Effects of Fire on Nitrogen in Forest Floor Horizons
1980
Mroz, G. D. | Jurgensen, M. F. | Harvey, A. E. | Larsen, M. J.
The effects of burning no nitrogen (N) losses and transformations in red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.), eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.], and Douglas-fir (Pseulotsuga menziesii)/western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) forest floor were investigated. Organic horizon samples were burned at 400°C for 30 min in a top-heating oven to simulate field conditions. Measurements taken immediately after burning showed total and available N losses from the O₁ horizons but gains in total and available N in underlying layers. After burning, the litter was incubated for 5 weeks and analyzed for ammonium and nitrate concentrations and changes in acidity. Each forest floor type displayed varying patterns of ammonification, nitrification and immobilization of N. The N changes appeared related to the differing initial N contents of the organic material.
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