Effect of stemflow on beech forest soils and vegetation in southern Sweden.
Abstract
A study of 64 radial transects around individual Fagus sylvatica trees, each extending 250 cm from the stem base. Results suggest that stemflow reduced pH and base saturation in topsoil of mull soils especially within 150 cm of the stem. Exchangeable Ca and Mg were low and exchangeable K was higher close to the stem. Exchangeable Mn was lower near the stem in the most acid soils. Cover of 14 common field-layer species was closely correlated with pH, base saturation, exchangeable Ca and organic matter in the soil.