Accumulation of Nitrogen in Alder (Alnus) Ecosystems near Fairbanks, Alaska
Van Cleve K, Viereck LA, Schlentner RL. 1971. Accumulation of Nitrogen in Alder (Alnus) Ecosystems near Fairbanks, Alaska. Arctic and Alpine Research. 3(2):101-114
This study reports the distribution and rates of accumulation of biomass and nitrogen in 5-, 15-, and 20-year-old alder ecosystems developing on the Tanana River flood plain in central Alaska. Distribution of biomass and nitrogen is shown for foliage, branches, boles, roots, litter, and soil by percentage and on a kilogram per hectare basis. Average annual increment for the 20-year period is 4,734.5 kg ha-1 year-1 of biomass and 156.4 kg ha-1 year-1 of nitrogen. Rates based on shorter intervals were higher; the maximum was 6,162.7 kg ha-1 year-1 for biomass and 361.6 kg ha-1 year-2 for nitrogen during the zero to 5-year period in ecosystem development. The figures for nitrogen are minimal with regard to input because loss of nitrogen by leaching and denitrification, though possibly small, was not accounted for.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Van Cleve, Keith; Viereck, Leslie; Schlentner, Robert
- Units
- CAKN , DENA , YUCH , WRST
- Keywords
- Chemistry, Composition, Forest, Interior, Nitrogen Fixation, Soil, Subarctic, Succession, Taiga, Vegetation