Nitrogen fixation in forests of central Massachusetts

Abstract

The acetylene reduction method was used to measure nitrogen fixation in soil cores of 16 cm diameter and 16 cm depth that included A and B horizon soil, roots, and decaying litter. Forty-three combinations of location and associated tree species were sampled. The rate of nitrogen fixation for most soil cores was 1 g N ha−1 day−1 or less, which extrapolates to less than 0.2 kg N ha−1 year−1. The highest rates, with values of up to 23 g N ha−1 day−1, were observed in old fields being invaded by trees. The time course of acetylene reduction was usually linear for a 24-h period, most of the activity was in the upper 15 cm of soil, and the maximum rates were observed in midsummer. No significant nitrogen fixation was observed in preliminary measurements of decaying woody litter or of aerial surfaces of trees and rocks. It is suggested that nitrogen fixation is not a significant input of nitrogen for the forests studied. If so, there may be significant unrecognized nitrogen inputs to forests, such as dry absorption of ammonia from the atmosphere.