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Evolution of nitrogen cycling in regrowing Amazonian rainforest
Viviane Figueiredo1,2,3, Alex Enrich-Prast4,5,6,7, Tobias Rütting8
1Department of Botany, University Federal of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-971 Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Scientific Reports
|June 14, 2019
Summary
Tropical forest recovery involves changes in nitrogen cycling. Regrowing forests show a more conservative nitrogen cycle, with lower nitrification rates, promoting ecosystem stability.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Soil Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Tropical forests face significant deforestation and regrowth, impacting soil nutrient cycling.
- Nitrogen (N) dynamics are crucial for forest recovery, with N availability influencing ecosystem restoration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in nitrogen cycling during tropical forest regrowth.
- To understand the role of nitrification in the recovery of Amazonian forests.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a chronosequence of Amazonian forests (10 to 40 years of regrowth).
- Measurement of gross nitrification and nitrogen mineralization rates.
- Assessment of nitrate-to-ammonium (NO3-: NH4+) ratios.
Main Results:
- Gross nitrification and NO3-: NH4+ ratios were lower in regrowing forests compared to pristine forests.
- Decoupling of mineralization and nitrification observed in young regrowing forests (10 years).
- Young forests exhibited high gross mineralization with low gross nitrification, indicating a closed N cycle.
Conclusions:
- Regrowing tropical forests develop a more conservative nitrogen cycle, reducing nutrient loss.
- Gross nitrification is a key indicator for understanding tropical forest recovery mechanisms and timelines.
- A closed nitrogen cycle supports nutrient supply for forest regrowth.
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