Abstract
Seasonal variation in nutrient status of a floodplain soil was studied in a silver maple ( Acer saccharinum L.) forest in central Illinois. Statistically significant temporal differences were measured in the concentration of NH 4-N, NO 3-N, and extractable P. Patterns of variation in NH 4-N and NO 3-N were related to organic C content and mineralization processes in the soil. Variation in extractable P was affected by flood-induced anaerobic conditions and soil pH. Temporal variation in soil nutrient status was one of the most dynamic features of nutrient cycling in the floodplain forest ecosystem. The potential for seasonal variation in the availability of nutrients should be considered when chemical data are used to characterize forest soil fertility and site productivity. Samples should be collected at several points in time if possible.
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