The influence of different vegetation on soil chemical properties in Arboretum Mlyňany

Abstract

Differences in some chemical properties of soil under oak Quercus cerris (L.), cherry laurel Prunus lauroerasus (L.), and yew Taxus baccata (L.) woody plants in Arboretum Mlynany were studied. Originally, oak-hornbeam forest was naturally present on studied area therefore soil under oak woods was taken as control variant. Obtained results showed, that changed type of vegetation distinctly influenced soil chemical characteristics. Studied profiles significantly (P = 0.01-0.05) differed in phosphorus and potassium contents, in pH H2O and hydrolytic acidity. Profiles differed highly significantly (P = 0.01-0.001) in percentage of hot water soluble (Chws) and oxidisable (CL) carbon of CT, sorption capacity and pH KCl values. The highest contents of potassium and phosphorus were found in A horizon under each studied woods. We suppose that mentioned macronutrients come from decomposed litter. Significantly (P < 0.001) the highest organic carbon content (CT) was found in A horizon under cherry laurel wood (C T = 26.51 g kg-1), under oak (CT = 22.63 g kg-1), and under yew wood it was 20.71 g kg-1. Type of vegetation influenced also humus quality. Low humus quality (ratio HA/FA) confirmed, that mainly under yew and oak was high amount of aggressive fulvic acids.