Recovery of Soils From Acidic Deposition May Exacerbate Nitrogen Export From Forested Watersheds
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Forest nitrogen (N) cycling is adapting to reduced nitrogen deposition. Soil conditions, particularly calcium levels, influence nitrogen export and stream nitrate concentrations, indicating varied ecosystem recovery rates.
Area Of Science
- Forest Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background
- Forest nitrogen (N) cycling is influenced by atmospheric deposition and soil recovery from acidic deposition.
- Understanding N cycling is crucial for assessing forest health and water quality.
- Ambient decreases in N deposition present a complex scenario for forest ecosystem recovery.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the effects of decreased nitrogen deposition on forest nitrogen cycling.
- To analyze soil recovery from acidic deposition and its impact on N dynamics.
- To determine the relationship between soil calcium and stream nitrate concentrations.
Main Methods
- Repeated soil sampling from 2000-2015 in North and South Buck Creek watersheds.
- Analysis of deposition, vegetation, and stream data.
- Comparison of nitrate concentrations in Adirondack streams between 2004-2005 and 2014-2015.
- Investigation of the link between soil calcium and stream nitrate using data from 387 Adirondack streams.
Main Results
- No trends in N export or nitrate concentrations were observed in Buck watersheds despite a 45% decrease in N deposition.
- South Buck watershed showed higher N export and a net loss of N in the upper soil profile.
- North Buck watershed showed accumulation of N in the upper soil, with decomposition potentially suppressed by organic acidity.
- Stream nitrate concentrations were negatively correlated with watershed buffering capacity (Ca2+/SO42- ratio), suggesting elevated nitrate where soil calcium is depleted.
Conclusions
- Forest N cycling shows varied responses to reduced N deposition, influenced by soil recovery and inherent soil properties.
- Soil calcium depletion is linked to elevated stream nitrate concentrations, highlighting the importance of base cation availability.
- Ecosystem recovery from acidic deposition is complex, with differing N retention and loss pathways observed between watersheds.
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