Forest N dynamics after 25 years of whole watershed N enrichment: The Bear Brook Watershed in Maine
Published: 2019
Publication Name: Soil Science Society of America Journal
Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2018.09.0348
Abstract:
We examine the temporal trend of input–output N fluxes and net ecosystem N retention, and estimate a mass balance for ecosystem soil and vegetation pools, after 25 yr of chemical manipulation at the Bear Brook Watershed in Maine (BBWM). The BBWM is a paired whole watershed manipulation experiment designed to study the effects of elevated N and S deposition on forest ecosystem function. Starting in 1989, 25.2 kg N ha−1 was added annually to the West Bear (treated) watershed. The N additions in West Bear stimulated N loss through stream exports, and West Bear retained 81% of the annual N inputs, compared to 94% retention in the reference, East Bear. After 25 yr of N additions, the West Bear watershed had accumulated ∼700 kg ha−1 more N than East Bear in soils and vegetation, with ∼10% of the accumulated N stored in forest biomass. The treatment increased recent biomass N accumulation rates in the hardwood stands, but not in the softwoods. Soils did not show detectable differences in total N content between watersheds, although the organic soils had greater N in West Bear. This paper presents a unique set of findings from one of the few long-term whole forest ecosystem N enrichment studies in the world. While N dynamics were clearly altered in West Bear, with evidence of accelerated N cycling, the treated watershed did not attain an advanced stage of N saturation during the study period, based on the evidence from forest growth and stream N exports.
Patel, K. F., Fernandez, I. J., Nelson, S. J., Gruselle, M. C., Norton, S. A., & Weiskittel, A. R. (2019). Forest N dynamics after 25 years of whole watershed N enrichment: The Bear Brook Watershed in Maine. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 83(S1). https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj2018.09.0348