Interception of rainfall, input and leaching of nutrients within two Castanea sativa Mill stands at the Etna volcano
Abstract
Rainfall, throughfall and stemflow were studied within two sweet chestnut (Castariea sativa Mill,) stands located on the flanks of the Etna volcano (Sicily). Interception amounted to 18 and 25% of rainfall and was directly correlated with the stem density of Castanea sativa at the sites. The same factor also induced differences with the stemflow and throughfall levels at both sites. Cumulative rainfall input amounted to 203 and 149 kg ha-1 year-1 of the analyzed elements (CI. Ca, Mg. S, P and N). In contrast to most forest stands, canopy leaching within throughfall and stemflow was very low, except for magnesium and sulphur at one site. This was probably related to the volcanic environment, as the Etna volcano is well known for high magnesium levels in the lava and for its more or less continuous emission of sulphur.
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