Litter fall and nutrient turnover in Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) shrublands in Valencia (eastern Spain)
Litter fall has been measured in three Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera) shrublands, 10, 40 and 70 years after fire in the province of Valencia (eastern Spain). Annual inputs varied between 3.2 and 5.2 t ha-1 year-1 (D.M.), with more than 90 % of them coming from Kermes oak. In spite of the perennial character of this species, under our experimental conditions it behaved as a deciduous one, and showed litter fall peaks in May. Leaf litter was the most important source of nutrient return to the soil (60-70 %) followed by twig (6.8-14.5 %) and flower and fruit (4.4-17.3 %) litter. The total nutrient input (macro- and oligo-elements) due to litter fall was 85.3-167.8 kg ha-1 year-1. Ca is the most important element followed by N, K, Mg and Na. The input of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu due to litter fall was 0.55-2.31 kg ha-1 year-1.
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | journal article biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
1998
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12792/5713 |
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