Effects of Canopy Removal on Cellulose Decomposition and Nitrogen Mineralization in Quercus rubra Stands

임관 제거가 루브라참나무림의 셀룰로오스 분해와 질소 무기화에 미치는 영향

Although many studies of nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems have reported that clearcutting creates increased organic matter decomposition and nitrogen (N) mineralization in soils, little is known about the change of these factors following various levels of canopy removal. A series of experimental plots with four levels of canopy cover, i.e., clearcut, 25％, 75％, and uncut, was established in northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stands in northern Lover Michigan, U.S.A. I examined decomposition of cellulose filter papers and N mineralization using an in situ soil incubation technique in the top 15cm of mineral soil during the second growing season (1992, May-October) following stand manipulation. Mass loss from cellulose filter papers was more rapid in the canopy removal treatments than in the uncut treatment. similarly, net N mineralization was significantly greater in the canopy removal treatments than in the uncut treatment. There was no significant difference in net N mineralization rates among the three levels of canopy removal. Net N mineralization for the growing season was 58 kg/ha for the clearcut, 54 kg/ha for the 25％ canopy cover, 51 kg/ha for the 75％ canopy cover, and 22 kg/ha for the uncut treatment. These results indicated that even only small amounts of canopy removal (leaving 75％ canopy cover) let to substantial increases of cellulose decomposition and the amount of available soil nitrogen.