Wilcke, W.; Oelmann, Y.; Schmitt, A.; Valarezo, C.; Zech, W. & Homeier, J. (2008): <b>Soil properties and tree growth along an altitudinal transect in Ecuadorian tropical montane forest</b>. <i>Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science</i> <b>171</b>, 220-230.
Resource Description
Title:
Soil properties and tree growth along an altitudinal transect in Ecuadorian tropical montane forest
Short Name:
Soil properties and tree growth in Ecuador
FOR816dw ID:
107
Publication Date:
2008-04-04
License and Usage Rights:
Resource Owner(s):
Individual:
Wolfgang Wilcke
Contact:
email:
wolfgang.wilcke <at> kit.edu
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Geography and Geoecology
Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1
76131 Karlsruhe
Baden-Württemberg
Germany
email:
jhomeie <at> gwdg.de
Faculty of Resource Management
University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HAWK)
37077 Göttingen
Germany
Abstract:
In tropical montane forests, soil properties change with altitude and tree growth decreases. In a tropical montane forest in Ecuador, we determined soil and tree properties along an altitudinal transect between 1960 and 2450 m above seal level. In different vegetation units height, basal area, and diameter growth of trees were recorded, and all horizons of three replicate profiles at each of eight sites were sampled. We determined pH and total concentrations of Al, C, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, P, S, Zn, polyphenols, and lignin in all soil horizons and in the mineral soil additionally the effective cation-exchange capacity (ECEC). The soils were Cambisols, Planosols, and Histosols. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, N, P, and S in the O horizons and of Al, C, and all nutrients except Ca in the A horizons correlated significantly negatively with altitude. The C/N, C/P, and C/S ratios increased and the lignin concentrations decreased in O and A horizons with increasing altitude. Forest stature, tree basal area, and tree growth decreased with altitude. An ANOVA analysis indicated that macronutrients (e.g., N, P, Ca) and micronutrients (e.g., Mn) in the organic layer and in the soil mineral A horizon were correlated with tree growth. Furthermore, lignin concentrations in the organic layer and the C/N ratio in soil affected tree growth. These effects were consistent, even if the effect of altitude was accounted for in a statistical hierarchical model. This suggests a contribution of nutrient deficiencies to reduced tree growth possibly caused by reduced organic matter turnover at higher altitudes.
Literature type specific fields:
ARTICLE
Journal:
Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science
Volume:
171
Page Range:
220-230
Publisher:
Wiley-VCH
Metadata Provider:
Individual:
Wolfgang Wilcke
Contact:
email:
wolfgang.wilcke <at> kit.edu
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Geography and Geoecology
Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1
76131 Karlsruhe
Baden-Württemberg
Germany
