Fire dynamics and implications for nitrogen cycling in boreal forests
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We used a dynamic, long-term mass balance approach to track cumulative carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses to fire in boreal Manitoba over the 6500 years since deglaciation. Estimated C losses to decomposition and fire, combined with measurements of N pools in mature and burned forest floors, suggest that loss of N by combustion has likely resulted in a long-term loss that exceeds the amount of N stored in soil today by 2 to 3 times. These estimates imply that biological N fixation rates could be as high as 5 to 10 times atmospheric deposition rates in boreal regions. At the site scale, the amount of N lost is due to N content of fuels, which varies by stand type and fire severity, which in turn vary with climate and fire dynamics. The interplay of fire frequency, fire severity, and N partitioning during regrowth are important for understanding rates and sustainability of nutrient and carbon cycling over millenia and over broad regions.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Fire dynamics and implications for nitrogen cycling in boreal forests |
| Series title | Journal of Geophysical Research D: Atmospheres |
| DOI | 10.1029/2001jd000494 |
| Volume | 108 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2003 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Description | 8 p. |
| Country | Canada |
| State | Manitoba |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |