Chemical properties and edaphic nutrients content in natural stands of Quercus pyrenaica Willd. in Galicia, Spain

The soils where natural stands of “rebollo” oak (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.) occur in Galicia (NW Spain) were characterized in an inventory of 40 stands; the main properties of the soils were also determined by analyzing a total of 30 edaphic parameters. The substrates are principally siliceous, with schists and quartzites predominating; the dominant textural composition is sandy-loam with a scarce presence of clayey-loam and sandy textures, and the soils are basically Umbric Regosol-type. The values of the parameters that reflect the chemical properties of the soil, i.e., the pH, organic matter, nitrogen, and C/N ratio, are similar to those reported as optimal for Quercus spp. forests in the study area. However, the concentrations of macronutrients, except for phosphorous, were higher than in soils under Quercus robur L. with notably high concentrations of the micronutrient iron.