Litterfall LWF

Description

Litterfall is a key parameter in the biogeochemical cycle of forest ecosystems, linking the tree part to the soil compartment. Litterfall has been collected on 15 LWF plots using 10 traps that are emptied every 4 to 8 weeks since 1996 or later. Both the biomass of the litter and its chemical content (including heavy metals) are measured, in order to quantify the annual return of nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Furthermore, the analysis of the temporal pattern of litterfall production gives insight into possible effects of anthropogenic and natural factors (e.g. severe drought) on the ecosystem and the vitality of the forest stand, provides information on the phenological development of the stand, and, in particular, allows mast years to be identified. At 7 broadleaved sites, litterfall was also used to estimate the leaf area index (LAI) of the forest stand.

Purpose:

To quantify the annual return of nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

Manual Citation:

• Thimonier, A., Brang, P., Ottiger, A., 1997. Kapitel C5. Streufall, in: Brang, P. (Ed.), Aufnahmeanleitungen aller Forschungsprojekte auf Flächen der Langfristigen Waldökosystem-Forschung (LWF). Eidg. Forschungsanstalt WSL, Birmensdorf, pp. 1-18.

• Ukonmaanaho L., Pitman R, Bastrup-Birk A, Breda N, Rautio P, 2016: Part XIII: Sampling and Analysis of Litterfall. In: UNECE ICP Forests Programme Co-ordinating Centre (ed.): Manual on methods and criteria for harmonized sampling, assessment, monitoring and analysis of the effects of air pollution on forests. Thünen Institute for Forests Ecosystems, Eberswalde, Germany, 14 p. + Annex http://icp-forests.net/page/icp-forests-manual

Paper Citation:

• Thimonier A, Sedivy I, Schleppi P (2010) Estimating leaf area index in different types of mature forest stands in Switzerland: a comparison of methods. European Journal of Forest Research, 129 (4): 543-562. doi: 10.1007/s10342-009-0353-8