Spatial variability and temporal stability of throughfall deposition under beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in relationship to canopy structure.
Although the spatial variability of throughfall (TF) in forest ecosystems can have important ecological implications, little is known about the driving factors of within-stand TF variability, particularly in deciduous forests. While the spatial variability of TF water amount and H+ deposition under a dominant beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) tree was significantly higher in the leafed period than in the leafless period, the spatial TF deposition patterns of most major ions were similar in both periods. The semiannual TF depositions of all ions other than H+ were significantly positively correlated (r=0.68-0.90, p<0.05) with canopy structure above sample locations throughout the entire year. The amounts of TF water and H+ deposition during the leafed period were negatively correlated with branch cover. We conclude that the spatial heterogeneity of ion deposition under beech was significantly affected by leaves in the growing period and by branches in non-foliated conditions.
Staelens
Jeroen
J
Ghent University, Laboratory of Forestry, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium. jeroen_staelens@yahoo.com
De Schrijver
An
A
Verheyen
Kris
K
Verhoest
Niko E C
NE
D000327:Adsorption; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D001530:Belgium; D018533:Biomass; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D029964:Fagus; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D018515:Plant Leaves; D018547:Plant Stems; D012621:Seasons; D014197:Trees; D014867:Water
D000393:Air Pollutants; D014867:Water