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Increased forest ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage from nitrogen rich bedrock

Author

Listed:
  • Scott L. Morford

    (Air and Water Resources. University of California – Davis)

  • Benjamin Z. Houlton

    (Air and Water Resources. University of California – Davis)

  • Randy A. Dahlgren

    (Air and Water Resources. University of California – Davis)

Abstract

Rock-generated atmospheric nitrogen Bioavailable nitrogen commonly limits plant growth in natural ecosystems. In the absence of humans, this essential nutrient is thought to come mainly from the atmosphere through bacterial metabolism. Morford et al. present measurements of the nitrogen concentration and isotopic composition of rocks, soil and leaves to demonstrate that bedrock is a further, hitherto-overlooked source of bioavailable nitrogen to forests in the western United States. Furthermore, the forests growing above nitrogen-rich geology store appreciably more carbon than their impoverished counterparts. The authors suggest that this novel pathway might be a universal phenomenon.

Suggested Citation

  • Scott L. Morford & Benjamin Z. Houlton & Randy A. Dahlgren, 2011. "Increased forest ecosystem carbon and nitrogen storage from nitrogen rich bedrock," Nature, Nature, vol. 477(7362), pages 78-81, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:477:y:2011:i:7362:d:10.1038_nature10415
    DOI: 10.1038/nature10415
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    Cited by:

    1. Xiguang Yang & Xuebing Guan & Zihan Jiang, 2024. "Bedrock Type Mediates the Response of Vegetation Activity to Seasonal Precipitation in the Karst Forest," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Jian Chen & Xiaoxiao Zhang & Kai Wang & Zhenguo Yan & Wei Zhang & Lixin Niu & Yanlong Zhang, 2023. "Spatial-Temporal Evolution and Prediction of Carbon Storage in Areas Rich in Ancient Remains: A Case Study of the Zhouyuan Region, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-17, June.

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