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Forests
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Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry
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Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Soil".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 July 2022) | Viewed by 19982

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jiří Kaňa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Interests: nutrient cycling in forest and alpine soils; impact on soil chemistry on freshwater quality
Prof. Dr. Snežana Belanović-Simić

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: forestry; soil science; soil chemistry; heavy metals; soil carbon; soil sequestration; forest amelioration; soil degradation; soil management; soil nutrients

Special Issue Information

The most interesting insight into forests is the whole ecosystem approach. The composition of atmospheric depositions, soil parameters and the status of forest vegetation are inevitably interconnected, and every forest belongs to some catchment, thus affecting the quality of freshwater. Biogeochemical fluxes through forest ecosystems could be altered by disturbances, offering the opportunity to study biogeochemical cycles during rapidly changing conditions. Moreover, natural or anthropogenic forest disturbances may temporarily affect forest functions (e.g., carbon sequestration) and increase the risk of soil/land degradation.

The aim of this Special Issue is to cover the broader area of biogeochemistry of forested areas, including atmospheric depositions, forest soil chemistry and biochemistry, as well as the chemistry and biochemistry of freshwater (streams, lakes) in forested catchment. Multidisciplinary studies focusing on at least two of the abovementioned aspects are highly welcome. We also encourage authors to submit review papers.   

Dr. Jiří Kaňa
Prof. Dr. Snežana Belanović-Simić
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrient cycling in forested ecosystems
  • soil chemistry
  • atmospheric deposition
  • forest disturbance
  • forest catchment
  • freshwater quality
  • soil and land degradation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3252 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties among Urban and Peri-Urban Forests: A Case Study from Metropolitan Area of Brasov
by Raluca Elena Enescu, Lucian Dincă, Mihai Zup, Șerban Davidescu and Diana Vasile
Forests 2022, 13(7), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071070 - 7 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2994
Abstract
Cities are affected by the impact of rapid urbanization on changes to soil properties. The aim of this study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of the soil of urban and peri-urban forests and to define which soil property is more [...] Read more.
Cities are affected by the impact of rapid urbanization on changes to soil properties. The aim of this study was to assess the physical and chemical properties of the soil of urban and peri-urban forests and to define which soil property is more significant for these two types of forests. The research took place in urban and peri-urban forests in the metropolitan area of Brasov, Romania. Among the properties determined were: particle size distribution, reaction, soil organic matter content, and the base saturation degree. As supplementary data, for plots from urban forests, the heavy metal content was determined. The results revealed that soils from urban forests had an alkaline reaction and the ones from peri-urban forests had a moderately acid reaction. The soil from the peri-urban plots was sandier and the other ones were more clayey. Testing the differences between the forests led to significant differences in the case of seven properties of which we mentioned pH and sand and clay content. Using PCA, the most significant and important soil properties for urban forests were the sum of basic exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, and silt and clay contents. This study is more relevant in light of the EU Soil Strategy, which sets out a framework and concrete measures to protect and restore soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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18 pages, 4221 KiB  
Article
Diffuse Pollution and Ecological Risk Assessment in Ludaš Lake Special Nature Reserve and Palić Nature Park (Pannonian Basin)
by Milica Caković, Jelena Beloica, Snežana Belanović Simić, Predrag Miljković, Sara Lukić, Aleksandar Baumgertel and Fritz Schwaiger
Forests 2021, 12(11), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12111461 - 26 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2427
Abstract
Diffuse water pollution from agriculture (DWPA) is one of the major factors causing water pollution in Lakes Palić and Ludaš, the two largest shallow lakes of the Pannonian Basin in Serbia. These two lakes are protected under national and international law. On the [...] Read more.
Diffuse water pollution from agriculture (DWPA) is one of the major factors causing water pollution in Lakes Palić and Ludaš, the two largest shallow lakes of the Pannonian Basin in Serbia. These two lakes are protected under national and international law. On the basis of the number of strictly protected bird species, Ludaš Lake has been classified as a wetland of international importance since 1977 (Ramsar site 3YU002); in 2021, both lakes were nominated as potential Natura 2000 areas. Despite the degree of protection and ecological significance of the area, agricultural land prevails. By a process of land expropriation during 2019, the buffer zone began to expand around the lakes, which should lead to a reduction in pollution. One of the goals of buffer-zone development is to enhance and restore the ecological connectivity of the remaining forest-steppe habitats. During the expropriation process, soil was sampled to record areas with the highest pollution. This paper assesses the environmental risk caused by phosphorus, nitrogen, and the accumulation of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cd, and Hg). For each heavy metal, the corresponding pollution indices (Igeo, PI, EF, Eri, RI, Nemerow) and soil contamination level were calculated. Pollution indices indicate the ecological risk under the influence of heavy metals in the following order: Cd > Cu > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cr > Hg. Results showed that concentrations of Cd exceeded the maximal permissible concentration in all examined soil samples, and high ecological risk areas were determined. High concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were detected, which could be as a result of intensive agricultural activity. Current conservation measures in this area have not provided adequate protection of the natural environment. Accordingly, existing measures must be controlled or new, more restrictive measures must be prescribed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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18 pages, 2874 KiB  
Article
Carbon, Nutrients and Methylmercury in Water from Small Catchments Affected by Various Forest Management Operations
by Zane Kļaviņa, Arta Bārdule, Karin Eklöf, Krišs Bitenieks, Ivars Kļaviņš and Zane Lībiete
Forests 2021, 12(9), 1278; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12091278 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Forest management activities in boreal and hemiboreal environments have been found to increase the concentration of carbon, nutrients, and methylmercury (MeHg) in runoff water, thus contributing to environmental quality issues. We evaluated carbon, nutrient, and MeHg concentrations in water at eight small, forested [...] Read more.
Forest management activities in boreal and hemiboreal environments have been found to increase the concentration of carbon, nutrients, and methylmercury (MeHg) in runoff water, thus contributing to environmental quality issues. We evaluated carbon, nutrient, and MeHg concentrations in water at eight small, forested catchments on organic soils in Latvia, subject to ditch cleaning and beaver dam removal. These management-induced disturbances were classified into a major, minor, or no disturbance classes. The concentrations of dissolved organic carbon and total nitrogen were elevated in disturbed catchments (both major and minor) compared to the catchments with no disturbance. The concentrations of MeHg in the water displayed a clear seasonal variation with higher concentrations in spring and summer, but there were no significant differences in MeHg concentrations between catchments with major, minor, and no disturbances. However, the higher concentrations of SO42− in the disturbed catchments compared to those undisturbed may promote MeHg formation if the conditions become more reduced further downstream. While most former studies of forest management effects on water quality have focused on forest harvest, our research contributes to the currently rather scarce pool of data on the impact of less-studied management operations, such as ditch cleaning and beaver dam removal, on carbon, nutrient, and MeHg concentrations in runoff water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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12 pages, 2092 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Distribution and Relationship in Soils and Plants under Different Aged Chinese Fir Plantation
by Zhen’an Yang and Zhibin Luo
Forests 2021, 12(9), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12091271 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2781
Abstract
As essential nutrients for plant growth and development, the balance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) between soils and plants is a key component to ecosystem stability. In this study, we examined the distribution of nutrients in the soils and different organs of [...] Read more.
As essential nutrients for plant growth and development, the balance of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) between soils and plants is a key component to ecosystem stability. In this study, we examined the distribution of nutrients in the soils and different organs of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) in Hunan Province, southern China. Additionally, we investigated the nutrient concentrations in soil layers (0–80 cm depth) and in plant organs, and the total biomass of 10-, 20-, and 30-year-old plantations. The results suggested that the nutrients in the soil were aggregated in the surface layer. The highest and lowest values of N concentrations in 0–80 cm soil layers and P concentrations in 0–40 cm soil layers were both in 30-year-old plantations and 20-year-old plantations, respectively. Nitrogen in the organs of Chinese fir in all plantations and P concentrations in the organs of 20- and 30-year-old trees decreased in the following order: leaves, fine roots, coarse roots, and stems. Total biomass (N and P pools of four organs) increased consistently with stand age increase, and N and P pools were the highest in leaves and stems, respectively. There were significant, positive correlations between N and P in the soil (0–80 cm), and organs, respectively, and also between N concentrations of fine roots and that of 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil, respectively. In Chinese fir plantations, concentrations of nutrients in specific tree organs and the soil were correlated positively, which can only partially explain the balance of nutrients within the plant–soil ecosystem. This study suggested that incorrect harvesting patterns may effectively deprive the forest ecosystem of valuable nutrients that would ordinarily have been returned to the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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20 pages, 5977 KiB  
Article
Effect of Acacia mangium Canopy on Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutrient Concentrations of the Soil at Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Malaysia
by Younes Hamad-Sheip, Hazandy Abdul-Hamid, Rambod Abiri, Mohd-Nazre Saleh, Johar Mohamed, Abd-Majid Jalil and Hamid R. Naji
Forests 2021, 12(9), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12091259 - 16 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4808
Abstract
The establishment of an Acacia mangium plantation often alters physicochemical characteristics and nutrient concentrations of soils. We aimed to evaluate the invasive potential of A. mangium forest on the soil in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Peninsular, Malaysia. To achieve the mentioned target, four [...] Read more.
The establishment of an Acacia mangium plantation often alters physicochemical characteristics and nutrient concentrations of soils. We aimed to evaluate the invasive potential of A. mangium forest on the soil in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Peninsular, Malaysia. To achieve the mentioned target, four different regions, namely, the open ground region (OG), Acacia mangium region (AM), transition region (TZ), and native forest region (NF), were selected and each of the regions was divided into six plots. Composite samples were randomly taken from subplots at 0–15 cm depth (topsoil) and 15–30 cm depth (subsoil). Some physicochemical properties such as soil moisture and texture, textural classification, bulk density and particle density, pH, electric conductivity (EC), exchangeable bases (EB) (Ca, Mg and K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), and available phosphorous (Av. P) were analyzed. The results of our study showed that the soil of the AM region, which was clay loam, contained clay (51%), silt (32%), and sand (16%). The chemical analysis of topsoil showed significant differences in terms of OM%, exchangeable- Ca, Mg, K (molc kg−1), N (%), gravitational water content (GWC), and Avail. P between all four regions. Additionally, the highest pH and OM of topsoil were seen in the AM region with 4.5% and 4.33%, respectively. In the subsoil, there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) in terms of EC (ds/m), OM (%), Exchangeable- Ca, Mg and K (cmolc kg−1), GWC, available phosphorus, and N (%) between all four regions. The highest GWC, N (%), and Ca (cmolc kg−1) were observed in the AM region with 16.00, 0.14%, and 0.64 cmolc kg−1, respectively. These results showed that A. mangium changed some soil characteristics due to its invasion potential. In summary, A. mangium showed high adaptability on degraded forest land and high ability to accumulate the soil physicochemical properties to enhance its growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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12 pages, 1524 KiB  
Article
Vertical Distribution of Mercury in Forest Soils and Its Transfer to Edible Mushrooms in Relation to Tree Species
by Václav Pecina, Martin Valtera, Gabriela Trávníčková, Renata Komendová, Radek Novotný, Martin Brtnický and David Juřička
Forests 2021, 12(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12050539 - 26 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2516
Abstract
Soil pollution by mercury (Hg) is a global problem that poses risks to natural ecosystems and to human health. Forests represent an important recipient of Hg deposition, however, so far, very little is known about the tree species identity effects on the distribution [...] Read more.
Soil pollution by mercury (Hg) is a global problem that poses risks to natural ecosystems and to human health. Forests represent an important recipient of Hg deposition, however, so far, very little is known about the tree species identity effects on the distribution of Hg in forest soils and its accumulation in edible mushrooms. To clarify the effect on the two main Central-European commercial forest tree species, soil samples were collected from organic F+H horizons and from mineral soil depths of 0–2, 2–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm in mature Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) dominated stands. Mushroom samples of the Boletaceae family were also collected at each sampling site. The highest Hg contents were found in the F+H layer and were significantly higher in spruce- (mean 0.46 ± 0.03 mg/kg) than in beech- (mean 0.29 ± 0.10 mg/kg) dominated stands. The variation in Hg contents in F+H was best predicted by pH, the overall lower soil pH in strongly acidic spruce stands might induce Hg immobilization in the F+H layer to cause a decrease in the bioavailability of Hg for Xerocomellus chrysenteron (Bull.) Šutara. In mineral soil, the Hg contents did not differ significantly between the spruce- and beech-dominated stands. The Hg content strongly correlated with the S, N, and C contents only in mineral soil; at the depths of 2–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm, significantly also with the silt vs. sand, Alo, and Feo contents. Studied mushroom species were not Hg-contaminated and, therefore, their consumption does not pose serious health risks regardless of the forest type. The results suggest that species-related soil chemistry and mineral associations, rather than different atmospheric Hg interception by spruce vs. beech, drive the vertical distribution and accumulation of Hg in forest soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil and Water Biogeochemistry)
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