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Forestry 1954 27(1):7-15; doi:10.1093/forestry/27.1.7
© 1954 by Institute of Chartered Foresters
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OBSERVATIONS ON THE MONTHLY LITTER-FALL AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SITKA SPRUCE LITTER

T. H. OWEN

Department of Forestry, University College of North Wales

The monthly needle-litter deposition in a 30-year-old Sitka spruce plantation (Picea sitcbensis Carr.) was recorded over 2 years and the litter samples were analysed. Seasonal variation was found both in the amount and in the nutrient content of the litter-fall. The greatest amount fell in late autumn and spring, while the least fell during June to September. The calcium content increased from May to November, while nitrogen and the other minerals decreased over the same period. The average total annual litter-fall was 1, 832 lb. per acre. The average nutrient contents, expressed as percentage dry weight, were: Ca 0.366, N 1.085, K 0.26, P 0.24, and ash, 3.35. In comparison with results recorded in Europe and America for other conifers, the calcium content of the litter is low, but since the total amount of litter deposited annually is small, and the content of other minerals is relatively high, it is suggested that pure Sitka spruce plantations may not necessarily lead to soil deterioration.


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