Document: ROB-3-59-99

Adsorption of soluble organic nutrients along a primary successional chronosequence in the Mt. Shasta mudflows.

QUALLS, R.G.* 1, S.D.BRIDGHAM 2, S.W.TYLER 1, W.W.MILLER 1 and S.M.USELMAN 1

University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557 U.S.A 1
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 U.S.A 2

Abstract:
In minimally disturbed ecosytems, the major form of N leaching through the soil profile is often dissolved organic N. We hypothesize that the proportion of dissolved organic C, N, and P generated in the organic horizon which leaches through the soil profile decreases during soil development due to weathering and formation of oxyhydroxides and clays. The high adsorption capacity of allophane and imogolite formed from volcanic materials should result in a rapid increase in the capacity of soils derived from volcanic materials to retain soluble organic forms of nutrients. Soils from a 75 to approximately 1200 year chronosequence of mudflows were subjected to adsorption isotherm experiments. While adsorption increased with soil age, even the oldest mudflow soil had relatively low adsorption capacity.

Keywords: Dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, succession

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This abstract is being presented at: 10:15 AM in session:
Oral Session #25: Organic Matter Dynamics in Ecosystems.