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δ15N constraints on long-term nitrogen balances in temperate forests

  • Ecosystem ecology - Original Paper
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Abstract

Biogeochemical theory emphasizes nitrogen (N) limitation and the many factors that can restrict N accumulation in temperate forests, yet lacks a working model of conditions that can promote naturally high N accumulation. We used a dynamic simulation model of ecosystem N and δ15N to evaluate which combination of N input and loss pathways could produce a range of high ecosystem N contents characteristic of forests in the Oregon Coast Range. Total ecosystem N at nine study sites ranged from 8,788 to 22,667 kg ha−1 and carbon (C) ranged from 188 to 460 Mg ha−1, with highest values near the coast. Ecosystem δ15N displayed a curvilinear relationship with ecosystem N content, and largely reflected mineral soil, which accounted for 96–98% of total ecosystem N. Model simulations of ecosystem N balances parameterized with field rates of N leaching required long-term average N inputs that exceed atmospheric deposition and asymbiotic and epiphytic N2-fixation, and that were consistent with cycles of post-fire N2-fixation by early-successional red alder. Soil water δ15NO3 − patterns suggested a shift in relative N losses from denitrification to nitrate leaching as N accumulated, and simulations identified nitrate leaching as the primary N loss pathway that constrains maximum N accumulation. Whereas current theory emphasizes constraints on biological N2-fixation and disturbance-mediated N losses as factors that limit N accumulation in temperate forests, our results suggest that wildfire can foster substantial long-term N accumulation in ecosystems that are colonized by symbiotic N2-fixing vegetation.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Melissa McCartney, Justin Brandt, and Chris Catricala for field and laboratory assistance, Bill Rugh for isotopic analyses, and Ben Houlton and Joe Craine for comments on the manuscript. This research was funded by the National Science Foundation Ecosystems Program via NSF DEB-0346837. Any use of trade names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the US Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Steven S. Perakis

  2. Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA

    Emily R. Sinkhorn

  3. Western Ecology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA

    Jana E. Compton

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  1. Steven S. Perakis
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  2. Emily R. Sinkhorn
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Correspondence to Steven S. Perakis.

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Communicated by Jason Kaye.

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Perakis, S.S., Sinkhorn, E.R. & Compton, J.E. δ15N constraints on long-term nitrogen balances in temperate forests. Oecologia 167, 793–807 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-011-2016-y

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