Related Experiment Videos
Experimental work related to nitrogen deposition, nitrification and soil acidification--a case study
S I Nilsson1, M Berdén, B Popovic
1Department of Ecology and Environmental Research, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Nitrogen fertilization in Norway spruce forests significantly impacts soil chemistry, increasing ionic strength and acidity. High fertilization levels promote nitrification, affecting nutrient leaching and aluminum levels.
Area of Science:
- Forestry
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Long-term study on Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) stands in south-central Sweden.
- Investigating effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization initiated in 1967.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the leaching of major ions under different nitrogen fertilization regimes.
- To assess the impact of fertilization on soil solution chemistry and nitrification processes.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring ion leaching in control and two fertilized plots (35 kg N ha(-1) and 75 kg N ha(-1)) since August 1986.
- Field and laboratory incubations conducted in 1986 to determine nitrification rates.
- Analysis of soil water composition, pH, and total aluminum.
Main Results:
- Nitrification predominantly occurred in the highest fertilization plot; nitrate was undetectable in other plots.
- Fertilization increased soil solution ionic strength, primarily due to sulfate and nitrate.
- Elevated aluminum concentrations and decreased pH were observed in fertilized plots.
Conclusions:
- Nitrogen fertilization significantly alters soil chemistry in Norway spruce stands.
- High fertilization rates stimulate nitrification and increase soil acidity and aluminum mobilization.
- Findings provide context for understanding impacts of nitrogen deposition on forest ecosystems.