Effect of the chemical composition of industrial dusts on forest floor organic matter accumulation

The influence of dusts from aluminium (AP), zinc and lead (ZP1, ZP2), sintering (SP) and power (PP) plants on organic matter accumulation on the forest floor of a mixed oak-pine forest was studied in Niepolomice Forest near Krakow, Poland. An artificial application of the dusts on experimental plots was used corresponding to 100, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 t km^{-2}. Increased organic matter accumulation was observed 5 yr following the addition of AP, ZP1 and ZP2 dusts, while SP and PP dusts at levels > 100 t km^{-2} caused a slight decrease in litter accumulation. Statistical analysis indicated that Cd, Mn, Pb and Zn present in industrial dusts were responsible for the increase in litter accumulation, while some nutrients (e.g. K, Mg, Na) contained in the dusts might decrease organic matter storage to some extent.