title: δ15N constraints on long-term nitrogen balances in temperate forests.
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 δ(15)N 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 δ(15)N 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 N(2)-fixation, and that were consistent with cycles of post-fire N(2)-fixation by early-successional red alder. Soil water δ(15)NO(3)(-) 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 N(2)-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 N(2)-fixing vegetation.
authors: Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, US Geological Survey, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA. steven.perakis@oregonstate.edu
authors: Steven S
authors: SS
authors: Perakis
authors: Emily R
authors: ER
authors: Sinkhorn
authors: Jana E
authors: JE
authors: Compton
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