TY  - JOUR
A1  - Leuschner, Christoph
A1  - Wulf, Monika
A1  - Bäuchler, Patricia
A1  - Hertel, Dietrich
T1  - Soil C and nutrient stores under Scots pine afforestations compared to ancient beech forests in the German Pleistocene - the role of tree species and forest history
JF  - Forest ecology and management
N2  - In the diluvial lowlands of northern Germany, the Netherlands and northern Poland, an estimated similar to 5 Mio ha of Scots pine plantations (Pinus sylvestris) has been established on sandy soil in the last 250 years replacing the former temperate broad-leaved forests after extended periods of cultivation in the Middle Ages. We examined the effect of variable stand continuity of pine plantations (recent vs. ancient: 51-128 vs. >230 years) on the soil organic carbon (SOC) store and soil nutrient capital in comparison to ancient beech forests (>230 years of continuity) which represent the potential natural forest vegetation. Recent and ancient pine stands had c. 75% larger organic layer C stores than ancient beech forests, while the total C stock in the soil (organic layer and mineral soil to 100 cm) was similar to 25% larger in the beech forests due to higher C concentrations in 0-50 cm depth of the mineral soil. The soil stores of N-tot were similar to 50% and the exchangeable Ca, K and Mg pools about three times larger under beech than under the pine stands. Resin-exchangeable P was enriched in the soils under ancient pine stands probably due to manuring in the past. After clear-cut and long cultivation, it may take >230 years of forest presence to restore the greatly reduced mineral soil C and N pools. The C and N sequestration potential of the soils appeared to be particularly small under pine indicating a pronounced tree species (pine vs. beech) effect on soil C and N dynamics. We conclude that, in the face of rising greenhouse gas emissions, the limited soil C and nutrient storage potential of Scots pine plantations on sandy soils needs consideration when selecting suitable tree species for future forestry. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
KW  - Sandy soil
KW  - Pinus sylvestris
KW  - Fagus sylvatica
KW  - Forest continuity
KW  - Historic land use
KW  - Nitrogen
Y1  - 2013
U6  - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2013.08.043
SN  - 0378-1127
SN  - 1872-7042
VL  - 310
IS  - 6
SP  - 405
EP  - 415
PB  - Elsevier
CY  - Amsterdam
ER  -