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Effects of Fire on Nitrogen in Forest Floor Horizons
Author(s) -
Mroz G. D.,
Jurgensen M. F.,
Harvey A. E.,
Larsen M. J.
Publication year - 1980
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/sssaj1980.03615995004400020038x
Subject(s) - tsuga , forest floor , larch , litter , nitrogen , environmental science , ammonium , chemistry , podzol , nitrification , understory , botany , agronomy , environmental chemistry , soil science , canopy , soil water , biology , organic chemistry
The effects of burning no nitrogen (N) losses and transformations in red pine ( Pinus resinosa Ait.), eastern hemlock [ Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.], and Douglas‐fir ( Pseulotsuga menziesii )/western larch ( Larix occidentalis Nutt.) forest floor were investigated. Organic horizon samples were burned at 400°C for 30 min in a top‐heating oven to simulate field conditions. Measurements taken immediately after burning showed total and available N losses from the O 1 horizons but gains in total and available N in underlying layers. After burning, the litter was incubated for 5 weeks and analyzed for ammonium and nitrate concentrations and changes in acidity. Each forest floor type displayed varying patterns of ammonification, nitrification and immobilization of N. The N changes appeared related to the differing initial N contents of the organic material.