Soil fluxes of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane at a productive temperate deciduous forest

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Journal of Environmental Quality

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2134/jeq2000.00472425002900010034x· OSTI ID:20075832

Bowden, R D; Rullo, G; Stevens, G R; Steudler, P A

The authors measured CO{sub 2}, N{sub 2}O, and CH{sub 4} fluxes between soils and the atmosphere in ambient and N-addition plots at a productive black cherry-sugar maple forest in northwest Pennsylvania to examine the link between N-cycling and trace gas fluxes. Fluxes were estimated using in-situ chambers. Net annual N mineralization was 121.0 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}yr{sup {minus}1}, and net nitrification was 85.8 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}yr{sup {minus}1}, or 71% of net mineralization. Carbon dioxide efflux and CH{sub 4} uptake were among the highest rates reported for temperate deciduous forests. Emissions of N{sub 2}O were within the range of rates reported elsewhere, including locations with lower rates of N-cycling. A short-term study (May-Oct.) showed that N fertilization reduced both CO{sub 2} emissions and CH{sub 4} uptake. N{sub 2}O effluxes in fertilized plots were not different from control plots. The relatively high rate of soil respiration corresponded to a high rate of N-cycling; however, N{sub 2}O emissions were not necessarily result in large emissions of N{sub 2}O. Concurrent rapid rates of N-cycling and high rates of CH{sub 4} uptake did not support the hypothesis that N-cycling rates directly control CH{sub 4} uptake. Links between N-cycling and CH{sub 4} oxidation are complex; the influence of N-cycling on flux rates must consider not only the rate of cycling, but also the disposition of N-cycling products, and the factors that influence rates of N dynamics.

• Research Organization: Allegheny Coll., Meadville, PA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20075832
• Journal Information: Journal of Environmental Quality, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Quality Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 29; ISSN JEVQAA; ISSN 0047-2425
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
AIR-BIOSPHERE INTERACTIONS
CARBON CYCLE
CARBON DIOXIDE
FORESTS
METHANE
MONITORING
NITROGEN CYCLE
NITROUS OXIDE
SOILS