Soil nitrogen mineralization in a clearcutting chronosequence in a northern California conifer forest

D. W. Frazier; J. G. McColl; R. F. Powers

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Soil nitrogen mineralization in a clearcutting chronosequence in a northern California conifer forest

Formally Refereed

Authors:

D. W. Frazier, J. G. McColl, R. F. Powers

Year:

1990

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

Source:

Soil Science Society of America. 54(4): 1145-1152

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Abstract

Soil ammonification, nitrification, and N mobility were studied for 1 yr in three Sierra Nevada (USA) mixed-conifer stands to examine the long-term influence of timber harvesting on soil N dynamics. Clearcutting had a persistent effect on soil N mineralization, detectable by in situ incubation but not by conventional low-tension lysimetry. Mineralization rates were greater in 5- and 17-yr-old regenerated clearcuts than in an adjacent 100-yr-old uncut forest. Annual rates of N mineralization averaged 12 kg ha⁻¹ for the uncut forest, and 49 and 31 kg ha⁻¹ for the 5- and 17-yr-old clearcuts, respectively. Mineralization continued throughout the summer, even when soil matric potentials were

Citation

Frazier, D.W.; McColl, J.G.; Powers, R.F. 1990. Soil nitrogen mineralization in a clearcutting chronosequence in a northern California conifer forest. Soil Science Society of America. 54(4): 1145-1152.