Soil organic matter transformation influenced by silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) succession on abandoned from agricultural production sandy soil

Abstract A chronosequence approach was applied to evaluate the effects of silver birch succession on soil organic matter (SOM). The studies covered five plots (arable field [AF], fallow [FA] and three stands aged 8, 33 40 years), all located in same complex Brunic Arenosols central Poland. O horizons soils were sampled analysed using standard procedures science. It found that accompanied by dynamic changes stock quality SOM. transition from AF FA did not significantly change content or pool SOM horizon; however, it modify its fractional composition internal structure. This reflected an increase humic acids a decrease fulvic acid, as well values elemental 13 C-NMR analyses. Rapid losses horizon recorded after entering birch. under young birches characterised lower contents low-molecular humus fractions, which are more susceptible microbial degradation, than soils. In addition, contributed oxidation aliphatic structures their molecules. next stages gradually increasing stocks, maturity acids.