Nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon dynamics of hornbeam leaf litter (Case study: District one, Shastkalate forest, Gorgan)

The aim of this study was investigation of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus dynamics in Carpinus betulus L. leaf litter in organic layer of a broad-leaved mixed forest in Gorgan. Fresh litters were collected from five plots in district one, Shastkalate forest and were placed into some litterbags with 2 mm mesh. Then, they were located in the study site. Over one year (8 sampling), chemical analysis was carried out. Result showed total Nitrogen concentration in fresh litters was 1.5% and after one year increased to 1.9%. Phosphorus concentration in fresh litter was 0.134% and increased to 0.136% after one year. Carbon to Nitrogen ratio in fresh litter was 24.5, but after one year decreased to 17.4. Carbon to Phosphorus ratio in fresh litter was 282 and after one year decreased to 245. Weight of fresh litter was 14.65gr, but decreased to 8.23gr after one year. Nitrogen content, C/N and N/P ratios of Hornbeam leaf litters were correlated with secondary weight of litter. C/N and C/P ratios were appropriated for discriminating of decomposition phases. Hornbeam Leaf litters caused soil fertility and increased site indexes. It is necessary to use Carpinus in reforestation and rehabilitation of destroyed forest, considering climate, elevation and forest degradation density.