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Nitrogen deposition does not enhance Sphagnum decomposition.

S Manninen1, S Kivimäki2, I D Leith2

  • 1Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 2a), 00014 Helsinki, Finland.

The Science of the Total Environment
|August 4, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Nitrogen (N) additions to peatlands impact bryophytes and decomposition. This study found that nitrogen form (nitrate vs. ammonium) and environmental factors, not just N addition, influence Sphagnum decomposition and carbon (C) and N cycling.

Keywords:
AmmoniumDecompositionHummock pore waterNitratePeatlandsSphagnum

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Environmental Science

Background:

  • Long-term nitrogen (N) additions to peatlands alter bryophyte growth, species dominance, and decomposition rates.
  • Previous studies primarily used ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), overlooking the distinct impacts of nitrate (NO3(-)) or ammonium (NH4(+)) dominance in wet deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of elevated wet deposition of nitrate (NO3(-)) versus ammonium (NH4(+)), alone or with phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), on Sphagnum decomposition and hummock pore water chemistry.
  • To understand the influence of different nitrogen forms on Sphagnum quality and mass loss in an ombrotrophic bog.

Main Methods:

  • Field experiment applying different forms and rates of nitrogen (8 or 56 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) over background levels (8 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1)) for 5-11 years.
  • Analysis of Sphagnum quality for decomposers, mass loss, and hummock pore water chemistry.
  • Assessment of carbon (C) and N cycling dynamics in the N-treated bog.

Main Results:

  • Nitrogen (N) addition, particularly as ammonium (NH4(+)), increased N concentration in Sphagnum but did not enhance mass loss.
  • Sphagnum mass loss was primarily influenced by moss species and climatic factors.
  • High N applications altered hummock pore water chemistry, and C and N cycling appeared decoupled.

Conclusions:

  • Moss species, climate variability, and direct negative N effects (e.g., NH4(+) toxicity) are key drivers of Sphagnum decomposition.
  • Indirect effects, such as pH changes and altered plant species dominance under elevated NO3(-), also influence C and N dynamics.
  • The form of nitrogen deposition significantly impacts peatland ecosystem processes, decoupling C and N cycling.