Changes of Potential for Cellulose Decomposition in Humus Forms after harvesting or decline of Norway Spruce Stands

B.Sc. Bc. Ernest Gyamfi

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Abstract Norway spruce is the most abundant and commonly utilized tree species for timber production in central Europe. In the Czech Repulic this species accounts for about 50% of its forest composition which far exceeds the proportion in the natural forest conditions centuries ago. In recent times there has been a decline of Norway spruce stands under the current climatic change (extreme drought, bark beetle outbreak). The changed species composition from broadleaved dominated stands to more coniferous dominated stands affect soil dynamics including the decomposition and transformation of litter into different humus forms. In this study the cellulolytic potential of soil substrates were compared between Norway spruce and clear-cut area (2 years old after Norway spruce harvest) in the same stand and a broadleaved dominated stand in the same forest area. The experiment was performed in laboratory conditions by standard methods to determine the rate of decomposition and coloration of cellulose strips. The highest microbial activity or cellulolytic potential was observed in the broadleaved substrate followed by the clearcut and the least activity was found in the substrate from the Norway spruce. The decomposition rate between horizons (F+H, Ah) were also compared and similar pattern was observed. There was more intense decomposition and coloration of the cellulose strips in the humus layer than the organomineral layer. Forest management should take into account the effect of species composition on soil properties as they have profound influence on humus formation and nutrient cycling.

Keywords

litter decomposition, humus, species composition

Jazyk práce: English

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 7. 4. 2022

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Vedúci: prof. Ing. Vilém Podrázský, CSc.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Master programme:
Tropical Forestry and Agroforestry