Litter decomposition and nutrient distribution in humus profiles in some mediterranean forests in southern Tuscany

Decomposition of leaf litter and the distribution of elements in the humus layer were studied in mediterranean deciduous, sclerophyllous and coniferous forests on acid rocks. The results indicate a clear difference in relative decomposition rate between pine needles (Pinus pinaster: 0.12 year−1) and leaves of deciduous and sclerophyllous species (Quercus cerris, Quercus suber and Arbutus unedo: 0.30 year−1). The concentrations of N, P, S and Ca increase upon decomposition, whereas that of K decreases by initial leaching, and those of Mg, Mn (Fe, Al) remain unchanged except for an increase resulting from mineral contamination. In deciduous and sclerophyllous litter, absolute amounts of N, P, S and Ca increase until a critical concentration level is reached, after which net mineralization occurs. For pine needles net mineralization was not observed within 915 days. In analogy with the situation during the litter bag experiments, elemental concentrations are highest in the lower more decomposed part of the humus profiles. In deciduous and sclerophyllous forests net mineralization of N, P, S and Ca starts in the lower part of the fermentation layer. In the coniferous forest elemental concentrations are much lower and no indications of N, P, S and Ca mineralization were found in the ectorganic horizons.