The Role of Plant and Soil Processes in Determining the Fate of Atmospheric Nitrogen

Williams, B. L.; Anderson, Helen

doi:10.1007/978-94-017-3356-4_3

Cited by 11 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 83 publications

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“…In upland ecosystems, inorganic inputs from wet and dry nitrogen deposition are likely to be significant in relation to the quantities of nitrogen cycling through the plant‐microbial‐soil system. As a result, atmospheric nitrogen deposition can alter the balance between soil microbial activity, the availability of nutrients such as phosphorus, soil acidity and carbon turnover (Williams & Anderson 1999). The underlying soil type will influence the way the nitrogen is cycled within the ecosystem, rates of nitrification and denitrification and any changes in litter decomposition and microbial activity (Yesmin et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Manipulation of nutrients and grazing levels on heather moorland: changes in Calluna dominance and consequences for community composition

Hartley¹,

Mitchell²

2005

Journal of Ecology

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Summary1 Experimental studies of the combined effects of herbivory and the availability of nutrients on semi-natural communities remain relatively scarce. Here we report the effects of 6 years of nutrient addition (N, P and K) and protection from grazing on moorland plant communities in the Scottish uplands, particularly on the cover of the dominant Calluna vulgaris . We also recorded the cover of vascular plants and bryophytes, to assess the impact of changes in Calluna dominance on competing species. 2 Grazing in combination with nitrogen addition caused the greatest decline in Calluna cover, typically 40-50%, but nitrogen addition did not cause a significant decline in Calluna on plots protected from grazing. More Calluna shoots were browsed on nitrogentreated plots than on unfertilized ones, presumably because grazing animals preferred fertilized Calluna. 3 Nitrogen addition allowed grasses to increase in cover, especially on grazed plots. However, Nardus stricta , Festuca ovina and Agrostis sp. all declined in fenced areas but increased in grazed plots, whereas Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca rubra increased in fenced plots. 4 The effects of grazing and nutrient addition varied markedly between sites, possibly because of differences in soil moisture and organic matter. Nitrogen addition, however, increased soil nitrogen mineralization rates in both glens. 5 Fencing increased the cover of grazing-intolerant plants with low nutrient demands (as classified by Ellenberg and suited species scores) that were categorized as competitive plants by Grime's CSR model. Plots receiving nitrogen and phosphorus had more nutrientdemanding plants able to tolerate high grazing pressure that were often classified as ruderals. 6 The impact of nitrogen addition on the cover of Calluna and on competing grass species in the community critically depends on the level of grazing. Changes in community composition caused by grazing and fertilizer addition can be explained in terms of the ecological tolerances of individual species, allowing us to predict the types of plants that are likely to increase or decrease in cover.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The underlying soil type will influence the way the nitrogen is cycled within the ecosystem, rates of nitrification and denitrification and any changes in litter decomposition and microbial activity (Yesmin et al . 1996; Williams & Anderson 1999), all of which drive changes in the availability of nutrients.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Manipulation of nutrients and grazing levels on heather moorland: changes in Calluna dominance and consequences for community composition

Hartley¹,

Mitchell²

2005

Journal of Ecology

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“…The enhanced NH 4 + -N production from litter increased its solubility however, and hence its mobility, so there were higher water-soluble NH 4 + -N concentrations at 0-5 cm except at week 31. Williams and Anderson (1999) also showed that NH 4 + -N was primarily produced in the litter horizons and potentially moved down to lower mineral soil layers. The watersoluble NH 4 + -N concentrations from the mixed litter treatment were higher at 5-25 cm during weeks 5, 11 and 31 which suggests combined effect of NH 4 + -N leaching from overlying horizons and insitu organic matter mineralization.…”

Section: Storage and Mobility Of Litter-derived Nhmentioning

confidence: 95%

Litter effects on ammonium dynamics in an acid soil under grassland

2010

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“…The NH 4 + produced was potentially mobile and raised NH 4 + concentrations in sub‐soils beneath the litter ameliorated layers at 15–20 and 20–25 cm depths, though the differences were not always significant. Williams & Anderson (1999) considered that NH 4 + production was concentrated in litter layers and then NH 4 + potentially migrated down to lower soil mineral layers. The net changes in drainage water NH 4 + concentration strongly suggest NH 4 + was retained within the system; however, an NH 4 + flush as a consequence of a freeze–thaw cycle was clearly observable during weeks 10 and 11 (Edwards & Cresser, 1992).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How important is plant litter to the regulation of mineral‐N leaching to streams in winter? An observations‐led experimental approach

Riaz

Mian

Cresser

2010

Soil Use and Management

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Ammonium-N concentrations were frequently observed to exceed nitrate-N concentrations in an intermittently flowing stream draining acid grassland in North Yorkshire. This prompted the design of a soil microcosm experiment to investigate the role of litter in the leaching of ammonium and nitrate from soil profiles during winter. Drainage water was analysed weekly for N species, pH, mineral acid anions and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for a period of 11 weeks, while extractable mineral-N was determined after 5 and 11 weeks. The results demonstrate that litter plays an important role in reducing mineral-N leaching in winter months. They also suggest that DOC from the litter participates in mineral-N retention in the soil profiles in winter. Ammonium-N and nitrate-N concentrations measured in the microcosm drainage water are similar to those of the stream.

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The Role of Plant and Soil Processes in Determining the Fate of Atmospheric Nitrogen

Cited by 11 publications

References 83 publications

Manipulation of nutrients and grazing levels on heather moorland: changes in Calluna dominance and consequences for community composition

Manipulation of nutrients and grazing levels on heather moorland: changes in Calluna dominance and consequences for community composition

Litter effects on ammonium dynamics in an acid soil under grassland

How important is plant litter to the regulation of mineral‐N leaching to streams in winter? An observations‐led experimental approach

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