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Effects of Forest Fertilization on Two Southeast Alaska Streams
Author(s) -
Meehan William R.,
Lotspeich Frederick B.,
Mueller Ernst W.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1975.00472425000400010011x
Subject(s) - streams , periphyton , environmental science , benthic zone , nitrate , human fertilization , water quality , biomass (ecology) , productivity , fauna , ecology , hydrology (agriculture) , agronomy , biology , geology , computer network , geotechnical engineering , macroeconomics , computer science , economics
Four streams in southeast Alaska were studied to determine the effects of forest fertilization with urea on basic productivity and water quality. An initial, short‐term increase in ammonia‐nitrogen was observed in the treated streams, and nitrate‐nitrogen levels increased and remained high compared to control stream levels during the year following treatment. Concentrations did not approach those considered toxic to aquatic life or unsafe for human consumption. Changes in biomass of periphyton and benthic fauna as a result of fertilization were not detected.