Characterisation of spatial variability and patterns in tree and soil delta13C at forested sites in eastern Canada

Wholistic isotopic studies provide a necessary foundation on which to build conceptual understanding of ecosystem development processes and provide the basis for further isotopic studies at a site or within an ecophysiological region. This study seeks to broadly characterise delta(13)C spatial variability and spatial patterns within soils and canopy tissues at five forest research sites in eastern Canada. We observe consistent and predictable patterns of leaf delta(13)C variation within trees and a consistent offset between woody and leafy tree tissues. Patterns are similar for both hardwoods and softwoods, but overall hardwoods had canopies that were more depleted in (13)C. Soil carbon delta(13)C enrichment occurred with depth and appeared to vary according to site soil texture. Upper soil delta(13)C was intermediate between leaves and woody tissues, whereas deeper soil values suggested important contributions from more enriched tree tissues, such as persistent woody debris and possibly roots. The relationship between aboveground and belowground signatures suggests functional or developmental differences between study sites.