Simulated climate change impacts on fluxes of carbon in Norway spruce ecosystems along a climatic transect in Sweden

A simulation study based on recent regional climate scenarios for Sweden investigated possible changes in carbon (C) dynamics and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of Swedish Norway spruce forest ecosystems. Four sites, representative of well-drained soils in four regions, were included. Stand development was simulated for a 100-year rotation period using a coupled model describing abiotic and biotic processes in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. Two IPCC climate change scenarios, corresponding to a mean annual temperature increase of about 2°C (A2) or 3°C (B2) from the reference period 1961–1990 to a new period 2061–2090, were considered. Annual maximum snow depth decreased with the increase in air temperature, whereas maximum soil frost depth and mean annual soil temperature showed only small changes, especially for the sites in northern Sweden. Simulations suggested that in the warmer climate, gross primary production (GPP) increased by 24–32% in northern Sweden and by 32–43% in the south. In the north, the increase was related to the combined effect of air and soil temperature extending the growing season, whereas in the south it was mainly governed by increased N availability due to increased soil temperature. NEE increased by about 20% (A2) or 25% (B2) at all sites, more or less solely due to increased accumulation of C in the tree biomass (including harvest residues), since changes in soil C were small compared with the current climate. Both light use efficiency and water use efficiency were improved in the future climate scenarios, despite increases in atmospheric CO₂ not being considered.     

Concentration and Fluxes of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) in Three Norway Spruce Stands along a Climatic Gradient in Sweden

Leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the forest floor and transport in soil solution into the mineral soil are important for carbon cycling in boreal forest ecosystems. We examined DOC concentrations in bulk deposition, throughfall and in soil solutions collected under the O and B horizons in three Norway spruce stands along a climatic gradient in Sweden. Mean annual temperature for the three sites was 5.5, 3.4 and 1.2 °C. At each site we also examined the effect of soil moisture on DOC dynamics along a moisture gradient (dry, mesic and moist plots). To obtain information about the fate of DOC leached from the O horizon into the mineral soil, ¹⁴C measurements were made on bulk organic matter and DOC. The concentration and fluxes of DOC in O horizon leachates were highest at the southern site and lowest at the northern. Average DOC concentrations at the southern, central and northern sites were 49, 39 and 30 mg l⁻¹, respectively. We suggest that DOC leaching rates from O horizons were related to the net primary production of the ecosystem. Soil temperature probably governed the within-year variation in DOC concentration in O horizon leachates, but the peak in DOC was delayed relative to that of temperature, probably due to sorption processes. Neither soil moisture regime (dry, mesic or moist plots) nor seasonal variation in soil moisture seemed to be of any significance for the concentration of DOC leached from the O horizon. The ¹⁴C measurements showed that DOC in soil solution collected below the B horizon was derived mainly from the B horizon itself, rather than from the O horizon, indicating a substantial exchange (sorption–desorption reactions) between incoming DOC and soil organic carbon in the mineral soil.     

Dissolved organic carbon concentrations in four Norway spruce stands of different ages

Boreal forests are increasing in age partly due to reduced logging and efficient wildfire control. As a result, they also stock more carbon. Whether increased forest C stock causes greater production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is uncertain. DOC in bulk precipitation, throughfall and soil water was studied in 10-, 30-, 60- and 120-year-old stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) DOC concentrations in throughfall and O horizon soil water followed the order 10 < 30 < 60 = 120 and 10 = 30 < 120 < 60, respectively. DOC fluxes followed the order 10 = 30 < 60 = 120 in throughfall, while no significant difference between stands was found for O horizon soil water. Above-ground tree litter varied according to 10 < 30 < 60 = 120, a pattern identical to that for DOC concentrations in throughfall and resembling but not identical to that for DOC concentrations in O horizon soil water. This indicates additional sources for DOC in soil water. Seasonality in DOC concentrations was observed at the base of the O horizon, and seasonality in DOC fluxes in both throughfall and O horizon soil water. Our results suggest differences in the polarity of DOC between the 10-year stand and the others, which we interpret as reflecting the lack of grown trees and possibly the different vegetation on the 10-year stand.     

Soil respiration fluxes measured along a hydrological gradient in a Norway spruce stand in south Sweden (Skogaby)

Soil respiration fluxes were measured continuously in order to assess the degree to which they were influenced by spatial and temporal variation in soil moisture. The synergistic effects of the variation in soil moisture with the one in soil temperature, soil organic matter and global radiation on respiration fluxes were also analysed. The measurements were performed using an open chamber system along a hydrological gradient in a Norway spruce forest in south Sweden (Skogaby) for 3 weeks in June 1995. The measured soil respiration fluxes were quite stable and somewhat larger compared with those reported in literature. The experiment took place during the shoot elongation period with intensive nutrient uptake, and it might be that soil respiration was dominated by mycorrhizal activity. Variation in the moisture content of the litter layer accounted for most of the spatial variation in respiration fluxes. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Modelling soil C sequestration in spruce forest ecosystems along a Swedish transect based on current conditions

The change of current pools of soil C in Norway spruce ecosystems in Sweden were studied using a process-based model (CoupModel). Simulations were conducted for four sites representing different regions covering most of the forested area in Sweden and representing annual mean temperatures from 0.7°C to 7.1°C. The development of both tree layer and field layer (understory) was simulated during a 100-year period using data on standing stock volumes from the Swedish Forest Inventory to calibrate tree growth using different assumptions regarding N supply to the plants. The model successfully described the general patterns of forest stand dynamics along the Swedish climatic transect, with decreasing tree growth rates and increasing field layer biomass from south to north. However, the current tree growth pattern for the northern parts of Sweden could not be explained without organic N uptake and/or enhanced mineralisation rates compared to the southern parts. Depending on the assumption made regarding N supply to the tree, different soil C sequestration rates were obtained. The approach to supply trees with both mineralised N and organic N, keeping the soil C:N ratio constant during the simulation period was found to be the most realistic alternative. With this approach the soils in the northern region of Sweden lost 5 g C m⁻² year⁻¹, the soils in the central region lost 2 g C m⁻² year⁻¹, and the soils in the two southern regions sequestered 9 and 23 g C m⁻² year⁻¹, respectively. In addition to climatic effects, the feedback between C and N turnover plays an important role that needs to be more clearly understood to improve estimates of C sequestration in boreal forest ecosystems.     

Measurement of net ecosystem exchange,productivity and respiration in three spruce forests in Sweden shows unexpectedly large soil carbon losses

Measurement of net ecosystem exchange was made using the eddy covariance method above three forests along a north-south climatic gradient in Sweden: Flakaliden in the north, Knottåsen in central and Asa in south Sweden. Data were obtained for 2 years at Flakaliden and Knottåsen and for one year at Asa. The net fluxes (N_ep) were separated into their main components, total ecosystem respiration (R_t) and gross primary productivity (P_g). The maximum half-hourly net uptake during the heart of the growing season was highest in the southernmost site with ?0.787 mg CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 followed by Knottåsen with ?0.631 mg CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 and Flakaliden with ?0.429 mg CO₂ m^?2 s^?1. The maximum respiration rates during the summer were highest in Knottåsen with 0.245 mg CO₂ m^?2 s^?1 while it was similar at the two other sites with 0.183 mg CO₂ m^?2 s^?1. The annual N_ep ranged between uptake of ?304 g C m^?2 year^?1 (Asa) and emission of 84 g C m^?2 year^?1 (Knottåsen). The annual R_t and P_g ranged between 793 to 1253 g C m^?2 year^?1 and ?875 to ?1317 g C m^?2 year^?1, respectively. Biomass increment measurements in the footprint area of the towers in combination with the measured net ecosystem productivity were used to estimate the changes in soil carbon and it was found that the soils were losing on average 96–125 g C m^?2 year^?1. The most plausible explanation for these losses was that the studied years were much warmer than normal causing larger respiratory losses. The comparison of net primary productivity and P_g showed that ca 60% of P_g was utilized for autotrophic respiration.     

Lagged climatic effects on carbon fluxes over three grassland ecosystems in China

Aims The plasticity of ecosystem responses could buffer and postpone the effects of climates on ecosystem carbon fluxes, but this lagged effect is often ignored. In this study, we used carbon flux data collected from three typical grassland ecosystems in China, including a temperate semiarid steppe in Inner Mongolia (Neimeng site, NM), an alpine shrub-meadow in Qinghai (Haibei site, HB) and an alpine meadow steppe in Tibet (Dangxiong site, DX), to examine the time lagged effects of environmental factors on CO₂ exchange.Methods Eddy covariance data were collected from three typical Chinese grasslands. In linking carbon fluxes with climatic factors, we used their averages or cumulative values within each 12-month period and we called them 'yearly' statistics in this study. To investigate the lagged effects of the climatic factors on the carbon fluxes, the climatic 'yearly' statistics were kept still and the 'yearly' statistics of the carbon fluxes were shifted backward 1 month at a time.Important findings Soil moisture and precipitation was the main factor driving the annual variations of carbon fluxes at the alpine HB and DX, respectively, while the NM site was under a synthetic impact of each climatic factor. The time lagged effect analysis showed that temperature had several months, even half a year lag effects on CO₂ exchange at the three studied sites, while moisture's effects were mostly exhibited as an immediate manner, except at NM. In general, the lagged climatic effects were relatively weak for the alpine ecosystem. Our results implied that it might be months or even 1 year before the variations of ecosystem carbon fluxes are adjusted to the current climate, so such lag effects could be resistant to more frequent climate extremes and should be a critical component to be considered in evaluating ecosystem stability. An improved knowledge on the lag effects could advance our understanding on the driving mechanisms of climate change effects on ecosystem carbon fluxes.     

Variation in below-ground carbon fluxes along a Populus hybridization gradient

Here, soil CO(2) efflux, minirhizotron fine root production (FRP), and estimated total below-ground carbon allocation (TBCA) were examined along an elevation and hybridization gradient between two cottonwood species. FRP was 72% greater under high-elevation Populus angustifolia, but soil CO(2) efflux and TBCA were 62% and 94% greater, respectively, under low-elevation stands dominated by Populus fremontii, with a hybrid stand showing intermediate values. Differences between the responses of FRP, soil CO(2) efflux and TBCA may potentially be explained in terms of genetic controls; while plant species and hybridization explained variance in carbon flux, we found only weak correlations of FRP and TBCA with soil moisture, and no correlations with soil temperature or nitrogen availability. Soil CO(2) efflux and TBCA were uncorrelated with FRP, suggesting that, although below-ground carbon fluxes may change along environmental and genetic gradients, major components of below-ground carbon flux may be decoupled.     

Phenotypic variability along a climatic gradient in a perennial afrotropical rainforest understorey herb

Plants evolved in response to climatic conditions, which shaped their geographic distribution, functional traits and genetic composition. In the face of climatic changes, plants have to react by either genetic adaptation, phenotypic plasticity or geographic range shift. Their reaction potential depends on their phenotypic and genetic variability which can be evaluated through regional scale trait estimates, however, little is known here about tropical African plants. To start filling this gap of knowledge, the aim of this study was to estimate the phenotypic variability in a widespread perennial herb from the understorey of tropical African rainforests: Sarcophrynium prionogonium (Marantaceae). We surveyed 211 individuals from eight populations distributed across four sites in Cameroon covering largely the climatic range of the study species. Fourteen key functional traits were measured monthly for 18 months (2013–2014). Individuals of the study species persisted under a wide range of environmental conditions and there was considerable intraspecific variability within and across populations. Still, plant vegetative growth decreased with dryness. Productivity was positively related to a combination of high temperatures and precipitation and under these favourable conditions strongly shaped by light. Seasonal patterns of flower and fruit development were strongly associated with seasonal rainfall. Thus, the predicted increased dryness in tropical Africa might be disadvantageous for the study species. In the past, plants reacted to such aridification tendencies (e.g. during the Pleistocene glacial cycles) by retracting to moist refugia. The current climatic changes, however, being much faster and larger might provide new challenges.     

森林生态系统可溶性碳和颗粒碳通量

可溶性碳(Dissolved carbon,DC)和颗粒碳(particulate carbon,PC)通量作为森林生态系统碳收支的重要组分,在森林固碳功能的评价和模型预测中具有重要意义,但常因认识不足、测定困难等而在森林碳汇研究中被忽略。综述了森林生态系统DC和PC的组成、作用、相关生态过程及其影响因子,并展望了该领域应该优先考虑的研究问题。森林生态系统DC和PC主要包括可溶性有机碳、可溶性无机碳和颗粒有机碳,主要来源于生态系统的净初级生产量。DC和PC是森林土壤的活性碳库,主要以大气沉降、穿透雨和凋落物的形式输入森林土壤系统,并通过土壤呼吸、侧向运输及渗透流失的方式输出生态系统。从局域尺度看,DC和PC通量受根系分泌、细根分解、微生物周转等生物过程的影响较大;从区域尺度看,它们受土壤和植被特性、生态过程耦联关系、气候因子以及全球变化的综合影响。该领域应该优先考虑:(1)探索不同时空尺度下森林生态系统DC和PC通量的控制因子及其耦联关系,揭示其中的驱动机理;(2)探索DC和PC与其它森林生态系统碳组分的相互关系及转化,阐明DC和PC通量与其它养分之间潜在的生态化学计量关系;(3)探索全球变化,特别是人类活动(如森林经营)和极端干扰事件(如林火、旱涝、冰冻、冻融交替等)对森林生态系统DC和PC通量的影响。     

Habitat models of wood-inhabiting fungi along a decay gradient of Norway spruce logs

Information on the habitat requirements of wood-inhabiting fungi is needed to understand the factors that affect their diversity. We applied culture-free DNA extraction and 454-pyrosequencing to study the mycobiota of decaying Norway spruce (Picea abies) logs in five unmanaged boreal forests. Fungal habitat preferences in respect of wood density gradient were then estimated with generalized additive mixed models. Fungal diversity and wood density were inversely related, i.e., OTU richness generally increased as the log became increasingly decomposed. White-rot fungi (e.g., Phellinus nigrolimitatus) and members of Hyphodontia did not show a clear response to the wood-density gradient, whereas abundance of Phellinus viticola and brown-rot fungi (e.g., Fomitopsis pinicola, Antrodia serialis, Coniophora olivaceae) peaked during intermediate decay and mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., Piloderma, Tylospora, Russula) increased in the later stages. This information on fungal habitat requirements facilitates the development of management practices that preserve fungal diversity in managed forests.     

庐山6种树木立地土壤溶液铝形态与溶解有机碳变化

于1999年夏季,采集了庐山植物园6种树木立地的不同层次土壤样品,提取土壤溶液,分析其溶液中的溶解铝和溶解有机碳。结果表明,尽管发育于同一发生性土类,不同立地下土壤溶液溶解铝含量有明显差异,而溶解性有机碳的差异相对较小,在6种树木立地中,香柏立地表层土壤溶解铝含量达4．95mg·kg^-1,为其它针叶林立地的2倍,是阔叶林立地的3倍。溶解铝积累与土壤酸化强度有密切关系,但溶解有机碳趋向于形成抑制毒性的单核铝,供试的不同立地土壤可以按溶液铝化学特点分为不同的生态化学类型。     

Variation in soil carbon stocks and their determinants across a precipitation gradient in West Africa

We examine the influence of climate, soil properties and vegetation characteristics on soil organic carbon (SOC) along a transect of West African ecosystems sampled across a precipitation gradient on contrasting soil types stretching from Ghana (15°N) to Mali (7°N). Our findings derive from a total of 1108 soil cores sampled over 14 permanent plots. The observed pattern in SOC stocks reflects the very different climatic conditions and contrasting soil properties existing along the latitudinal transect. The combined effects of these factors strongly influence vegetation structure. SOC stocks in the first 2 m of soil ranged from 20 Mg C ha^?1 for a Sahelian savanna in Mali to over 120 Mg C ha^?1 for a transitional forest in Ghana. The degree of interdependence between soil bulk density (SBD) and soil properties is highlighted by the strong negative relationships observed between SBD and SOC (r² > 0.84). A simple predictive function capable of encompassing the effect of climate, soil properties and vegetation type on SOC stocks showed that available water and sand content taken together could explain 0.84 and 0.86 of the total variability in SOC stocks observed to 0.3 and 1.0 m depth respectively. Used in combination with a suitable climatic parameter, sand content is a good predictor of SOC stored in highly weathered dry tropical ecosystems with arguably less confounding effects than provided by clay content. There was an increased contribution of resistant SOC to the total SOC pool for lower rainfall soils, this likely being the result of more frequent fire events in the grassier savannas of the more arid regions. This work provides new insights into the mechanisms determining the distribution of carbon storage in tropical soils and should contribute significantly to the development of robust predictive models of biogeochemical cycling and vegetation dynamics in tropical regions.     

Long-term tillage effects on soil organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in a purple paddy soil of Southwest China

The impact of conservation tillage practices on soil carbon has been of great interest in recent years. Conservation tillage might have the potential to enhance soil carbon accumulation and alter the depth distribution of soil carbon compared to conventional tillage based systems. Changes in the soil organic carbon (SOC) as influenced by tillage, are more noticeable under long-term rather than short-term tillage practices. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of long-term tillage on SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) status after 19 years of four tillage treatments in a Hydragric Anthrosol. In this experiment four tillage systems included conventional tillage with rotation of rice and winter fallow system (CTF), conventional tillage with rotation of rice and rape system (CTR), no-till and ridge culture with rotation of rice and rape system (NT) and tillage and ridge culture with rotation of rice and rape system (TR). Soils were sampled in the spring of 2009 and sectioned into 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, 40–50 and 50–60 cm depth, respectively.Tillage effect on SOC was observed, and SOC concentrations were much larger under NT than the other three tillage methods in all soil depths from 0 to 60 cm. The mean SOC concentration at 0–60 cm soil depth followed the sequence: NT (22.74 g kg^?1) > CTF (14.57 g kg^?1) > TR (13.10 g kg^?1) > CTR (11.92 g kg^?1). SOC concentrations under NT were significantly higher than TR and CTR (P < 0.01), and higher than CTF treatment (P < 0.05). The SOC storage was calculated on equivalent soil mass basis. Results showed that the highest SOC storage at 0–60 cm depth presented in NT, which was 158.52 Mg C ha^?1, followed by CTF (106.74 Mg C ha^?1), TR (93.11 Mg C ha^?1) and CTR (88.60 Mg C ha^?1). Compared with conventional tillage (CTF), the total SOC storage in NT increased by 48.51%, but decreased by 16.99% and 12.77% under CTR and TR treatments, respectively. The effect of tillage on DOC was significant at 0–10 cm soil layer, and DOC concentration was much higher under CTF than the other three treatments (P < 0.01). Throughout 0–60 cm soil depth, DOC concentrations were 32.92, 32.63, 26.79 and 22.10 mg kg^?1 under NT, CTF, CTR and TR, and the differences among the four treatments were not significant (P > 0.05). In conclusion, NT increased SOC concentration and storage compared to conventional tillage operation but not for DOC.     

The allelic distribution at an acid phosphatase locus in Norway spruce (Picea abies) along similar climatic gradients

Summary The allele frequency distribution at a polymorphic acid phosphatase locus (APH-B) was determined in natural populations of Norway spruce (Picea abies) from a latitudinal transect in Finland, an altitudinal transect in the Austrian Alps, and from different locations of the Swiss range. The three independent population groups, selected with respect to similar climatic gradients, were studied to detect the forces that cause the geographic variation at the APH-B locus.In almost all of the populations investigated, four alleles (APH-B₁ — B₄) could be identified at this enzyme locus, however, the alleles b₁ and B₂, as well as B₃ and B₄, show a great similarity according to their phenotypic appearance after electrophoresis as well as to their frequency distributions along the different transects. With the aid of some theoretical considerations and data comparisons, a selective equivalence of the alleles B₁ and B₂, as well as B₃ and B₄, could be ascertained, thus reducing the number of alleles that can respond differently to natural selection.After combining the frequencies of the selectively equivalent alleles, similar clinal variation patterns could be observed along the different geographical transects, where-by the frequency of the allele group APH-B₁ /B₂ markedly increases with latitudes in Finland and towards higher elevations in the Alps. Correspondingly, the allele group APH-B₃/B₄ predominates in the southern parts of Finland and in the lowlands and foothills of Austria and Switzerland. It is therefore concluded that natural selection causes the geographic variation pattern at the APH-B locus and that one or several temperature variables function as an at least predominant selective force. Possible relationships between this enzyme polymorphism and other tree characters and the physiological role of acid phosphatases in tree adaptation were discussed.     

Exploring the growth response of Norway spruce (Picea abies) along a small-scale gradient of soil water supply

The climate-growth response of specific sites and species is one of the main research subjects in classic tree ring studies. Traditional sampling approaches therefore aim at maximizing the climate signal of the analyzed tree ring series, which is typically achieved by focusing on dominant trees or on sites located in particularly temperature or moisture limited environments. However, there is increasing evidence that these selective sampling strategies cannot yield chronologies that are representative for entire populations. One promising approach to gain a deeper understanding of forest dynamics and climate-growth responsiveness is the analysis of climate signal ranges among trees. This individualistic approach requires random sampling and the integration of information on small-scale heterogeneities in site and tree characteristics. Here, we analyze the climate-growth response of 144 Norway spruce trees (Picea abies Karst.) on difference levels of data aggregation. The aim of our study is to investigate the relevance of small-scale heterogeneities in site conditions, particularly in soil water supply, for the detected climate-growth signal. We identify soil water supply and site characteristics, which indirectly modify the water availability for trees, as dominating growth factors across scales. The driest sites show the strongest climate-growth reaction, while the growth response of wetter sites is weak or even insignificant. Therefore, we conclude that integrating small-scale information on site characteristics, particularly on soil water supply, can help to gain a deeper understanding of species specific growth limitations.     

Effects of grassland conversion to cropland and forest on soil organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia

Effects of grassland conversion to cropland and forest on soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia were investigated by direct field sampling. SOC content and DOC content in soil decreased after grassland were shifted to forest or cropland, in the sequence of grassland soil > forest soil > cropland soil. SOC stock declined by 18% after grassland shifted from to forest. Reclamation of cropland for 10 years, 15 years and 20 years lost SOC in 0–30 cm soil layer, by 34%, 14% and 18%, respectively, compared with that of grassland. DOC in 3 soil layers was within 21.1–26.5 mg/L in grassland, 12.1–14.6 mg/L in forest soil, and 8.0–14.0 mg/L in cropland soil. Correlation analysis indicated that SOC content and DOC content were positively dependent on total nitrogen content (p < 0.05), but negatively on bulk density or land use type (p < 0.05). DOC was positively correlated SOC (p < 0.01). Moreover, SOC content could be quantitatively described by a linear combination of land use types (p = 0.000, r² = 0.712), and DOC content by a linear combination of two soil-related variables, land use types and SOC (p = 0.000, r² = 0.861).     

Effects of grassland conversion to cropland and forest on soil organic carbon and dissolved organic carbon in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia

Effects of grassland conversion to cropland and forest on soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Inner Mongolia were investigated by direct field sampling. SOC content and DOC content in soil decreased after grassland were shifted to forest or cropland, in the sequence of grassland soil > forest soil > cropland soil. SOC stock declined by 18% after grassland shifted from to forest. Reclamation of cropland for 10 years, 15 years and 20 years lost SOC in 0–30 cm soil layer, by 34%, 14% and 18%, respectively, compared with that of grassland. DOC in 3 soil layers was within 21.1–26.5 mg/L in grassland, 12.1–14.6 mg/L in forest soil, and 8.0–14.0 mg/L in cropland soil. Correlation analysis indicated that SOC content and DOC content were positively dependent on total nitrogen content (p < 0.05), but negatively on bulk density or land use type (p < 0.05). DOC was positively correlated SOC (p < 0.01). Moreover, SOC content could be quantitatively described by a linear combination of land use types (p = 0.000, r² = 0.712), and DOC content by a linear combination of two soil-related variables, land use types and SOC (p = 0.000, r² = 0.861).     

Chronic nitrate additions dramatically increase the export of carbon and nitrogen from northern hardwood ecosystems

A long-term field experiment was initiated to simulate chronic atmospheric N deposition, a widespread phenomenon in industrial regions of the world. Eight years of experimental nitrate ( ) additions (3 g -N m^–2 per year) to four different northern hardwood forests located along a 500 km geographic gradient dramatically increased leaching losses of -N, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). During the last two water years, the average increase in solution -N and DON leaching from the -amended plots was 2.2 g N m^–2, equivalent to 72% of the annual experimental N addition. Results indicate that atmospheric N deposition may rapidly saturate some northern hardwood ecosystems across an entire biome in the upper Great Lakes Region of the USA. Changes in soil C and N cycling induced by chronic N deposition have the potential in this landscape to significantly alter the flux of DOC and DON from upland to aquatic ecosystems. Michigan Gradient study site characteristics are similar to those of European forests most susceptible to N saturation.