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Mountain Ecosystems pp 203–218Cite as

Humus Forms and Reforestation of an Abandoned Pasture at the Alpine Timberline (Upper Engadine, Central Alps, Switzerland)

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Abstract

Humus forms as well as the natural regeneration of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra L.) were mapped along an altitudinal gradient from the subalpine forest to the alpine zone in the Upper Engadine (Switzerland). The establishment and distribution patterns of larch and stone pine as well as the humus forms are controlled by microtopography which influences other site factors. In the subalpine forest, Mor humus forms are very common, while in the timberline ecotone the humus forms can be described as Mor and Moder humus forms, and in the alpine zone Moder humus forms dominate. The thickness of the organic layers decreases from the subalpine forest to the alpine zone. The density of naturally regenerated European larch and Swiss stone pine has increased since the pastures have been abandoned. The analysis of the density and growth of both tree species lead to the conclusion that conditions above 2300 m a.s.l. are unsuitable for a successful reforestation of the study site.

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Authors
  1. Bettina Hiller
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  2. Andreas Müterthies
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geo- and Agroecology, ISPA, University of Vechta, P.O. Box 1553, 49364, Vechta, Germany

    Gabriele Broll

  2. Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Muenster, Robert-Koch-Str. 26-28, 48149, Muenster, Germany

    Beate Keplin

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Hiller, B., Müterthies, A. (2005). Humus Forms and Reforestation of an Abandoned Pasture at the Alpine Timberline (Upper Engadine, Central Alps, Switzerland). In: Broll, G., Keplin, B. (eds) Mountain Ecosystems. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27365-4_8

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