6. Discussion
Element cycling is currently a central theme in ecosystem ecology (Ågren & Andersson 2012, Andersson
1970a). The main results of the present study are summarised in Table 8. The yearly biomass increase indicates
that at the time of measurement, the Linnebjer forest ecosystem is still in an aggradation or accumulation phase
(Bormann & Likens 1979). Tree biomass increased yearly by 6.6 t∙ha
−1
or 3.1 t∙ha
−1
carbon. The other elements
accumulated in the order: N > Ca > Mg > K > Mn > Si > P, in amounts ranging from 29 to 1.8 kg∙ha
−1
yearly.
The litterfall returned elements to the soil. 14% - 53% was decomposed and returned to the ecosystem over the
year. It can thus be assumed that the exchangeable pool of elements was slightly increasing. The atmospheric
deposition of sulfur observed was sufficient to cause acidification of the forest soil. The nitrogen input should
have had a fertilising effect, leading to increased forest growth