Temporal and spatial variation of nitrogen transformations in nitrogen-saturated soils of a central Appalachian hardwood forest

Author

Publication Toolbox

• Download PDF (500.0 KB)
• This publication is available only online.

• Gilliam, Frank S.
• Yurish, Bradley M.
• Adams, Mary Beth

Year Published

2001

Source

Canadian Journal of Forest Research

Abstract

We studied temporal and spatial patterns of soil nitrogen (N) dynamics from 1993 to 1995 in three watersheds of Fernow Experimental Forest, W.V.: WS7 (24-year-old, untreated); WS4 (mature, untreated); and WS3 (24- year-old, treated with (NH₄)₂SO₄ since 1989 at the rate of 35 kg N·ha^–1·year^–1). Net nitrification was 141, 114, and 115 kg N·ha^–1·year^–1, for WS3, WS4, and WS7, respectively, essentially 100% of net N mineralization for all watersheds. Temporal (seasonal) patterns of nitrification were significantly related to soil moisture and ambient temperature in untreated watersheds only. Spatial patterns of soil water NO₃^– of WS4 suggest that microenvironmental variability limits rates of N processing in some areas of this N-saturated watershed, in part by ericaceous species in the herbaceous layer. Spatial patterns of soil water NO₃^– in treated WS3 suggest that later stages of N saturation may result in higher concentrations with less spatial variability. Spatial variability in soil N variables was lower in treated WS3 versus untreated watersheds. Nitrogen additions have altered the response of N-processing microbes to environmental factors, becoming less sensitive to seasonal changes in soil moisture and temperature. Biotic processes responsible for regulating N dynamics may be compromised in N-saturated forest ecosystems.

Keywords

• Fernow Experimental Forest

Citation

Gilliam, Frank S.; Yurish, Bradley M.; Adams, Mary Beth 2001. Temporal and spatial variation of nitrogen transformations in nitrogen-saturated soils of a central Appalachian hardwood forest. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 31(10): 1768-1785.

Last updated on: December 22, 2016

For further details log on website :
https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/53329