Document: DOW-3-58-15

Effects of aspect and leaf litter on seasonal variation of soil respiration at a temperate hardwood forest.

LEE, D.*, S.KANG, S.OH and S.DOH

Seoul National University ¹

Abstract:
Leaf litter and soil respiration, moisture, and temperature were compared at a south-facing and a north-facing slope in a temperature hardwood forest. Leaf litter was higher on the north-facing slope. In spring and autumn, the south-facing slope was characterized with higher soil temperature and respiration than the north-facing slope. In summer, soil temperature was similar, but soil water content and respiration was higher on the north-facing slope. To figure out the effects of aspect and leaf litter on the seasonal pattern of soil respiration, a removal experiment of litter and organic layer were carried out in 2 by 2 factorial design on a north-facing slope, and soil respiration, enzyme activities and temperature were monitored for a year. Soil temperature accounted for 84 % (p<0.05) of seasonal variation in soil respiration in control plots, but uncertainty increased as temperature increased. Complete removal of all floor litter resulted in less significant relation between soil temperature and respiration. Dehydrogenase and urease activities were highly correlated with seasonal patterns of soil respiration. Temperature effect of aspect on soil respiration became less in summer. Removal of the litter caused lower soil water content but increased soil temperature compared to the control.

Keywords: soil respitation,topography,leaf litter store

This abstract is being presented at: 3:30 PM in session:
MICROBIAL ECOLOGY