Changes in O horizon mass, thickness and carbon content following fire in northern hardwood forests

摘要: This study examines temporal changes in the thickness, mass, and organic carbon content of O horizon (forest floor) eight forested plots northern Michigan, USA. Each plot had experienced a recent burn (prescribed or accidental); dates ranged from 1798 to 1980. The climax forest this region is mixed Pinus-Acer-Betula-Tsuga, whereas fire successional species are predominantly Populus spp. Betula papyrifera. data were fit logarithmic functions (chronofunctions) that depicted rapid accumulations mass thickness first years after fire, followed by decreasing rates increase ≈ 100 years. Extension chronofunctions 5000 allowed for theoretical examination floor conditions, e.g., steady state time state, long periods without disturbance. models predicted greater thicknesses slightly lower conditions than have been reported old-growth stands elsewhere. Steady litter these mixed, temperate forests requires at least 200 possibly > 1000 years, which markedly longer most other estimates. Although frequent disturbance would likely preclude such values being attained, provide maximum ecosystems.