Abstract
We studied Nitrogen (N) transformations in Pinus sylvestris forest stands in the foothills of the SE Pre-Pyrenees (NE Spain). Plots were selected in two contrasting aspects (two plots per aspect) and N supply rate was measured by the resin-core incubation technique once every three months. N leaching through litter layers (L and F horizons) was evaluated by 5 zero-tension lysimeters in each plot. NH4 +-N, NO3 --N and soluble organic-N were determined in all solutions. N supply rate showed a clear seasonal pattern. Ammonification and nitrification were segregated in space and in time. While ammonification showed a peak in spring, nitrification was higher in summer. There was evidence suggesting that nitrification occurs mostly in A1 horizon. Nitrification rates differed significantly among plots. N supply rate was 12.7–23.5 kg N·ha-1·yr-1 but it did not differ between aspects or plots. Inorganic-N leached through litter layers was 14–17 kg N·ha-1·yr-1, and represented a high proportion of N supply rate. Organic-N leached through litter layers (27.8–37.0 kg N·ha-1·yr-1) was higher than leached inorganic-N. However, in most cases organic-N did not represent a high proportion of changes in soluble organic-N pools in H and A1 horizons (about 240 kg N·ha-1·yr-1). This large decrease in soluble organic-N was much greater than the increase in inorganic-N. The possible fate of these large amounts of organic-N is discussed.
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Casals, P., Romanyà, J., Cortina, J. et al. Nitrogen supply rate in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests of contrasting slope aspect. Plant Soil 168, 67–73 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029314
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00029314