Nitrogen deposition to and cycling in a deciduous forest

ScientificWorldJournal. 2001 Dec 5:1 Suppl 2:245-54. doi: 10.1100/tsw.2001.372.

Abstract

The project described here seeks to answer questions regarding the role increased nitrogen (N) deposition is playing in enhanced carbon (C) sequestration in temperate mid-latitude forests, using detailed measurements from an AmeriFlux tower in southern Indiana (Morgan-Monroe State Forest, or MMSF). The measurements indicate an average atmosphere-surface N flux of approximately 6 mg-N m(-2) day(-1) during the 2000 growing season, with approximately 40% coming from dry deposition of ammonia (NH3), nitric acid (HNO3), and particle-bound N. Wet deposition and throughfall measurements indicate significant canopy uptake of N (particularly NH4+) at the site, leading to a net canopy exchange (NCE) of -6 kg-N ha(-1) for the growing season. These data are used in combination with data on the aboveground C:N ratio, litterfall flux, and soil net N mineralization rates to indicate the level of potential perturbation of C sequestration at this site.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / metabolism
  • Atmosphere / chemistry
  • Carbon / metabolism
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Indiana
  • Nitric Acid / metabolism
  • Nitrogen / metabolism*
  • Picea / metabolism
  • Soil / analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Trees / metabolism*

Substances

  • Soil
  • Nitric Acid
  • Carbon
  • Ammonia
  • Nitrogen