Ewa Błońska

Assessment of forest soil contamination in Krakow surroundings in relation to the type of stand

The aim of the study was to determine the degree of soil pollution in different forest types around Krakow, using biochemical, chemical and magnetic methods. In assessing the degree of soil contamination, the impact of the forest species composition by comparing the surfaces of broadleaf and coniferous forest stands was taken into account. Enzymatic activity was related to other measures of pollution, i.e., heavy metal concentration, content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and level of magnetic susceptibility. The study was conducted in southern Poland. Krakow was the central point around which the test surfaces were designated. In soil samples pH, soil texture and organic carbon, nitrogen, base cation contents, dehydrogenase and urease activities were determined. Additionally, heavy metal concentration, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content and magnetic susceptibility were recorded. The obtained results confirm the high diversity of forest soil pollution around Krakow agglomeration. Significant differences in both the content of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and values of the magnetic susceptibility were observed in the soils of forest complexes located in different directions away from Krakow and at various distances from Krakow. The level of contamination is related to the historical and current deposition of industrial and urban dusts from Krakow and Silesia. The type of stand had a considerable influence on the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. A higher content of aromatic hydrocarbons was observed in the soils of deciduous stands. A high level of magnetic susceptibility was observed in the soils of coniferous stands. The differences in enzymatic activity between the research plots result from different contents of PAHs and different amount of soil organic matter resulting from the species composition.

Effect of variable soil texture, metal saturation of soil organic matter (SOM) and tree species composition on spatial distribution of SOM in forest soils in Poland

In this study we investigated the effect of fine (ϕ<0.05mm) fraction, i.e., silt+clay (FF) content in soils, site moisture, metal (Al and Fe) of soil organic matter (SOM) and forest species composition on the spatial distribution of carbon (C) pools in forest soils at the landscape scale. We established 275 plots in regular 200×200m grid in a forested area of 14.4km(2). Fieldwork included soil sampling of the organic horizon, mineral topsoil and subsoil down to 40cm deep. We analysed the vertical and horizontal distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, as well as the quantity of physically separated fractions including the free light (fLF), occluded light (oLF) and mineral associated fractions (MAF) in the mineral topsoil (A, AE) horizons. Distribution of C in soils was predominantly affected by the variation in the FF content. In soils richer in the FF more SOC was accumulated in mineral horizons and less in the organic horizons. Accumulation of SOC in mineral soil was also positively affected by the degree of saturation of SOM with Al and Fe. The increasing share of beech influenced the distribution of C stock in soil profiles by reducing the depth of O horizon and increasing C stored in mineral soil. The content of FF was positively correlated with the content of C in MAF and fLF fractions. The content of oLF and MAF fractions was also positively influenced by a higher degree of metal saturation, particularly Al. Our results confirmed that Al plays an important role in the stabilization of SOM inside aggregates (CoLF) and as in CMAF fractions. We also found a significant, positive effect of beech on the CfLF and fir on the CoLF content.

Enzymatic activity and stabilization of organic matter in soil with different detritus inputs

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to assess the effects of different forest stands (Silver fir (Abies alba) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) with common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)) on the enzymes activities and microbial biomass. The objective was to explore how changes in the detritus inputs affect soil organic matter (SOM) composition. The content of SOM fraction has been compared with soil enzyme activities. The investigation was carried out in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains of central Poland. Twenty investigation plots were selected, including fir stands (10 plots) and maple with hornbeam stands (10 plots). Contents of organic C, N and base cations, pH, hydrolytic acidity, and soil texture were investigated. The content of C and N in the physically separated SOM fractions was distinguished. The study indicated only small changes in soil properties and stabilization of organic matter as a result of different detritus inputs. The maple-hornbeam and fir stands have a similar influence on microbiological processes and the SOM. Acidity of soil is a major factor affecting microbial activity and therefore pH affects enzyme dynamics. Differences in soil pH confirmed the stronger acidifying effects of fir stands compared to maple-hornbeam stands. Additionally, fir stands stimulate β-glucosidase activity, probably through a simultaneous interaction of mycorrhizal fungi in the roots of fir stands.

Changes in forest soil properties and spruce stands characteristics after dolomite, magnesite and serpentinite fertilization

We have to deal with spruce dieback in recent years in Europe. Fertilization can be used to reduce susceptibility to forest dying through improving the chemical properties of soil. The aim of this study was to assess the condition of soil and spruce stand after dolomite, magnesite and serpentinite fertilization. The fertilization was used to sustain a stable condition and extended the life of spruce stands by several years which allows the reconstruction of the stand. The experimental plots were set up in the areas of two Carpathian nappes, differing in terms of lithological deposits, in Wisła and Ujsoły Forest Districts. Fertilization improves the chemical properties and enzymes activity of soil. The used fertilization variants did not cause inhibition of soil enzymatic activity. The effect of liming is visible mainly in the humus horizon, and in the deeper mineral soil, a significant change was not found. Heavy metals, mainly nickel introduced with serpentinite, did not inhibit the activity of enzymes. As a result of fertilization, the process of dying spruce was delayed. Three years after fertilization, a clear improvement in the chemistry of spruce needles was not recorded.

Usability of enzyme activity in estimation of forest soil quality

Abstract Taking into account the progressive degradation of soils it is important to assess their quality. Soil quality depends on a large number of physical, chemical, biological and biochemical properties. In the publications available, there are presented three approaches regarding the use of soil properties to estimate soil quality: (1) the use of individual properties, (2) the use of simple indexes and (3) the use of complex indexes derived from combinations of different properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possibility to use enzymes as indicators of forest soil quality. Experimental plots (43) were located in central Poland. The study was carried out in a number of diverse fresh forest sites. To assess the quality of forest soils dehydrogenase and urease activity and the degree of base saturation were used. One of the final conclusions point out that enzymatic activity indicates current site condition as well as the changes that occur in soil better than soil physical and chemical properties. In other words, in comparison to soil enzymatic activity, soil physico-chemical properties constitute a less sensitive indicator of soil changes.

Effect of deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition on biochemical soil properties and carbon storage

The primary objective of this paper was to estimate how the mass of Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) deadwood in two decay classes affected biochemical processes and the accumulation of soil organic matter, as well as the extent of this impact. We evaluated deadwood mass, as well as the biological activity and influence of the distance from deadwood on biological activity and carbon (C) storage. The investigation was carried out in Magurski National Park, southern Poland, in four randomly selected study plots. The organic C and nitrogen contents and soil pH and texture were analysed. The study also included the determination of enzyme activities. The results obtained demonstrated that soil C storage and the biological activity of the soil were influenced by deadwood form, tree species and decay class. Significant differences in the C content in the soil between the logs of fir and pine trees were noted. With the advancement of the deadwood decomposition process, the C concentration and enzyme activity increased slightly. Lower C accumulation occurred further away from the deadwood. At a 100-cm distance from the deadwood, the influence of the logs was not evident. Higher C storage was found in the soil around the stumps than in the decaying logs. This study confirmed an important role of deadwood in forest ecosystems, i.e., maintaining species biodiversity and increasing C accumulation in the soil environment with a simultaneous increase in the biological activity of the soil.

Variability of enzymatic activity in forest Cambisols and Brunic Arenosols of Polish lowland areas

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase and urease) in trophically diverse Brunic Arenosols and Cambisols. Efforts to establish the relationship between enzymatic activity and physico-chemical properties of various subtypes of Brunic Arenosols and Cambisols were attempted. Another aim was to determine the effect of vegetation on the properties of soil surface levels. The study was conducted on 94 plots located in nature reserves and national parks in the Polish lowland area. Dehydrogenase activity and urease showed large variations in the subtypes of the distinguished Brunic Arenosols and Cambisols. Dehydrogenases and urease activity in surface layers of fresh humus of Cambisols and Brunic Arenosols was strongly associated with the plants. This is confirmed by the relationship between the enzymatic activity and the type of accumulated humus substances, the ratio of carbon to nitrogen and humus horizons reaction. Streszczenie Celem pracy było oznaczenie aktywności enzymatycznej (dehydrogenaz i ureazy) w zróżnicowanych troficznie glebach rdzawych i brunatnych. Starano się ustalić zależności pomiędzy aktywnością enzymatyczną a właściwościami fizykochemicznymi w poszczególnych podtypach gleb rdzawych i brunatnych. Kolejnym celem było określenie wpływu szaty roślinnej na właściwości powierzchniowych poziomów gleb. Badania przeprowadzono na 94 powierzchniach, zlokalizowanych w rezerwatach przyrody i parkach narodowych obszaru nizinnego Polski. Aktywność dehydrogenaz, j ak również ureazy wykazała duże zróżnicowanie w ramach wyróżnianych podtypów gleb rdzawych i brunatnych. Aktywność dehydrogenaz i ureazy w powierzchniowych poziomach próchnicznych świeżych gleb brunatnych i rdzawych wykazała silny związek z roślinnością. Potwierdza to powiązanie aktywności enzymatycznej z rodzajem akumulowanej substancji próchnicznej, stosunkiem węgla do azotu oraz odczynem poziomów próchnicznych.

The relationship between soil properties, enzyme activity and land use

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the effects of different types of land use (forest, tillage and pasture) on soil properties, especially enzyme activity. Our investigation was carried out on 53 research plots with 11 plots in broadleaved forest stands, 12 plots in mixed broadleaved stands, 10 plots in mixed coniferous stands, 9 plots on tillage and 11 plots on pasture. The soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–15 cm after removing the organic horizon. Contents of organic carbon and nitrogen, pH and soil texture were investigated. Furthermore, dehydrogenase and urease activity were determined. Significant differences in the enzyme activity between forest and agricultural soils were observed, thus demonstrating that enzyme activity is influenced by the organic matter content of the soil. The highest enzyme activity was recorded in the forest soil within broadleaved stands, whilst the lowest activity was found in tillage soil, because tillage soil contained significantly less organic matter. High enzymatic activity of pasture soils is the combined result of vegetation type and the lack of plowing.

How the deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition affected nutrient dynamics

PurposeThe aim of the study was to estimate how the deadwood of different tree species in various stages of decomposition affected nutrient dynamics.Materials and methodsThe deadwood of eight species (common alder, common aspen, common ash, silver fir, pedunculate oak, Norway spruce, common hornbeam and silver birch) was selected. Three logs from each species in the third, fourth and fifth decay classes were chosen for analysis. Wood in the third decay class was characterised by larger hard fragments, fragmented bark and no branches; in the fourth decay class, it was characterised by small pieces and a fragmented bark; and in the fifth decay class, it was characterised by a soft texture and no bark. The investigation was carried out in the Czarna Rózga Reserve in Central Poland. Tension lysimeters were installed under each log in the humus horizon. The water samples collected from tension lysimeters were chemically analysed in the laboratory. The water chemistry was analysed by means of ion chromatography using a DIONEX ICS 5000 unit.Results and discussionThe leachate obtained from different tree species contained different ion concentrations. The high similarity of the concentration of total anions and statistically significant differences in the content of total cations were determined in the leachate from the wood of coniferous and deciduous species. The concentration of the cations increases with the advancement of the decomposition level. A general linear model analysis demonstrates that wood species and the decomposition classes are of equal importance in defining the ion composition of the filtrate leaching from deadwood.ConclusionsWood at the highest decomposition stage releases more ions to the surface soil layers than wood at the lower decay class. An exception from the rule is the wood of birch, which in the III decay class releases more ions than in its higher decay classes. When comparing the ionic composition of leachate released from wood of coniferous and deciduous tree species, the latter are characterised by higher cation concentrations in comparison with coniferous species. Among the deciduous species, wood of such species as ash, hornbeam, aspen, birch and alder has the most favourable effects on the soil surface horizons through its supply with ionic substances. The ash wood releases high amounts of calcium, hornbeam wood releases magnesium and sodium, and aspen releases calcium, potassium and nitrate anion. From the analysed coniferous species, fir wood has a more favourable effect in terms of ion release to soil than spruce wood.

Stand mixing effect on enzyme activity and other soil properties

Abstract In this research study, enzyme activity was used to assess differences occurring in soils as a result of the different tree species influence. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), sessile oak (Quercus petraea) and mixed-species stands on the enzymatic activity and chemical characteristics of soil. Sample plots were located in central Poland, in the Przedbórz forest district (51.09.59.50°N, 20.00.24.25°E). The test area was dominated by Brunic Arenosols. 15 research plots were established (5 plots under pine, 5 plots under oak and 5 plots under mixed-species stand). Soil samples from the O, A and AB horizons were taken. In soil samples pH, soil texture, and organic carbon, nitrogen, base cation contents, dehydrogenase activity and urease activity were determined. Tree species affected soil organic matter accumulation, pH and microbial activity. The highest enzyme activity was reported in the soils under oak and mixed-species stands. The soil pH was lower under pine forest than under oak and mixed-species stands. pHs is presumably a major factor affecting microbial community composition and enzyme dynamics. We noted a significant correlation between enzyme activity and C/N ratio which is often used to describe litter quality. A lower C/N ratio was found in oak and mixed-species stands compared with pine stands.