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Regeneration of belowground properties and nutrient pools in soil after compaction: response to the reforestation with native tree species in the Hyrcanian forest
* 1 , 2 , 3 , 4
1  University of Tehran
2  Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences of the University of Tuscia, Via San Camillo de Lellis -01100 Viterbo, Italy
3  Department of Forestry, Khalkhal Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khalkhal, Iran
4  Department of agricultural and forest sciences, University of Tuscia, 01100, Viterbo, Italy

Abstract:

Reforestation with native broad-leaved tree species changes the aboveground functions that regulate the quality of litter inputs and soil-root systems, which ultimately influences on soil properties and nutrients pool. The current study characterizes the regeneration in the floor layer and topsoil at depth pf 0-10 cm in the skid trails in response to the reforestation of four tree species (FE; Fraxinus excelsior, PA; Prunus avium, AC; Acer cappadocicum, and QC; Quercus castaneifolia) after clear-cutting in the degraded forests, comparing to the undisturbed natural forest (CB-PP; Carpinus betulus - Parrotia persica). Results showed significant differences in litter layer properties among tree species, with the highest litter thickness, C, and C/N ratio under the QC and AC and the greatest litter N in CB-PP and FE. FE plantation resulted in an enhance soil bulk density (1.14 g cm−3), total porosity (55.85%), macroporosity (37.72%), penetration resistance (1.43 MPa), soil moisture (33.4%), and aggregate stability (51.7%) compared to other tree plantations, whereas these values under the FE plantation were still lower than those of the CB-PP stand over a 30-year period after logging operation. The lowest amount of soil C (3.34%), soil C/N ratio (14.58), and C storage (38.13 Mg ha−1) were found under the FE plantation, whereas the greatest amount of soil pH (6.61), soil N (0.23%), N storage (2.64 Mg ha−1), available P (15.53 mg kg−1), K (235.55 mg kg−1), Ca (171.92 mg kg−1), and Mg (36.57 mg kg−1), fulvic acid (282.7 mg/100 g) as well as humic acid (134.5 mg/100 g) were found under the FE plantation compared to the other trees plantation, but were still least than those of the values under the CB-PP over a 30-year period after soil compaction. Following the establishment of different tree plantations, the significantly greatest earthworm density (1.82 n m−2) and dry mass (22.57 mg m−2), fine root biomass (76.31 g m−2), soil microbial respiration (0.33 mg CO2-C g soil−1 day−1), MBC (438.7 mg kg−1), NH4+ (16.54 mg kg−1), NO3 (15.92 mg kg−1), N mineralization (27.04 mg N kg soil−1), and MBN (28.35 mg kg−1) were found under the FE plantation, whereas the values did not return to the pre-harvest levels as observed under the CB-PP over a 30-year period. Litterfall on the soil surface by planted tree species (FE and PA in particular) considered as food resource (i.e., soil C and soil organic matter) that is a primary driver to the biological and microbial activities. Results of the current study can promote our knowledge to select suitable tree species, which leads to maintain soil quality and nutrients pool in the ecosystem restoration programs and reforestation in the degraded forest area.

Keywords: Ecosystem restoration, degraded forest; hornbeam–Ironwood, common ash, wild cherry, Cappadocian maple, chestnut-leaved oak
Comments on this paper
Piotr Mederski
soil recovery
Dear Authors,

Congarulation to providing research on sites where long-term soil recovery could be analysed. It is rather surprising that long period didn't let affected soil to recover after forest operations. It is optimistic though that trees actualy can grow on these sites.

It is extensive work (considering the content of the paper-proceedings) done with detailed analysis of soil elements and soil zoofauna - congratulations.

With best wishes,

Piotr Mederski
Conference Committee Member
Rachele Venanzi
Dear Professor thank you for your positive comments.
I hope I hope that we will have further results on this topic
Regards
Rachele Venanzi



 
 
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