The Effect of Phosphorus Availability on Fine Root Decomposition in Western Oregon
Abstract
We are examining fine root decomposition at three sites in western Oregon, USA to determine whether phosphorus availability serves as a proximate control of nitrogen dynamics in fine root decomposition. More specifically, we are testing the hypothesis that external (soil P) and internal (root P content) supplies of P influence release of N from roots decomposing in soils that are low in available P. A factorial fertilization experiment is being used to test this hypothesis. At each of the three sites, P fertilizer has been added to six plots to enhance soil P availability and six plots have remained unfertilized. Litterbags containing Douglas-fir roots, needles, or twigs were placed in all plots. Half of the litterbags contain plant material from seedlings that were fertilized with P, resulting in four treatments: P added to soil and litter, P added to soil but not to litter, P added to litter but not to soil, and P not added to soil or litter (control). Data from soil cores collected in the treatment plots at each site and extracted with Bray solution indicate that extractable P is significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the plots that have been fertilized with P. Extractable P (mg P/kg soil) is approximately 50 mg higher in the fertilized plots than the unfertilized plots. Material from litterbags collected this summer is currently being processed and analyzed for C, N, and P content and mass loss to determine decomposition rates for the three litter types.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2005
- Bibcode:
- 2005AGUFM.B43A0258V
- Keywords:
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- 0469 Nitrogen cycling;
- 0470 Nutrients and nutrient cycling (4845;
- 4850)