Carbon emission from the soil surface in a mature blueberry pine forest of the middle taiga (Republic of Komi)

Abstract

Data on the input of plant falloff and organic matter decomposition on the surface of the peaty podzolic-gleyic humus-illuvial (Gleyic Podzol) soil under a mature blueberry pine forest in the middle taiga are presented. The fractional composition of the falloff was determined, and constants of decomposition for its components were calculated. The carbon flux to the atmosphere due to the mineralization of plant residues is estimated at 251 g/m². A close positive correlation (r = 0.71; P < 0.05) was found between the carbon dioxide emission measured using a gas analyzer and the soil temperature at the depth of 10 cm. The CO₂ emission for a growing period calculated from the data on its dependence on soil temperature in different years varied from 243 to 313 g C/m² and was related to weather conditions.