Levels and Characteristics of TOC in Throughfall, Forest Floor Leachate and Soil Solution in Undisturbed Boreal Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations and fluxes in throughfall, forest floor leachate, soil solution (15 and 35 cm depths), and groundwater for coniferous forest sites in the boreal zone throughout Finland are described. Eight upland forest stands and one peatland forest stand are included in the study and the samples were collected during 1991–1997. Carbon (C) pools in the living tree biomass and soil compartments are presented, and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic and acidic components of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in samples collected in autumn 1999 and spring 2000 from two of the sites are compared. Biomass (aboveground and belowground) pools of C averaged 88 Mg ha−1 and soil (humus layer + 20 cm soil layer) averaged 55 Mg ha−1. Stand throughfall TOC monthly mean concentrations ranged from 4.0 to 18.6 mg L−1 and annual fluxes averaged 4.0 g m−2 yr−1. TOC concentrations in the water passing through the forest floor and soil decreased with depth. Plot mean concentrations at 35 cm depth values ranged from 4.1 to 21.2 mg L−1 and fluxes averaged 3.7 g m−2 yr−1. Throughfall TOC concentrations were lowest during the winter, snowfall period and highest during the growing season. No monotonic trends in throughfall TOC concentrations over the 1991–1997 period were found. Soil solution TOC concentrations varied considerably, both within and between years. DOC in throughfall, forest floor, and soil solutions and in both autumn and spring seasons was dominated by hydrophobic fractions, particularly acids. Spruce canopies and litter appear to be important sources of soluble organic carbon, particularly acidic and hydrophobic compounds. Further studies on the nature and dynamics of organic carbon fluxing through coniferous, boreal forest ecosystems are needed.