Nutrititional status of beech forests from the Sierra del Caurel (NW Spain) and its relation with soil properties

Abstract

This paper presents the study of some nutritional aspects affecting the conservation of beech woodstands (Fagus sylvatica L) located in the Sierra del Cuarel (NW Spain). The studied woodstands show a critical state of preservation due to the human pressure that caused important fragmentation, and to be far away from the main beech forests in Northern Spain. The main nutritional constraints are their low leaf phosphorous levels and in, some few cases, their low nitrogen levels as well. They are caused by the low soil availabily of P and N as a consequence of their reduced nutrient storage and their high acidity. This may decrease the chances for preserving these stands, and they should be taken into account when future conservation practices are to be designed.