Streamwater chemistry and flow dynamics along vegetation-soil gradient in a subalpine Abies fabri forest watershed, China.
Streamwater chemistry and spatial flow dynamics from a subalpine Abies fabri forest in an experimental watershed located in the east slope of Gongga Mountain were analyzed to gain insights into the gradient effect of primary community succession on the stream biogeochemical process. Results showed that high sand content (exceeding 80%) and porosity in the soil(exceeding 20% in A horizon and 35% in B horizon), as well as a thick humus layer on the soil surface, made the water exchange quickly in the Huangbengliu (HBL) watershed. Consequently, no surface runoff was observed, and the stream discharge changed rapidly with the daily precipitation. The flow trends of base ions in the stream water were influenced by the Abies fabri succession gradient. Ca2+ , HCO- and SO4(2-) were the dominant anions in the streamwater in this region. A significant difference of Ca2+, HCO3(-) and SO4(2-) concentration exported between the succession stages in the watershed can be found. But they had the similar temporal change in the stream flow. Ca2+, HCO3(-) and SO4(2-) showed significantly negative correlations with the daily precipitation and the stream discharge. Concentrations of Cl-, Na+, K+, and Mg2+ were low in all streamwaters monitored and we observed no differences along the Abies fabri succession gradient. Low ratios of Na: (Na + Ca) (range from 0.1 to 0.2) implied cations were from bedrock weathering (internal source process in the soil system) in this region. But, a variance analysis showed there were almost no differences between rainwater and streamwaters for Mg2+ , Na+, K+, and Cl- concentrations. This indicated that they might be come from rainfall inputs(external source). The highly mobile capacity, rapid water exchange between precipitation and discharge, and long-term export lead to this observed pattern were suggested.
Shan
Bao-Qing
BQ
SKLEAC, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China. bqshan@mail.rcees.ac.cn
Wang
Wei-Dong
WD
Yin
Cheng-Qing
CQ
D028202:Abies; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002681:China; D017753:Ecosystem; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D011891:Rain / Q000737:chemistry; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*; D014197:Trees / Q000502:physiology*
D012987:Soil; D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium