Description of project
Litter accumulation within forest stands including subsequent decomposition is the most visible feature of forest environment differentiating topsoil from comparable sites situated under conditions of different land use. Tree species had formed indigenous forests in accordance with species-specific demands before human needs led to alteration of species composition. The forests were logged over first, and then they were reforested using the most profitable species – the Norway spruce. Important area of forests had been also converted into agricultural land which was turned back to forest management purpose later. There are many forest stands composed of spruce that are threaten by harsh environmental conditions and pests; therefore the monoculture stands are converted into mixed ones in order to increase their stability and improve nutrient cycling. Even though there is some information concerning tree species affecting soil condition known from literature, there is still need to reveal humus accumulation conditions and its relation to topsoil using a comparison analysis of both broadleaved and coniferous stands situated under comparable site conditions.