The effect of windthrow disturbances on biochemical and chemical soil properties in the northern mountainous forests of Iran

Auteur(s) et Affiliation(s)

KOOCH, Y.

Dept. of Forestry, Fac. of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares Univ., Noor, Iran, Republique Islamique d'

HOSSEINI, S.M.

Dept. of Forestry, Fac. of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Tarbiat Modares Univ., Noor, Iran, Republique Islamique d'

SAMONIL, P.

Dept. of Forest Ecology, The Silva Tarouca Research Inst. for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, Brno, Tcheque, Republique

HOJJATI, S.M.

Dept. of Forestry, Univ. of Natural Resources and Agriculture Sciences, Sari, Iran, Republique Islamique d'

Description :
In order to study the specific effects of aeolian disturbance on soils in northern Iran, research was conducted to evaluate soil microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization in places where differences in microtopography occur due to the uprooting of trees by windthrow events, thereby causing variations in microtopography hereby referred to as pit–mound positions. A study site situated within the Tarbiat Modares University Experimental Forest Station located in the Mazandaran province was chosen for this research, with 34 uprooted trees selected for detailed study. Statistical comparisons revealed that the highest soil microbial respiration and net N-mineralization occurred in pit bottoms. Mound tops showed the lowest levels of soil microbial respiration and net N mineralization. Indications of aeolian processes indicate that windthrow events create different microsites, thereby influencing the specific micro-scale soil characteristics and ultimately forest biodiversity.

Type de document :
Article de périodique

Source :
Catena (Giessen), issn : 0341-8162, 2014, vol. 116, p. 142-148, nombre de pages : 7, Références bibliographiques : 1 p.

Date :
2014

Editeur :
Pays édition : Allemagne, Cremlingen-Destedt, Catena

Langue :
Anglais