Variations in soil nutrient availabilities and foliar nutrient concentrations of trees between temperate monsoon karst and non‐karst forest ecosystems on Mount Ibuki in Japan

Abstract Plants growing on karst soils, which are characterized by high pH (>7.5–8.0) and low phosphorus availability, often exhibit deficiency. However, little is known about the soil nutrient availabilities foliar concentrations of trees in ecosystems with lower (<7.0). In this study, we analyzed properties leaf litter from two secondary forests Asian monsoon temperate region Japan, one (limestone) other non‐karst (sandstone) soil. We also compared live four dominant tree species ( Carpinus tschonoskii , Cornus macrophylla Neolitsea sericea Quercus variabilis ) found both sites. The had a higher (6.5) than (5.6), as well calcium but potassium availability. measured using Truog ([NH 4 ] 2 SO Olsen (NaHCO 3 extraction methods were ammonium nitrate did not differ significantly between calcium, potassium, leaves reflected their availability soil, nitrogen concentration was forest. Overall, relatively rich poor potassium. Karst may provide large quantity for at pH. Future research should investigate change soils different degrees weathering.