Nodulation and nitrogen fixation by red alder and Sitka alder on coal mine spoils

Abstract

Nodule number, nodule weight, and nitrogen fixation (nitrogenase activity by acetylene reduction) were determined for 3 years for red alder (Alnusrubra Bong.) and Sitka alder (Alnussinuata Reg. Rydb.) on three types of coal spoils in western Washington. Generally, the two species were similar in number and weight of nodules and in nitrogen-fixation rates when measured in June (these rates varied from 23 to 27 µmol•g−1•h−1). The type of coal spoil material influenced nodule number but not nodule weight. Topsoil covered subsoil had the highest number of nodules. Trees on unweathered subsoil had the lowest number, particularly for Sitka alder. Nodule weight (dry, ash free) varied from 68 kg•ha−1 for 5-year-old Sitka alder interplanted in a 1:1 mix with Douglas-fir (1790 alders•ha−1) to 188–200 kg•ha−1 for pure stands of both alder species at age 5 (5380 trees•ha−1). The difference in nodule weight between species was not significant. Both species fixed nitrogen at similar rates although in the last year of measurement red alder trees fixed 37% more nitrogen than Sitka alder. This difference was not significant, however. Nitrogen fixation per unit area depended on tree age and spacing, varying from 17 kg•ha−1•year−1 at age 3 with 1830 alders•ha−1 to 150 kg•ha−1•year−1 by both species at age 5 and a density of 5380 trees•ha−1. Fixation rates increased from age 3 to 5 years primarily because of increased nodule weight. Nitrogen fixation by the Sitka alder in mixture with Douglas-fir was relatively high and was encouraging for the concept of mixed plantings of these two species. However, response of Douglas-fir to mixed planting with Sitka alder has not been demonstrated.