Stream water and soil solution responses to 5 years of nitrogen and sulfur additions at the Fernow Experimental Forest,West Virginia

To examine the effects of elevated N and S inputs on a central hardwood forest, a whole-watershed acidification experiment was initiated in 1989 on the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. Annual experimental additions of 40 kg S ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 35 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ as ammonium sulfate fertilizer were applied to a 34 ha watershed with a 25-year-old stand of central Appalachian hardwoods. An adjacent watershed served as the control. After 5 years of treatment (total additions of 275 kg S ha⁻¹ and 220 kg N ha⁻¹), stream water NO₃⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ concentrations and export increased. Soil solution concentrations provide evidence that the treatment watershed is nitrogen-saturated, which was unexpected for such a young stand. No statistically significant changes in annual SO₄²⁻ export were observed, but peak stream water concentrations of SO₄²⁻ did increase during the treatment period. Changes in soil solution chemistry suggest that the treated watershed also may be approaching SO₄²⁻ saturation.     

The relation of harvesting intensity to changes in soil, soil water, and stream chemistry in a northern hardwood forest, Catskill Mountains, USA

Previous studies have shown that clearcutting of northern hardwood forests mobilizes base cations, inorganic monomeric aluminum (Al_im), and nitrate (NO₃⁻-N) from soils to surface waters, but the effects of partial harvests on NO₃⁻-N have been less frequently studied. In this study we describe the effects of a series of partial harvests of varying proportions of basal area removal (22%, 28% and 68%) on Al_im, calcium (Ca²⁺), and NO₃⁻-N concentrations in soil extracts, soil water, and surface water in the Catskill Mountains of New York, USA. Increases in NO₃⁻-N concentrations relative to pre-harvest values were observed within a few months after harvest in soils, soil water, and stream water for all three harvests. Increases in Al_im and Ca²⁺ concentrations were also evident in soil water and stream water over the same time period for all three harvests. The increases in Al_im, Ca²⁺, and NO₃⁻-N concentrations in the 68% harvest were statistically significant as measured by comparing the 18-month pre-harvest period with the 18-month post-harvest period, with fewer significant responses in the two harvests of lowest intensity. All three solutes returned to pre-harvest concentrations in soil water and stream water in the two lowest intensity harvests in 2-3 years compared to a full 3 years in the 68% harvest. When the results of this study were combined with those of a previous nearby clearcut and 40% harvest, the post-harvest increases in NO₃⁻-N concentrations in stream water and soil water suggest a harvesting level above which the relation between concentration and harvest intensity changes; there was a greater change in concentration per unit change in harvest intensity when basal area removal was greater than 40%. These results indicate that the deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems previously demonstrated for intensive harvests in northern hardwood forests of northeastern North America that receive high levels of atmospheric N deposition can be greatly diminished as harvesting intensity decreases below 40-68%. These results await confirmation through additional incremental forest harvest studies at other locations throughout the world that receive high levels of atmospheric N deposition.     

Relationship between streamflow and nutrient and sediment losses from an oak-beech forest watershed during an 18-year long monitoring study in Turkey

The objectives of this study were to quantify the amount of the stream discharge, nutrient fluxes, suspended sediment loss, and to define the relationship between streamflow and these parameters in a forest-covered watershed. The study was carried out in an experimental watershed, which has been monitored since 1979 in the Belgrad forest in Istanbul. Significant linear regressions were obtained between streamflow and discharge of selected water quality parameters. Mean monthly losses were 10.01 kg/ha for HCO₃ ⁻, 5.92 kg/ha for CI⁻, 0.07 kg/ha for total N, 1.29 kg/ha for Mg²⁺, 3.59 kg/ha for Ca²⁺, 2.59 kg/ha for Na⁺, 1.82 kg/ha for K⁺, 0.0113 kg/ha for P-PO₄ ³⁻, and 35.82 kg/ha for suspended sediments. Among the monitored water quality parameters, HCO₃ ⁻, CI⁻, and Ca²⁺ had greater losses than the rest of the chemical parameters studied in the watershed. Net gains (influx exceeded outflux) calculated for total N, Mg²⁺, K⁺, and P-PO₄ ³⁻ in the annual basis can be considered as an addition to the ecosystem’s organic nutrient pool. In contrast, net losses occurred for HCO₃ ⁻, CI⁻, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺.     

Water quality of Kaptai reservoir in Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh

A study was conducted in Kaptai reservoir, one of the largest man-made freshwater lakes of South-east Asia, to determine present status of water quality and its suitability for fishing and other uses. Water samplings were from middle part of the reservoir at 0.2 and 0.8 fractional depths at five different locations from upstream to downstream viz. Burburichara, Maichchari, Subolong, Basanthakum, and Rangamati. Water analyses show that concentrations of NO3-N, K+ and total P, and suspended solid at all the sampling stations were beyond the recommended values for fish culture. Concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, Cl-, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were within the standards for aquaculture. Concentrations of NO3-N, SO42-, K+ and total P showed no definite trend with depths, locations as well as rainy and dry seasons. Water pH, conductivity, Na+ and HCO3- contents were lower in rainy season, and DO and COD higher at almost all the locations in both the depths, compared with dry season. Total solids and concentrations of TDS, DO, COD, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ were higher in upstream and decreased gradually towards downstream in the reservoir. Concentrations of DO and Ca2+ and pH were higher and Mg2+ less at 0.2-fractional depth than those at 0.8-fractional depth at almost all the locations. The reservoir is in mesotrophic condition containing high concentration of NO3-N and total P, in alarming status with the presence of excessive suspended solids from urban pollution around the town. It is necessary to adopt measures for protecting water quality in the reservoir due to such deteriorations.     

Shifting cultivation effects on creek water quality around Barkal Upazila in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

We report the effects of shifting cultivation on water quality in 16 creeks investigated once in 2007 and twice in 2008 in 16 apparently similar small neighboring watersheds,each of 3 to 5 ha,at four locations around Barkal sub-district under Rangamati District of Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh.Concentrations of SO 4 2and K +,and pH in creek water were lower,and NO 3-N and Na + concentrations were higher in shifting-cultivation land compared to land with either plantation or natural forest or a combination of these cover types.Shifting cultivation effects on some water quality parameters were not significant due to change in land cover of the watershed between two sampling periods either through introduction of planted tree species or naturally regenerated vegetation.Conductivity and concentrations of HCO 3,PO 4 3,Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ in creek water showed no definite trend between shifting cultivation and the other land cover types.At one area near the Forest Range Office of Barkal,creek water pH was 5.8 under land cover with a combination of shifting cultivation and plantation.At this area Na + concentration in shifting-cultivation land ranged from 32.33 to 33.00 mg L-1 and in vegetated area from 25.00 to 30.50 mg L-1 in 2007.At another area,Chaliatali Chara,SO 4 2concentration in a shifting-cultivation watershed ranged from 4.46 to 10.51 mg L-1,lower than in a vegetated watershed that ranged from 11.69 to 19.98 mg L-1 in 2007.SO 4 2concentration in this shifting-cultivation area ranged from 1.28 to 1.37 mg L-1 and in the vegetated area from 1.37 to 3.50 mg L-1 in 2008.     

Change in river water chemistry as affected by the confluence of forest drainage water in dairy farming area on Hokkaido Island, Northern Japan

We evaluated i) the difference in river water chemistry between a watershed mainly consisting of pasture and a watershed mainly consisting of forest, and ii) how the chemistry of river draining the pasture is influenced by that of the river draining the forest. We selected one river (designated as the T-river) draining the pasture (3,587 ha), and two rivers draining a forest (738 and 879 ha) in eastern Hokkaido, northern Japan. During higher river flow due to precipitation and thawing, the concentrations of NO ₃ ⁻ , SO ₄ ²⁻ , K⁺, Fe, and Al increased, suggesting the relative importance of the shallow soil layer as their source. On the other hand, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Si decreased, suggesting the relative importance of the source in a deep soil layer. The concentrations of NO ₃ ⁻ , Cl⁻, SO ₄ ²⁻ , K⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Fe were higher in the T-river than in the forest drainage waters, suggesting the contribution of the excretion components from the milk cows. The Si concentration exhibited the opposite pattern. The concentrations of NO ₃ ⁻ , Cl⁻, SO ₄ ²⁻ , K⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ (p<0.001), and Fe (p<0.05) in the T-river decreased after the confluence of the forest drainage waters, while Si concentration increased (p<0.001). The reason for the change in river chemistry was the confluence of the forest drainage waters. These findings suggested the environmental role of the forest in the dilution of the polluted river. Prof. S. Ohata, and Prof. H. Takeda, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, facilitated this study. Prof. T. Sakai, Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, offered this study some convenience. Dr. M. Sakimoto, and Dr. M. Katsuyama, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, offered useful advise.     

Multiple modelling of water chemistry flows assessed in a mountain spruce catchment

The study was carried out over a period of 1999–2003 in the Dupniański Stream catchment located in Silesian Beskid Mts. Region (Southern Poland). Analysis of the chemical composition of bulk precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, surface flow, soil water (horizontal + vertical and vertical penetration) and outflow water samples was performed. The complex data matrix with more than 3,000 observations of water reaction, major anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻) and cations (NH₄ ⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺) were treated by regression modelling. The modelling approach took into account seasonal variability according to winter and growing season, as well as chronosequence of spruce stands. The retention of considerable levels of contaminants by the canopy, and their removal or washout from needles by rainfall caused changes in the concentration of anions and cations reaching the soil surface compared to the concentrations in bulk precipitation. In the youngest stand, most elements except NH₄ ⁺, SO₄ ²⁻ and K⁺ were retained in the canopy, and even H⁺ ions were neutralized. In the older stands, most elements increased in net throughfall fluxes, and the acidity increased strongly. Soil water was slightly correlated with throughfall, while outflow water showed no correlations with the above ground water flows, and seemed to depend mostly of the bedrock.     

Effects of clear-cutting on streamwater quality in forest catchments in central Sweden

Hydrochemical studies were conducted in three forested catchments in central Sweden during a 12-year period (1977–1989). During this period, 50% and 95% of the surface of two of the areas were clear - felled. The third area was left untouched as a control for reference. A qualitative analysis of clear-cut effects was conducted to investigate changes in streamwater quality by use of Principal Component and SIMCA analyses. During the 8 years of clear-cutting, with reference to the control period, the average runoff increased by 85% and 110% (220 mm and 274 mm year⁻¹), respectively, in the two areas felled to 50% and 95%. Significant changes in the status of the streamwater were detected for the two clear-felled catchments, whereas the changes detected in the control catchment were not significant, and within the limits of natural variation.In relation to the reference period, the changes in the clear-felled catchments were identified as dependent mainly on increased concentrations of K⁺, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, org-N, and tot-N. Concentrations of H⁺ decreased, while changes in concentrations of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, SO₄²⁻, and Cl⁻ were less distinct. At the end of the 8 year investigation period, run-off and chemical composition of the streamwater successively returned to pre-cut conditions.     

广州市酸雨对不同森林冠层淋溶规律的研究

１９９８年４月至１９９９年３月对广州市白云山马尾松林和常绿阔叶林、广州市龙眼洞马尾松林两试验点进行了酸雨的监测,并测定和分析了林内穿透雨物理量及化学量,旨在探讨酸雨对不同森林冠层养分淋溶规律的影响。结果表明：（１）广州市酸雨占次数的７９．７％或占降雨量的９５．１％。（２）酸雨通过林冠层后,ｐＨ值明显增加。（３）在马尾松林和常绿阔叶林中,某些单次降雨出现ＳＯ４＾２－、ＮＯ３＾－、ＮＨ４＾＋Ａｌ＾３＋、Ｎａ＾＋的负淋溶现象,说明森林对这些离子（特别是ＮＯ３＾－、Ａａ＾３＋）具有吸收作用;阔叶林全年的ＮＯ３＾－和Ａｌ＾３＋净淋溶为负值,说明阔叶林比马尾松林对这两种离子具有更强的吸收能力。（４）雨水酸度增加（即ｐＨ值减小）,明显提高阳离子Ｃａ＾２＋、Ｍｇ＾２＋、Ｋ＾＋和Ｎａ＾＋冠层淋溶面分率。（５）ＮＨ４＾＋、ＳＯ４＾     

Contribution of understory vegetation to minimizing nitrate leaching in a Japanese cedar plantation

Understory vegetation may affect nitrate (NO₃ ⁻) leaching, even in coniferous forests. Our objective was to estimate the contribution of understory vegetation to nutrient cycling, especially nitrogen, in a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) stand. We therefore cut down and removed understory vegetation in one plot of the stand (the cutting plot) to compare nutrient budgets in the cutting plot with those in a control plot in which understory vegetation was allowed to grow. We also examined neutralization of the acid produced due to an increase in NO₃ ⁻ leaching. A monitoring study on precipitation and soil-percolated water was carried out in both plots. When the understory vegetation was cut down, NO₃ ⁻ flux at a soil depth of 10 cm increased remarkably in summer, with values significantly higher than those in the control plot. This resulted in an increase in proton load associated with N transformation ([H⁺]load). The increase in [H⁺]load enhanced mobilization of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and SiO₂ ([SiO₂]mob). In addition, the correlations between [SiO₂]mob and mobilization of each base cation were distinct in the cutting plot. These results indicated that the acids produced because of N transformation were buffered not only by ion exchange but also by chemical weathering. The contribution of understory vegetation to minimizing NO₃ ⁻ leaching suggested that understory vegetation might reduce the risk of N saturation because of chronic atmospheric N inputs.     

Canopy leaching of subtropical mixed forests under acid rain

Leaching of major ions from acid precipitation in a subtropical forest was examined based on an experiment in four sample sites in Shaoshan City, Hunan Province, China, from January 2001 to June 2002. Results clearly show that when rain passed through the canopy, pH increased and the evidence of ion uptake was presented for SO₄ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻, Mg²⁺ and NH₄ ⁺ ions, especially of NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ⁻. The percentages of dissolved SO₄ ²⁻, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ show a decreasing trend with increasing rainfall. Percentages of leaching Ca²⁺, K⁺ and Cl⁻ ions show an increasing trend as a function of increased pH values. The forest canopy in Shaoshan City has a strong effect on the uptake of SO₄ ²⁻ and NO₃ ⁻ ions under acid rain conditions. The decreasing order of ions leaching in the forest canopy is as follows: K⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Cl⁻ > Mg²⁺ > SO₄ ²⁻ > NO₃ ⁻ > NH₄ ⁺ > Na⁺. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2007, 43(7): 1–4 [译自: 林业科学]     

Response of selected water chemical quality parameters to slight thinning in a mature oak–beech forest ecosystem under sub-humid climate conditions

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 18% thinning on streamflow nutrient flux from a mature oak–beech forest ecosystem by paired watershed approach. Two experimental watersheds including control (W-I) and treatment (W-IV) watersheds were used in the study. The experimental watersheds were monitored about 6 years from 2006 to 2011 for the calibration period and 4 years from 2012 to 2015 for the treatment period. The forest in the treatment watershed was thinned between October and December in 2011, and the forest in the control watershed was left untreated. Water grab samples were collected from the streams in the watersheds on weekly basis during both the calibration and treatment periods and analyzed for calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), Kjeldahl nitrogen (KN), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), iron (Fe³⁺), aluminum (Al³⁺), ammonium nitrogen (NH₄ ⁺-N), and sulfate (SO₄ ²⁻). The simple linear regression equations were developed between mean monthly nutrient fluxes of two watersheds in the calibration period with significantly high correlation coefficients, and they were used to estimate nutrient fluxes from the treatment watershed during the treatment period as if thinning had not been applied. The changes in the monthly nutrient fluxes were estimated as the differences between measured and values calculated with the linear regression equations. Results showed that removal of 18% standing timber volume did not significantly change nutrient exports except for KN and Na⁺ from the treatment watershed.

     

Effects of chronic nitrogen application on the growth and nutrient status of a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) stand

To investigate the potential effects of nitrogen (N) deposition on Japanese forests, a chronic N-addition experiment that included three treatments (HNO₃, NH₄NO₃, and control) was carried out in a 20-year-old Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) stand in eastern Japan over 7 years. The amount of N applied was 168 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ on the HNO₃ plots and 336 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ on the NH₄NO₃ plots. Tree growth, current needle N concentration, and soil solution chemistry were measured. Nitrogen application decreased the pH and increased NO₃ ⁻, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Al concentrations in the soil solution. The needle N concentration increased in both of the N plots during the first 3 years. Nevertheless, the annual increments in height and in the diameter at breast height of the Japanese cedars were not affected by N application, and no visible signs of stress were detected in the crowns. Our results suggest that young Japanese cedar trees are not deleteriously affected by an excess N load.     

Nutrient concentration dynamics in an inland Pacific Northwest watershed before and after timber harvest

The nutrient loads of water draining forested watersheds are generally lower than the loads in water draining basins with other dominant land uses. Commercial forest management activities including timber harvesting, site preparation, road construction, and maintenance can alter the chemical properties of headwater forest streams, and there are concerns this can result in cumulative effects at downstream locations. Monthly water samples were collected from 1992 to 2006 in the Mica Creek Experimental Watershed (MCEW) in northern Idaho. This period of record included a pre-treatment time interval from 1992 to 1997; post-road construction period from 1997 to 2001; and post-harvest period from 2001 to 2006. Samples were analyzed for total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrate + nitrite (NO₃ + NO₂), total phosphorus (TP), and orthophosphate (OP). Statistically significant increases (p < 0.001) were observed in NO₃ + NO₂ concentrations following both clearcut and partial cut harvest practices. Downstream of the clearcut harvest activity, mean monthly increases of 0.29 mg-N L⁻¹ were observed. Statistically significant increases were also observed at sites further downstream, but changes were smaller than those immediately below the harvest sites and reflected dilution and possibly instream processing and/or uptake. Continued monitoring at these sites will help evaluate nutrient concentration trends during stand regrowth and hydrologic recovery.     

Response of Stream Water Chemistry to Rainwater Acidification in Natural Forest Region of Qinling Mountains

This study was conducted in the Huoditang naturally-regenerated forest,which is located at the center of the natural forest region across the southern-slope of the Qinling Mountains. Rainwater and stream water samples were collected mainly in rainy seasons in the area.The sample pH values and chemical concentrations were measured. The response of stream water chemistry to rainwater acidification in the region was studied.The results showed that long time rainwater acidification could result in reduction of pH value,Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentration in the stream water.The changes of K⁺,Na⁺ concentration of stream water were not correlated with the rainwater acidification.There was no response of Zn,Pb and Cd concentration of the stream water to rainwater acidification.The acidified rainwater did not result in the release of the heavy metals enriched in the forest soil.     

六盘山华北落叶松林降水转化中的阳离子通量变化特征

在六盘山香水河小流域的华北落叶松人工林样地,测定了2011年生长季降水转化过程中的大气降水、穿透水、干流、枯落物渗透水和主根系层(30 cm土层)土壤渗透水的pH值与多种阳离子的浓度及通量变化.结果表明:林外降水的pH值平均为7.13,转化为穿透雨和干流后降为6.73和6.00,转化为枯落物渗透水和土壤渗透水后回升为6.87和7.28.在降水转为由穿透雨和干流组成的林下降水后,绝大多数阳离子的浓度都不同程度地增大,但Zn2+浓度下降;虽然林冠截持使林下降水的数量减小,但由于雨水对林冠的离子交换及淋洗,林下降水的多数阳离子通量都比林外降水明显增大,K+、Mg2+、H+、Mn2+、Cu2+、Fe3+由林外的17.23、12.51、0.06、0.09、0.13、0.19 mmol·m-2分别上升到林下的141.87、32.93、0.10、0.68、0.24、0.56 mmol·m-2,但Na+、Ca2+、Zn2+的通量分别由林外的33.73、112.91、2.05 mmol·m-2减小为林内的30.70、75.75、1.10 mmol·m-2.在枯落物层渗透水中,绝大多数阳离子的浓度都不同程度地下降,仅Mg2+浓度微弱上升;受枯落物截持部分降水及雨水中阳离子与枯落物交换的影响,枯落物渗透水中所有阳离子的通量都比林下降水明显减小,K+、Na+、Mg2+、Ca2+、H+、Mn2+、Cu2+、Zn2+、Fe3+分别降至83.06、12.30、23.96、65.73、0.04、0.12、0.09、0.13、0.32 mmol·m-2.在主根系层土壤渗透水中,一些阳离子(K+、Mn2+、Cu2、Fe3+)的浓度下降,另一些阳离子(Na+、Mg2+、Ca2+、Zn2+)的浓度则上升,尤其Ca2+浓度显著上升;Na+、M2+、Ca2+、Mn2+、Zn2+的通量比枯落物渗透水增大,其值分别为37.49、62.83、202.41、0.22、1.05 mmol·m-2,但K+、Cu2+、Fe3+的通量比枯落物渗透水减小,其值分别为27.14、0.07、0.09 mmol·m-2.相对于林外降水的阳离子输入通量,林冠层对多数阳离子(除Na+、Ca2+、Zn2+)的通量为净淋出(增加)作用,枯落物层对多数阳离子(除K+、Mg2+、Mn2+、Fe3+)的通量为净固定(减少)作用,主根系层土壤对盐基离子(Na+、K+、Mg2+、Ca2+)和Mn2+的通量为净淋失(增大)作用,但对其他阳离子(H+、Cu2+、Zn2+、Fe3+)的通量为净固定(减少)作用.     

Deposition pattern of precipitation and throughfall in a subtropical evergreen forest in south-central China

The effects of dry deposition, canopy leaching, precipitation ion concentration, and precipitation H⁺ concentration on net throughfall flux (NTF, throughfall minus bulk precipitation) were evaluated on a seasonal basis by using a multiple regression analysis approach based on an observation period of 4 years in Shaoshan subtropical mixed evergreen forest, south-central China. Regression analysis results indicated that the estimated canopy exchange flux was the dominant factor regulating the NTF and the calculated dry deposition was a minor term. The seasonal dry deposition of base cations accounted for 15%–43% of the NTF. The NTF analysis showed that K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and weak acids in throughfall were derived from foliar leaching and the canopy uptakes of H⁺, NH₄ ⁺, and NO₃ ⁻ were from precipitation. The retention rate of proton (H⁺ and NH₄ ⁺) in the canopy was close to the canopy leaching rate of base cations when corrected for weak acids because weak acid-induced canopy leaching did not exchange with protons, which suggested that the canopy leaching processes neutralized acid precipitation in Shaoshan forest.