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Nitrogen Content and Other Soil Properties Related to Age of Red Alder Stands
Author(s) -
Bormann B. T.,
DeBell D. S.
Publication year - 1981
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/sssaj1981.03615995004500020038x
Subject(s) - alder , nitrogen , organic matter , bulk density , environmental science , botany , soil water , soil science , agronomy , chemistry , horticulture , zoology , ecology , biology , organic chemistry
The magnitude and pattern of nitrogen (N) accretion and other changes in soil properties were assessed for red alder stands ( Alnus rubra Bong.) 5 to 41 years old growing on the same soil type in the same general area. Regression of soil nitrogen (N) content over stand age revealed that N has accumulated at a nearly constant rate of about 35 kg ha −1 year −1 in the mineral soil (0‐ to 20‐cm depth) beneath alder stands. After an apparently rapid build‐up in the first decade, forest floor N increased linearly from 10 to 40 years at a rate of 15 kg ha −1 year −1 . Other mineral soil characteristics beneath alder stands differed markedly from those beneath adjacent Douglas‐fir stands [ Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco]; organic matter content was 20% higher, and pH and bulk density were much lower. The rate of N accretion and improvement of other soil characteristics suggest opportunities for increasing yields of Douglas‐fir grown in mixed or rotational culture with red alder.