The decomposition of plant litter fall in an oak-linden-hornbeam forest and an oak-pine mixed forest of the Białowieża National Park

Decomposition rates of plant litter vary significantly between oak-linden-hornbeam and oak-pine mixed forests in Białowieża National Park, with hornbeam and linden leaves decomposing faster than oak leaves. In contrast, pine needles decompose more rapidly initially compared to spruce needles, but the latter eventually surpass pine needle decomposition. The study found that nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium release are primarily driven by microbiological processes, while potassium and magnesium are mainly released through leaching. Decomposition coefficients ranged from 0.63 for oak leaves (requiring 3–5 years to decay) to 0.21 for pine needles (taking 10–14 years). Initial decomposition rates were influenced by the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio and soluble components in plant litter.

Dziadowiec, H. (2014). The decomposition of plant litter fall in an oak-linden-hornbeam forest and an oak-pine mixed forest of the Białowieża National Park. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae, 56(1), 169–185. https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.1987.019