Microbial Processes > Decomposition Processes > Forest Locations: Switzerland

In July 2001 a series of wood stakes decomposition plots were established in the Swiss National Park as part of two plant succession studies being conducted by the Swiss Federal Research Institute (WSL), Birmensdorf, Switzerland.

Forest Succession Study

Fifteen plots (10 m x 10 m) were established in subalpine mountain pine (Pinus montana) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra)/European Larch (Larix decidua) stands located at various elevations (1700 to 2200 m) and different aspects throughout the Park.

Mineral soil - fifteen stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 20 cm) of both loblolly pine and aspen were installed in the mineral soil 30 - 40 cm apart at each plot. Five stakes of each species were placed in a line along three sides of the plot perimeter for a total of 450 stakes (15 stakes x 2 species x 15 plots x 1 replicate). Soil temperature is being measured at 10 cm mineral soil depth in the center of each plot. Five stakes of each species will be removed from each plot every two years starting in July 2002.

Litter layer (forest floor) - thirty wood stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 15 cm) of each tree species were placed on one side of each plot perimeter - 15 stakes at the litter layer/mineral soil interface, and 15 stakes on the litter layer surface - for a total of 900 stakes (15 stakes x 2 species x 15 plots x 2 litter layer locations x 1 replicate).

Pasture/Forest Succession Study

As part of a study on plant community succession following the abandonment of pastures in 1914 (year of SNP establishment), wood stakes were installed on the perimeter of eleven permanent plots (variable in size between 1m² and 300m²). Nine plots were located on subalpine grasslands and two plots in mountain pine stands.

Mineral soil - similar to the forest succession study, fifteen stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 20 cm) of both loblolly pine and aspen were installed in a line along three sides of each plot perimeter - for a total of 330 stakes (15 stakes x 2 species x 11 plots x 1 replicate). Soil temperatures are being measured at 10 cm mineral soil depth. Five stakes of each species will be removed from each plot every two years starting in July 2002.

Litter layer (forest floor) - thirty wood stakes (2.5 x 2.5 x 15 cm) of each tree species were placed on one side of the two forest plots - 15 stakes at the litter layer/mineral soil interface, and 15 stakes on the litter layer surface - for a total of 120 stakes (15 stakes x 2 species x 2 plots x 2 litter layer locations x 1 replicate).

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