laskowski R, Niklińska M, Maryański M (1995a) The dynamics of chemical elements in forest litter. Ecology 76:1393–1406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Laskowski R, Berg B, Johansson MB, McClauherty C (1995b) Release pattern for potassium from decomposing forest needle and leaf litter. Long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest. IX. Can J Bot 73:2019–2027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • M.A.F.F. (1986) The analysis of agricultural materials (RB427). Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Mboukou-Kimbatsaa IMC, Bernhard-Reversata F, Loumetob JJ (1998) Change in soil macrofauna and vegetation when fast-growing trees are planted on savanna soils. For Ecol Manage 110:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McTiernan KB, Couteaux MM, Berg B et al (2003) Changes in chemical composition of Pinus sylvestris needle litter during decomposition along a European coniferous forest climatic transect. Soil Biol Biochem 35:801–812

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nottingham AT, Griffiths H, Chamberlain PM, Stott AW, Tanner EVJ (2009) Soil priming by sugar and leaf-litter substrates: A link to microbial groups. Appl Soil Ecol 42:183–190

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oliver CD, Larson BC (1996) Forest stand dynamics. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson JS (1963) Energy storage and the balance of producers and decomposers in ecological systems. Ecology 14:322–331

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osono T, Takeda H (2004) Accumulation and release of nitrogen and phosphorus in relation to lignin decomposition in leaf litter of 14 tree species. Ecol Res 19:593–602

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osono T, Hobara S, Koba K et al (2006) Immobilization of avian excreta-derived nutrients and reduced lignin decomposition in needle and twig litter in a temperate coniferous forest. Soil Biol Biochem 38:517–525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parton W, Silver WL, Burke IC, Grassens L, Harmon ME, Currie WS, King JY, Adair EC, Brandt LA, hart SC, Fasth B (2007) Global-scale similarities in nitrogen release patterns during long-term decomposition. Science 315:361–364

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pausas JG (1997) Litter fall and litter decomposition in Pinus sylvestris forests of the eastern Pyrenees. J Veg Sci 8:643–650

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Piene H, Van Cleve K (1978) Weight loss of litter and cellulose bags in a thinned white spruce forest in interior Alaska. Can J For Res 8:42–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prescott CE, Vesterdal L, Preston CM, Simard SW (2004) Influence of initial chemistry on decomposition of foliar litter in contrasting forest types in British Columbia. Can J For Res 34:1714–1729

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Puertas F (2001) Sitios de ensayo de claras de masas de pino Silvestre en Navarra (Garde y Aspurz). Servicio de Conservación de la Biodiversidad. Departamento de Medio Ambiente Ordenación del Territorio y Vivienda. Government of Navarre, Pamplona

    Google Scholar 

  • Quinn GP, Keough MJ (2002) Experimental design and data analysis for biologists. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Santa Regina I, Tarazona T (2001) Nutrient cycling in a natural beech forest and adjacent planted pine in northern Spain. Forestry Oxford 74:11–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sayer EJ (2006) Using experimental manipulation to assess the roles of leaf litter in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Biol Rev 81:1–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scowcroft PG, Turner DR, Vitousek PM (2000) Decomposition of Metrosideros polymorpha leaf litter along elevational gradients in Hawaii. Glob Change Biol 6:73–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sjöberg G, Nilsson SI, Persson T, Karlsson P (2004) Degradation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin in decomposing spruce needle litter in relation to N. Soil Biol Biochem 36:1761–1768

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staaf H, Berg B (1977) Mobilization of plant nutrients in a Scots pine forest mor in Central Sweden. Silva Fennica 11:210–217

    Google Scholar 

  • Staaf H, Berg B (1982) Accumulation and release of plant nutrients in decomposing Scots pine needle litter. long-term decomposition in a Scots pine forest II. Can J Bot 60:1561–1568

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sterner RW, Elser JJ (2002) Ecological stoichiometry: the biology of elements from molecules to the biosphere. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Waldrop MP, Zak DR, Sinsabaugh RL, Gallo M, Lauber C (2004) Nitrogen deposition modifies soil carbon storage through changes in microbial enzymatic activity. Ecol Appl 14:1172–1177

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walkley A, Black IA (1934) An examination of the Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Sci 37:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weih M (2004) Intensive short rotation forestry in boreal climates: present and future perspectives. Can J For Res 34:1369–1378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zasoski RJ, Burau RG (1977) A rapid nitric-perchloric acid digestion method for multielement tissue analysis. Comun Soil Sci Plant Anal 8:425–436

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to the Government of Navarre for financial support and setting up the experimental plots. Special thanks to Fernando Puertas, Carmen Traver and Ana Iriarte for assistance at several stages of this work. Juan A. Blanco had financial support from a fellowship granted by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology. We thank Susana García, Pablo Pujol and staff at SAI for chemical analyses. Thanks are also due to Gary M. Lovett and two anonymous reviewers whose comments helped to greatly improve this paper. Last but not least, we thank Tanya Seebacher for her English grammar review.

Author information

Author notes

  1. Juan A. Blanco

    Present address: Department of Forest Sciences, Forest Sciences Centre, The University of British Columbia, 3041-2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dpto. Ciencias del Medio Natural, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Campus de Arrosadía s/n, 31006, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain

    Juan A. Blanco, J. Bosco Imbert & Federico J. Castillo

Authors
  1. Juan A. Blanco
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Bosco Imbert
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Federico J. Castillo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Bosco Imbert.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Blanco, J.A., Imbert, J.B. & Castillo, F.J. Thinning affects Pinus sylvestris needle decomposition rates and chemistry differently depending on site conditions. Biogeochemistry 106, 397–414 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-010-9518-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-010-9518-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation