Open AccessThe effect of nutrient and water additions on elemental mobility through small tundra watersheds
Author(s) -
Marion G. M.,
Everett K. R.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1989.tb00852.x
Subject(s) - tundra , lysimeter , nutrient , environmental science , fertilizer , irrigation , ecosystem , ecology , environmental chemistry , hydrology (agriculture) , chemistry , soil water , biology , soil science , geology , geotechnical engineering
The objective was to quantify elemental movement through small tundra watersheds as affected by nutrient and water additions. Nutrient (slow‐release NPK fertilizer) and water additions were applied to small tundra watersheds along Imnavait Creek Northern Alaska. Suction lysimeters and weired watersheds were used to monitor elemental mobility. Elemental concentrations in undisturbed watersheds were similar to Hubbard Brook watersheds except for NO 3 ‐N which was much higher and PO 4 ‐P which was lower in the Hubbard Brook watersheds. The water addition treatment led to a significant increase in Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn and SO 4 concentrations which was attributed to contamination originating from within the water distribution system. Increased elemental concentrations in the irrigated watersheds were found up to 85 m below the point of application. Ammonium and NO 3 originating from the fertilizer were detected 6 m below the application point within two weeks of application. The NH 4 and NO 3 concentrations remained above background levels for two field seasons following fertilization. Both the irrigation and fertilization studies show that disturbances in tundra ecosystems may spread far beyond the initially impacted area both with respect to time and space.