Does mixing of beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) litter hasten decomposition?

摘要

Background and aimsIt is of practical relevance to know how much beech must be admixed to pure spruce stands in order to increase litter decomposition and associated nutrient cycling, since the formation of thick organic layers is commonly ascribed to the recalcitrance of spruce needles. We addressed the impact of tree species mixture within forest stands and within litter on mass loss and nutritional release from litter.