Tomasz Wanic

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.

The trophic requirements of selected underwood species occurring in forests

Abstract The subject of this study were soil requirements of common woody shrubs, which may be part of the forest understory (Sorbus aucuparia L., Frangula alnus Mill., Corylus avellana L., Juniperus communis L., Padus avium Mill., Euonymus europaea L., Sambucus nigra L.). We focused on phytocenoses in the vicinity of natural forests in reserves and national parks of Polish lowlands and defined optimal types and subtypes of soil with trophic variations for each underwood species. The range of trophism for each species of shrub was determined using specific physicochemical properties of the soils, while soil quality was assessed using the Trophic Soil Index (SIG) (Brożek et al. 2011a). The ecological requirements of the before-mentioned underwood species were linked with forest typology as well as natural vegetation and they showed different soil requirements. Here we report significant differences in particle size and dynamics of organic matter decomposition in soils associated with these underwood species.

The use of the particle size distribution of soils in estimating quality of mountain forest sites

Abstract The physical and chemical properties of soil are the basic features that are used in the assessment of mountain sites. The aim of this study was to produce a simple key for classifying forest sites in mountain areas using soil particle size distribution. 200 plots (standard typological space) were selected for examination, most of which are typical of the Carpathians - being dominated by flysch rock. A few plots were located in the Sudety and Tatra Mountains, which have a different surface geology, mostly metamorphic rock and granite. The study proved that soil properties (reaction, base saturation, content of base cations, organic carbon and nitrogen) are helpful in distinguishing and assigning soils to particular site types. The particle size distribution of forest mountain sites separated into different categories in terms of productivity. These results can be used to improve the classification of forest mountain sites.

Effects of serpentinite fertilizer on the chemical properties and enzyme activity of young spruce soils

Abstract The experimental plots used in the study were located in the middle forest zone (elevation: 900-950 m a.s.l.) on two nappes of the flysch Carpathians in southern Poland. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of serpentinite in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers on selected chemical properties of the soil and activity of dehydrogenase and urease in the studied soils. All fertilizer treatments significantly enriched the tested soils in magnesium. The use of serpentinite as a fertilizer reduced the molar ratio of exchangeable calcium to magnesium, which facilitated the uptake of magnesium by tree roots due to competition between calcium and magnesium. After one year of fertilization on the Wisła experimental plot, the pH of the Ofh horizon increased, while the pH of the mineral horizons significantly decreased. Enrichment of serpentinite with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers stimulated the dehydrogenase activity in the studied organic horizon. The lack of a negative effect of the serpentinite fertilizer on enzyme activity in the spruce stand soil showed that the concentrations of the heavy metals added to the soil were not high enough to be toxic and indicated the feasibility of using this fertilizer in forestry.

Phosphatase activities of spruce stand soils after serpentinite fertilisation in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the condition of soil after serpentine fertilisation by determining the activity of phosphatase and some physicochemical properties of soil. The study was conducted in southern Poland in the Wisła Forest District (49°8’12.92N 18°58’56.36E). The following variants: C - control - no fertiliser; S - ground serpentinite; SN - serpentinite + nitrogen; SP - ground serpentinite + P; SNP - ground serpentinite + NP; SNPK - ground serpentinite + NP (as above) + K. Fertilisation of serpentinite stimulates the activity of phosphatase in soil under spruce stands. The positive impact is reflected in the organic horizon. Less activity was noted in the humus-mineral horizon (AE) in all the fertiliser combinations three years after the fertilisation. Fertilisation of serpentinite improves the chemical properties - pH was increased, reduction of molar ratio of exchangeable calcium to magnesium form was noted.