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Climate, Time, and Organisms in Relation to Podzol Development in Michigan Sands; II. Relationships Between Chemical Element Concentrations in Mature Tree Foliage and Upper Humic Horizons
Author(s) -
Messenger A. S.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1975.03615995003900040033x
Subject(s) - podzol , tsuga , humus , ecological succession , soil horizon , weathering , environmental science , eluvium , geology , chemistry , botany , ecology , soil water , soil science , geochemistry , biology
Comparison of the chemical composition of northern hardwood and conifer foliage within polypedons of several sandy Podzols (Spodic Udipsamments and Typic Haplorthods) in northern Michigan indicates a succession to hardwoods resulting in a significant increase in concentrations of foliar N and most other macronutrient elements accompanied by a decrease in foliar Al concentrations. These successional changes appear independent of the degree of soil acidity developed under conifers. Upper humic horizons under forest stands dominated by white pine ( Pinus strobus L.) and/or hemlock [ Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.] contain high levels of extractable aluminum and large capacities for production of crenic acid. The foliar composition of these species suggests a mechanism for considerable flux of aluminum in soil profiles and depletion of basic cations in eluvial horizons. Foliar compositions of northern hardwoods favor humus types and microflora that produce much reduced or negligible quantities of crenic acid.