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Estimates of current and historical fluxes of N, Ca, and K in the forest ecosystem Möhlin

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Abstract

Data on element fluxes (Ca, K, N) are presented which were obtained in the course of an extended project on element-cycling in a forested ecosystem near Möhlin, northwestern Switzerland. Current fluxes of Ca, K, and N could be compared with historical fluxes (1969–1993) with the help of soil chemistry inventories since 1969, data on the forest management, and atmospheric deposition. Since 1969, soil chemistry has significantly changed due to a distinct disintegration of humus. The decomposition of organic matter influenced strongly the element cycling. Due to this mineralization high amounts of N were released. It is, however, not fully clear in which chemical form N has been transferred out of the system. Two possible hypotheses on the N losses are defined. According to the calculated proton budget and measured element changes in the soil, it is hypothized that a large part of the mineralized organic N presumably was transformed into N2 or more likely into N2O. A complete nitrification of organically bound N to NO3 − is also discussed but is, however, considered as less probable. In contrast to K, Ca proved to be a very sensitive element: the exchangeable Ca stock has been decreased sharply. The analysis of the current fluxes of Ca, K, and N reveals that nitrogen is abundantly present in the forest system with the consequence that the ecological balance is shifted in favour of N. Accordingly, the supply of base cations is rather scarce for the plants. Furthermore, the influence of forest management on element fluxes seems to be substantial, especially on the fluxes of base cations, but can be reduced with simple measures (e.g. removal of the bark of coniferous trees).

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  1. Department of Physical Geography, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland

    Markus Egli

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Egli, M. Estimates of current and historical fluxes of N, Ca, and K in the forest ecosystem Möhlin. GeoJournal 44, 73–89 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006862704020

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