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Spatial variability of throughfall fluxes in a spruce forest
C Beier1, K Hansen, P Gundersen
1Department of Forest Health and Ecosystems, Danish Forest and Landscape Research Institute, Skovbrynet 16, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Atmospheric deposition varies significantly within Norway spruce forests. Solute deposition is highest near tree trunks due to dry deposition and canopy exchange processes.
Area of Science:
- Forest Ecology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Atmospheric deposition is a key process influencing forest ecosystems.
- Understanding spatial variability of deposition is crucial for assessing forest health and nutrient cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial variability of throughfall deposition in a Norway spruce forest.
- To identify factors contributing to observed deposition patterns.
Main Methods:
- Intensive monitoring of throughfall water and solute deposition (H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3-, NH4+, SO42-) over one year.
- Analysis of deposition patterns in relation to distance from tree trunks and tree size.
Main Results:
- Significant spatial variability in throughfall deposition was observed.
- Throughfall water flux was higher away from trunks, but solute deposition was considerably higher near trunks.
- Deposition decreased linearly with distance from the nearest tree trunk and varied with tree size.
Conclusions:
- Processes like dry deposition and canopy exchange in tree tops significantly increase solute fluxes near the trunk.
- Spatial variability in deposition is driven by canopy processes altering precipitated water composition.