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Forest biogeochemistry and primary production altered by nitrogen saturation

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Abstract

Results from four intensive site-level manipulations and one extensive field survey in northern temperate and boreal forests show a consistent set of responses to chronic N additions. These include 1) initial and often large increase in net N mineralization followed by decreases, 2) increases in net nitrification. 3) increases in N concentration in foliage, and 4) decreased Mg∶N and Ca∶Al ratios, and declining tree growth and vigor in all evergreen stands. These results are synthesized into a set of proposed summary relationships that define the temporal pattern of responses of N-limited systems to N additions.

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Aber, J.D., Magill, A., Mcnulty, S.G. et al. Forest biogeochemistry and primary production altered by nitrogen saturation. Water Air Soil Pollut 85, 1665–1670 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00477219

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