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Nitrogen saturation in temperate forest ecosystems: current theory, remaining questions and recent advances

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Progress in Plant Nutrition: Plenary Lectures of the XIV International Plant Nutrition Colloquium

Part of the book series: Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences ((DPSS,volume 98))

Abstract

Nitrogen saturation is a continuum, not a state or threshold. The trajectories of change for several different processes along this continuum from N-limited to non-N-limited have been well-defined and can be summarized in a coherent theory. Forests in many parts of the world and under different climatic regimes follow much the same pathway. Key changes along this continuum include the inducement of nitrification and nitrate leaching and the initiation of declines in forests growth. Previous land use history appears to be an important factor determining the initial degree of N limitation in forests, while vegetation type (evergreen versus deciduous) determines the rate at which N saturation proceeds. Because of the predictable nature of the syndrome of N saturation, either single stand characteristics (e.g. foliar N concentration) or indices which integrate several characteristics appear to be useful in mapping current conditions. Detection of temporal trends in N saturation through these indicators can be made difficult by the effects of interannual variability in climate or pulse disturbance events. Remaining mysteries associated with N saturation focus on the mechanisms by which very large amounts of nitrogen continue to be immobilized into soils even after large cumulative doses have been received. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that chemical or abiotic incorporation of mineral N into dissolved organic carbon or solid phase soil organic matter is an important and very poorly understood pathway in the N cycle of forests. The possible role of mycorrhizae in the assimilation and stabilization of large amounts of added N remains unclear.

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  1. Complex Systems Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA

    John D. Aber

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  1. Hannover, Germany

    Walter J. Horst

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Aber, J.D. (2002). Nitrogen saturation in temperate forest ecosystems: current theory, remaining questions and recent advances. In: Horst, W.J., et al. Progress in Plant Nutrition: Plenary Lectures of the XIV International Plant Nutrition Colloquium. Developments in Plant and Soil Sciences, vol 98. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2789-1_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-2789-1_13

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