Decomposition of fine woody debris from main tree species in lowland oak forests

摘要

Decomposition is an important carbon flux that must be accounted for in estimates of forest ecosystem carbon balance. Aim of this research is to provide estimate of fine woody debris decomposition rates for different tree species and sample sizes also taking into account the influence of specific microsite meteorological conditions on, decomposition rates. In this paper we present results of the first two years of the experiment designed to last six years. Study was conducted in managed lowland oak forest in central Croatia. Decomposition rates (k) of fine woody debris (diameter 0.5-7 cm) for four species (Querus robur L., Carpinut betulus L., Alnus glutinosa Gaernt., Fraxinus angustifolia L.) in four size classes were estimated using litter bag method and mass loss equation of Olson (1963).