WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development
Print ISSN: 1790-507, E-ISSN: 2224-3496
Volume 19, 2023
Chemical Composition of Litterfall in Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Forests
Authors: ,
Abstract: The quantity and quality of litterfall in forests play an important role in their condition. Through it, a large part of the chemical elements are returned to the cycle of the ecosystem, it is an essential carbon depot, it affects regeneration, soil moisture, fertility, composition, fauna, and flora. The present study aims to evaluate the role of the litterfall as a depot of chemical elements. The total annual amount of elements returned to the beech forest ecosystem is $$1264.97 kg.ha^{-1}$$, of which macroelements are $$1257.79 kg.ha^{-1}$$, and microelements - are $$7.19 kg.ha^{-1}$$. The predominant elements are: carbon - about 80%, hydrogen - about 13%, nitrogen - 3%, and calcium - 2%. The remaining elements are represented in very small amounts – less than 1%. Microelements are presented in the following sequence: Mg >Mn >Fe >Zn >Pb >Cu.
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Pages: 412-417
DOI: 10.37394/232015.2023.19.38