COMPARISON OF SOIL STATE BETWEEN STAND GROUPS OF SILVER FIR AND NORWAY SPRUCE - CASE STUDY

The state of upper horizons of forest soils under forest stand groups of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) was compared in the same site conditions. The study was performed on the site characterized as oak -fir with Luzula nemorosa, soils were determined as Luvisols, altitude 420-440 m a.s.l. Upper soil horizons (L+F1, F2+H, Ah and B) were sampled in five replications, holorganic horizons quantitatively. The amount of surface humus as well as basic pedochemic characteristics were determined: pH, soil adsorption complex characteristics, exchangeable acidity, the content of total carbon and nitrogen, and content of total and plant available macronutrients. The cellulolytic potential of H and Ah horizons was determined in a laboratory experiment. Results confirmed only mild effects of silver fir on the soil chemistry: soil reaction, base saturation, and especially on nitrogen content and C/N ratio. Basic elements content was slightly affected as well. No visible effects of fir on the cellulolytic activity were detected. Silver fir, compared to Norway spruce, showed only minor soil improving function.