Journal of Forest and Environmental Science

Institute of Forest Science, kangwon National University (강원대학교 산림과학연구소)
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Thinning Effects on Litterfall Inputs and Litter Decomposition in Pinus densiflora S. et Z. and Quercus variabilis Blume Stands

  • Baek, Gyeongwon (Department of Forest Convergence Science, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Baek, Gyeongrin (Department of Forest Convergence Science, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Kim, Hojin (Department of Forest Convergence Science, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Lee, Jihyun (Department of Forest Convergence Science, Gyeongsang National University) ;
  • Kim, Hyungsub (Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University) ;
  • Kim, Choonsig (Department of Forest Convergence Science, Gyeongsang National University)
  • Received : 2021.12.07
  • Accepted : 2022.01.03
  • Published : 2022.03.31
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Abstract

This study was conducted to examine litter inputs and litter decomposition rates following thinning, which is among the most important forest management activities that enhance the beneficial functions in Korean forests. Litter inputs and litter decomposition rates following a 2-year elapse from thinning in Pinus densiflora and following a 7-year elapse from thinning in Quercus variabilis stands were measured for 2 years from 16 sites in three regions (Sancheong-gun, Uiryeong-gun, and Jinju-si) in Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. Annual needle litter inputs in P. densiflora stands were significantly decreased following thinning, whereas annual broadleaved leaf litter inputs in Q. variabilis stands were not significantly different between thinned and unthinned treatments. The annual mean total litter inputs in both tree species were significantly lower in the thinned (P. densiflora: 3,653 kg ha-1 year-1; Q. variabilis: 4,963 kg ha-1 year-1) compared to the unthinned stands (P. densiflora: 5,138 kg ha-1 year-1; Q. variabilis: 5,997 kg ha-1 year-1) during the study period. The mass loss rates from decomposing needle litter in P. densiflora stands were significantly lower (p<0.05) in the thinned stands than in the unthinned stands for two sampling dates of the eight included in the study, whereas the decomposition rates from decomposing leaf litter in Q. variabilis stands were not affected by thinning. The results indicate that thinning effects on total litter inputs remained clear following a 2-year elapse from thinning in P. densiflora stands and following a 7-year elapse from thinning in Q. variabilis stands.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was carried out with 'R&D Program for Forest Science Technology (Project No. 2021363B10-2123-BD01)' provided by Korea Forest Service (Korea Forestry Promotion Institute).

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