Below‐ and above‐ground effects of deadwood and termites in plantation forests

摘要: Deadwood is an important legacy structure in managed forests, providing continuity shelter and resource availability for many organisms acting as a vehicle by which nutrients can be passed from one stand to the next following harvest. Despite existing at interface between below- above-ground systems, however, much remains unknown about role woody debris plays linking these zones. Moreover, it untested whether accelerative effects of wood-feeding insects on wood decomposition influence tree growth or nutritional status forests. In this study, we added different quantities pine logs bases saplings two-year-old loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) plantations Mississippi, USA. We included treatment subterranean termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae: Reticulitermes) were excluded determine how affect release and, turn, growth. After 51 months decomposition, quantified below-ground measuring microbial biomass, plant-available forms N, ectomycorrhizal diversity associated with fine roots. Meanwhile, measurements focused elemental concentrations decomposing either protected unprotected metrics related nutrient status. found additions significantly increase nitrate potential net nitrification relative reference treatments but detected no significant growth, needle nitrogen concentrations, diversity. Soil higher under vs. logs, N mostly more abundant short distances away both than directly them. The had lower most elements compared that largely due large amounts soil imported into termites. Termite exclusion measurable effect status, diversity, however. Our findings indicate deadwood contribute spatial heterogeneity properties may have limited short-term local Longer-term studies less fertile sites are needed.