The changes of nutrient and risk elements of top soil layers under canopy of different tree species and grassland in Arboretum Mlyňany, Slovakia

Abstract

Litter represents the input-output system of nutrients in forests. Since the aim of study was to extent the knowledge of nutrient and risk elements cycling in the Arboretum Mlyňany (Slovak Republic), we investigated the contents of selected elements in the litter of tree species and grassland, and compared them with the contents of elements in the surface soil layers (0–10 cm). Results showed that the richest on N, P, K macro-elements were sod of grass, rich was litter of maple, oak and surprisingly also yew. The correlation between quantity of exchange calcium, magnesium, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, copper and iron in the surface soil layers and litters was not significant. On the contrary, statistically significant correlations were found in case of zinc and manganese in litter and their available ions in the surface soil layers (Zn: r = 0.884, P < 0.001; Mn: r = 0.501, P < 0.05). Limit values of available cadmium and zinc content were exceeded in the soil for yews, Cd for Himalayan pines and lead for spruces. Higher contents of mentioned heavy metals in soil were attributed to bioaccumulation, as well as to atmospheric deposition.