PROPERTIES OF FOREST SOILS UNDER VACCINIO ULIGINOSI-BETULETUM PUBESCENTIS AND EMPETRO NIGRI-PINETUM IN THE SLOVINSKI NATIONAL PARK

Abstract

The study on properties of proper podzol soils was carried out in two different forest ecosystems: Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis and Empetro nigri-Pinetum in the Slovinski National Park (17o15΄E, 54o44΄N). Analysed soils are acid and strongly acid, with soil pH decreasing with the depth of the genetic soil horizon. Average soil moisture content is significantly related with contents of organic matter and volumetric density. This is confirmed by means and high values of Spearman’s correlation coefficient, amounting to R=0.72 (p<0.05, n=50) in the genetic profile of Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis and R=0.83 (p<0.05, n=50) in the Empetro nigri-Pinetum oraz -0.42 (p<0.05, n=50, Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis) and -0.73 (p<0.05, n=50, Empetro nigri-Pinetum). Maximum contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon were observed in mineral peat soil of Vaccinio uliginosi-Betuletum pubescentis and in upper organic levels of the analysed soil profiles. This is a very important source of biogenic elements, especially for stands, providing a better supply of biogens for forest plants.

Key words: forest, soil, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, C:N, C:P, N:P