Nutrient dynamics by decomposing leaf litter at the Guemsan (Mt.) Long-Term Ecological Research site, Korea

Litter decomposition represents a major contribution to the carbon and nutrient fluxes in forest ecosystems. Nutrient dynamics from decomposing leaf litter were measured for 3 years (1095 days) from three dominant tree species (Quercus serrata, Carpinus laxiflora, Carpinus cordata) in a broadleaved deciduous forest of the Geumsan (Mt.) Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) site in Korea. Mass loss rates from decomposing leaf litter were significantly lower in the Q. serrata leaf litter (63.4% of the original mass) than in C. laxiflora (80.0%) and C. cordata (83.1%) leaf litter over 1095 days. There was a significant linear relationship between the remaining mass of leaf litter and the incubation months of litterbag (Q. serrata: r2 = 0.96; C. laxiflora: r2 = 0.96; C. cordata: r2 = 0.95). Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations (mg g−1) and remaining stocks (mg bag−1) from decomposing leaf litter were significantly lower in Q. serrata leaf litter than in C. laxiflora and C. cordata leaf litter during the study period. Calcium and magnesium concentration and remaining stocks of initial stage from decomposing litter were significantly higher in C. cordata leaf litter than in that of C. laxiflora and Q. serrata. However, potassium concentration and remaining stocks were not affected by the three leaf litter types. The results indicate that Carpinus spp. (C. laxiflora, C. cordata) leaf litter is a significant and easily decomposable source of nutrients among dominant tree species of a mixed broadleaved deciduous forest in the Geumsan LTER site.