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Nitrate dynamics of forested watersheds: spatial and temporal patterns in North America, Europe and Japan

Journal of Forest Research volume 16, Article number: 333 (2011) Cite this article

Abstract

The relationships of nitrogen biogeochemistry are reviewed, focusing on forested watersheds in North America, Europe and Japan. Changes in both local and global nitrogen cycles that affect the structure and function of ecosystems are described. Within northeastern United States and Europe, atmospheric deposition thresholds of ~8 and ~10 kg N ha−1 year−1, respectively, result in enhanced mobilization of nitrate. High nitrate concentrations and drainage water loss rates up to 22 kg N ha−1 year−1 have also been found near Tokyo. Although atmospheric deposition may explain a substantial portion of the spatial pattern of nitrate in surface waters, other factors also play major roles in affecting the spatial patterns of nitrogen biogeochemistry. Calcium availability influences the composition of the vegetation and the biogeochemistry of nitrogen. The abundance of sugar maple is directly linked to soil organic matter characteristics and high rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification. Seasonal patterns of nitrate concentration and drainage water losses are closely coupled with differences in seasonal temperature and hydrological regimes. Snow-dominated forested catchments have highest nitrate losses during snowmelt. Watersheds in the main island of Japan (Honshu) with high summer temperatures and precipitation inputs have greatest losses of nitrate occur during the late summer. Understanding future changes in nitrate concentrations in surface waters will require an integrated approach that will evaluate concomitantly the influence of both biotic and biotic factors on nitrogen biogeochemistry.

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Acknowledgments

I gratefully appreciate the support of the US National Science Foundation, US Forest Service, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Cheryl Liptak provided valuable help in developing this manuscript.

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  1. SUNY-Environmental Science and Forestry, 1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Myron J. Mitchell

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Correspondence to Myron J. Mitchell.

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Mitchell, M.J. Nitrate dynamics of forested watersheds: spatial and temporal patterns in North America, Europe and Japan. J For Res 16, 333 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-011-0278-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10310-011-0278-1

Keywords

  • Biogeochemistry
  • Europe
  • Japan
  • Nitrogen
  • North America