Abstract

Seral changes in environmental factors and recovery of soil fertility during abandoned field succession after shifting cultivation were investigated in eastern Kangwon-Do, Korea. Relative light intensity of herb and shrub layer decreased gradually until 50 years and increased slightly thereafter. Amount of litter and nutrients derived from it were depicted as a parabola form showing the gradual increment during the first 50 years and slight decrease thereafter. Organic matter, pH value, total-N and Mg of soil were plotted as an early depletion-mid pinnacle form showing the extrems depletion during the first 10 years, abrupt increase in about 20 or 50 years and gradual decrease thereafter. Ca, Al, Mn and Na of soil were depicted as a pinnacle form showing the peak in about 20 or 50 years. Thickness and field capacity of soil increased gradually, but K and total-P did not show any tendency as succession proceeded. The soil fertility, overall capacity of soil nutrients and water for plant growth, was plotted as the early depletion-mid pinnacle form.

Keywords

• Abandoned field;
• Fertility;
• Light intensity;
• Litter;
• Recovery;
• Soil;
• Succession