<p> This study used a mass balance approach by characterizing the input, output, and sink rates of N in order to assess a declared "stage III N-saturated forest" response to decreased atmospheric N deposition in western Maryland. Relying on the conceptual model of kinetic N-saturation to holistically link stream, vegetative, soil, and atmospheric compartments and the use of a novel stable isotopic technique, the study demonstrated dynamic soil NO<sub>3</sub>-N pools, unprocessed atmospheric NO<sub>3</sub>-N in base flow, and significant reductions in NO<sub>3</sub>-N yield in response to decreased atmospheric N deposition. A lumped conceptual model, incorporating a dormant season NO<sub>3</sub>-N flush, was proposed that explains forest response to decreased deposition and sheds light on the hydrologic processes that govern the storage/release of NO<sub>3</sub>-N among years. It is proposed that this flushing mechanism prevents forests from attaining higher stages of N-saturation and predicts forests will be responsive to further reductions in N deposition. </p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:1560879 |
| Date | 10 September 2014 |
| Creators | Sabo, Robert D. |
| Publisher | University of Maryland, College Park |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
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