Nutrient fluxes via litterfall in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) stands growing on post-arable soils

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance litterfall as a link in biogeochemical cycling certain elements (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) silver birch stands growing on post-arable soils under temperate climatic conditions (Poland). covered three sandy (21, 29, 40 years old) loamy (15, 33, 41 old). Litterfall collected during 2020–2021 analysed using standard procedures. Elemental contents were determined also green leaves from tree crowns early summer determine intensity retranslocation. total production varied 2576 5293 kg ha −1 , depending stand year. These values are typical forests. positively correlated with age. Leaves made up major fraction, followed by twigs. Silver generally rich nutrients compared many other species for zone. Nutrient fluxes soil upper limits reported literature. It may partially be an effect history these stands. Large via important context high nutritional demands studied species. This showed that strongly retranslocates K senescing leaves, whereas Zn accumulated organs.