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Monday, 6 October 2008: 1:45 PM
George R. Brown Convention Center, 362C
Each tree
species has a unique chemical composition, and also the various tree
tissues differ from one another in their chemistry. These different
compositions can be traced back after decay of the trees when they
are transformed into soil organic matter (SOM). Thus biomarkers in
soils which can be attributed to a specific tree species and their
stage of alteration can provide insight into stand history, SOM
source and turnover. We used copper (II) oxide (CuO)
oxidation and
subsequent analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/ MS)
of leaves/needles and root material of four silvicultural relevant
tree species (Norway spruce, Douglas fir, beech, and oak) and forest
floor material to release lignin phenols and cutin-
and suberin-derived
aliphatic monomers. The object of the study was to examine the
applicability of these compounds in soil as biomarkers for these
different tree species.
It
appeared that the forest floor contained all lignin phenols and
cutin-
and suberin-derived
aliphatic monomers and those can be attributed doubtless to the
respective tree species.