Tree species and wood ash affect soil in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Tree species and wood ash application in plantations of short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) may have important effects on the soil productive capacity through their influence on soil organic matter (SOM) and exchangeable cations. An experiment was conducted to assess changes in soil C and N contents and pH within the 0–50 cm depth, and exchangeable cation (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+) and extractable acidity concentrations within the 0–10 cm depth. The effects of different species (European larch [Larix decidua P. Mill.], aspen [Populus tremula L. × Populus tremuloides Michx.], and four poplar [Populus spp.] clones) and wood ash applications (0, 9, and 18 Mg ha−1) on soil properties were evaluated, using a common garden experiment (N = 70 stands) over 7 years of management in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Soils were of the Onaway series (fine-loamy, mixed, active, frigid Inceptic Hapludalfs). The NM-6 poplar clone had the greatest soil C and N contents in almost all ash treatment levels. Soil C contents were 7.5, 19.4, and 10.7 Mg C ha−1 greater under the NM-6 poplar than under larch in the ash-free, medium-, and high-level plots, respectively. Within the surface layer, ash application increased soil C and N contents (P < 0.05) through the addition of about 0.7 Mg C ha−1 and 3 kg N ha−1 with the 9 Mg ha−1 ash application (twofold greater C and N amounts were added with the 18 Mg ha−1 application). During a decadal time scale, tree species had no effects—except for K+—on the concentrations of the exchangeable cations, pH, and extractable acidity. In contrast, ash application increased soil pH and the concentration of Ca2+ (P < 0.05), from 5.2 ± 0.4 cmolc kg−1 (ash-free plots) to 8.6 ± 0.4 cmolc kg−1 (high-level ash plots), and tended to increase the concentration of Mg2+ (P < 0.1), while extractable acidity was reduced (P < 0.05) from 5.6 ± 0.2 cmolc kg−1 (ash-free plots) to 3.7 ± 0.2 cmolc kg−1 (high-level plots). Wood ash application, within certain limits, not only had a beneficial effect on soil properties important to the long-term productivity of fast-growing plantations but also enhanced long-term soil C sequestration.