Influence of soil type on mass loss and nutrient release from decomposing foliage litter of beech and Norway spruce

Mass loss and nutrient release from decomposing foliage litter of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were studied at three sites along a soil fertility gradient. The influence of soil type on initial litter quality and on decomposition was separated by reciprocal transplantation of litter among soil types using the litterbag technique. Decomposition of beech litter was influenced by both initial litter quality and incubation site. Mass loss in beech litter was positively influenced by soil nutrient status. Decomposition of Norway spruce litter was not affected by initial litter quality, and the positive influence of a nutrient-rich soil environment on decomposition was weak. Nutrient release in litters of both tree species was greatly affected by soil type through its influence on initial litter quality, as nutrient release was positively related to initial nutrient concentrations. Nutrient release was less affected through the soil environment, as it only influenced release of some nutrients, and the differences were not consistently related to soil nutrient status or mass loss. The influence of soil type on decomposition differed among the two tree species, suggesting that it may be more significant in species that produce relatively higher quality litter.