Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in Acid Forest Soils at Gådsjön (Sweden): Natural Variabilities and Effects of Increased Input of Nitrogen and of Reversal of Acidification

Abstract

Effects of (1) the addition of 35 kg N ha-1yr-1(as NH4NO3) and (2) interception of throughfall and litterfall by means of a roof on concentrations, chemical characteristics and dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in acid forest soils (podzols) were studied at Gardsjon, Sweden. A non-manipulated catchment served as a reference. After 4 yr of treatment no significant effects of either manipulation were found on concentrations and characteristics of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). The variability of these parameters within catchments appeared to be of the same order of magnitude as the variability between catchments. At all sites, DON contributed more than 70% of the total dissolved nitrogen. In general, the proportion of hydrophilic DOC increased with depth. In contrast, to other studies the C/N ratio of DOM at Gardsjon did not show a clear pattern with depth. Other studies in SE U.S.A. have suggested that relatively low C/N ratios at depth are due to increased contribution of hydrophilic neutrals to DOC. However, this fraction appears to be small in temperate and boreal spruce forest soils, including Gardsjon.