without external funding
Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics of short-rotation plantations (ProLoc)
Project Details
Project duration: 05/2012–07/2015
Abstract
Aim of the ProLoc project is to determine (the interaction between site and clones of poplar and willow as well as evaluating ecological effects of short rotation coppices. The fast growing trees were planted in 2008 on 36 sites with former arable landuse, grassland or forest located in Germany.) In the first phase 20 sites in Germany planted in 2008 with poplar and willow clones are selected to characterize soils and dynamics of soil organic carbon. Dynamics of soil carbon are investigated by the determination of litterfall, litter decomposition and amount of carbon in soil aggregates. At selected sites carbon in soil aggregates and particulate organic matter of topsoils of the SRC´s and arable fields are compared. In the second phase 6 sites were selected to continue investigations of litter fall and litter decomposition, dynamics of biomarker for fungi and bacteria and studies of nitrogen use efficiencies of one poplar clone were supplemented. At one site soil respiration measurements are conducted with root and mycorrhiza exclusion. Results allow an evaluation of effects of inventing trees in agricultural lands on microorganisms, soil fertility and sustainability.
