Analysis of nitrogen cycling in a forest stream during autumn using a 15N-tracer addition

Jennifer L. Tank; Judy L. Meyer; Diane M. Sanzone; Patrick J. Mulholland; Jackson R. Webster; Bruce J. Peterson; Wilfred M. Wollheim; Norman E. Leonard

doi:10.4319/lo.2000.45.5.1013

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Analysis of nitrogen cycling in a forest stream during autumn using a ¹⁵N-tracer addition

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jennifer L. Tank, Judy L. Meyer, Diane M. Sanzone, Patrick J. Mulholland, Jackson R. Webster, Bruce J. Peterson, Wilfred M. Wollheim, Norman E. Leonard

Year:

2000

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.2000.45.5.1013

Source:

Limnol. Oceanogr., 45(5). 2000. 1013-1029

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Abstract

We added ^l5NH₄Cl over 6 weeks to Upper Ball Creek, a second-order deciduous forest stream in the Appalachian Mountains, to follow the uptake, spiraling, and fate of nitrogen in a stream food web during autumn. A priori predictions of N flow and retention were made using a simple food web mass balance model. Values of δ¹⁵N were determined for stream water ammonium, nitrate, dissolved organic nitrogen, and various compartments of the food web over time and distance and then compared to model predictions.

Citation

Tank, Jennifer L.; Meyer, Judy L.; Sanzone, Diane M.; Mulholland, Patrick J.; Webster, Jackson R.; Peterson, Bruce J.; Wollheim, Wilfred M.; Leonard, Norman E. 2000. Analysis of nitrogen cycling in a forest stream during autumn using a ¹⁵N-tracer addition. Limnol. Oceanogr., 45(5). 2000. 1013-1029