Biotic regulation of particulate and solution losses from a forest ecosystems

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1969 · BioScience; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1294934· OSTI ID:5607687

Bormann, F H; Likens, G E; Eaton, J S

Particulate matter losses from the Hubbard Brook watershed-ecosystems show seasonal variations, with the bulk of the material being exported during the spring runoff period. However, a single autumnal storm of unusual intensity accounted for 54% of the total particulate matter output during a 2-year period. Total particulate matter losses amounted to 2.5 metric tons/km2/year. This value is appreciably less than values reported for other similar regions. Total output of dissolved substances was 14 metric tons/km2/yr. This is about 25% of the dissolved load predicted for such areas by Langbein and Dawdy (Leopold et al., 1964). The relatively small losses of dissolved substances and particulate matter indicate that the Hubbard Brook ecosystem is very stable. This is also supported by the biotic structure of the ecosystem. Chemicals may be exported from various compartments of the ecosystem as particulate or dissolved organic material from the organic compartment, dissolved inorganic substances from the available nutrient compartment, and inorganic particulate matter from the soil and rock mineral compartment. The route of export an element follows is a function of its geochemistry, its utilization by the biological components, and its differential accumulation within the ecosystem. Although debris avalanches are not an important consideration at Hubbard Brook, our data suggest that at higher elevations in the White Mountains avalanches are probably a more important denudational force by an order of magnitude than solution and slower mass movements. Secondary ecological successions following severe disturbance of forest ecosystems result in significant conservation of nutrients lost from the ecosystem. This effect is achieved by a complex interaction of biomass accumulation, alteration of the hydrolic cycle, reduction of erodibility of the system, and changes in concentration of dissolved substances in drainage waters.

• OSTI ID: 5607687
• Journal Information: BioScience; (United States), Journal Name: BioScience; (United States) Vol. 19:7; ISSN BISNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520100* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ECOSYSTEMS
FORESTS
LOSSES
NUTRIENTS
PARTICLES
PARTICULATES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SOLUBILITY
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS
WATERSHEDS