Relationship between Litter Production,Litter Turnover Period and Leaf Traits of Different Tree Species in Subtropical Young Afforested Land
[Objective]The objective of this study was to assess the influence of leaf traits on the litter production and litter turnover period in subtropical China.This study was aimed to provide scientific basis for the rational selection of tree species in afforestation to improve soil fertility after successive reforestation of Cunninghamia lanceolata.[Method]We studied the annual litter productions and their turnover periods under 3-year-old young afforested land,which were established on the sites after clear-cutting of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations.The regression relationships between leaf traits and litter production/turnover period were established by measuring leaf functional traits(specific leaf area,leaf dry matter content,nitrogen content,etc.)and leaf litter quality(leaf litter C/N ratio,tannin content,soluble sugar content,etc.).[Result]Among 17 tree species,Mytilaria laosensis had the highest litter production(6.67 t·hm-2a-1),and C.lanceolata had the lowest litter production(0 t·hm-2a-1).Alnus trabeculosa leaf litter had the shortest turnover period(0.09 a).Michelia maudiae leaf litter had the longest turnover period(1.09 a).The litter production increased with the increase of specific leaf area and decreased with the increase of leaf nitrogen content.The litter turnover period increased with the increase of leaf litter C/N ratio and tannin content,decreased with the increase of leaf litter max water retention capacity.[Conclusion]In subtropical young afforested land,leaf functional traits effect the litter production and leaf litter traits effect the turnover period.Meanwhile,Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations has lower litter production return to soil in subtropical young afforested land.In the management of subtropical artificial forest,it is necessary to consider planting trees with higher specific leaf area and litter maximum water holding capacity,lower litter tannin content and carbon nitrogen ratio,so as to improve the return amount and forest litter turnover and improve the soil fertility of degraded plantations.
specific leaf arealeaf nitrogen contentleaf litter tannin contentleaf litter max water retention capacityCunninghamia lanceolata
国家科技期刊平台
NSTL
万方数据
维普
