Salmon and alder as nitrogen sources to riparian forests in a boreal Alaskan watershed (original) (raw)

Abstract.

Anadromous Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) transport marine-derived nitrogen (MDN) to the rivers in which they spawn. Isotopic analyses of riparian vegetation in a boreal Alaskan watershed indicate that trees and shrubs near spawning streams derive ~24–26% of their foliar nitrogen (N) from salmon. Basal area growth of white spruce (Picea glauca) is enhanced at sites receiving MDN inputs. This marine N subsidy appears to be less important to riparian ecosystems where symbiotic N fixation by alder (Alnus crispa) is prevalent, although salmon carcasses may nonetheless be an important source of other marine-derived nutrients affecting productivity in these forests. These findings illustrate the complexity of interactions surrounding riparian forests and the interconnectedness of river and riparian ecosystems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Box 352100, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
    James M. Helfield
  2. School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
    Robert J. Naiman

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  1. James M. Helfield
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  2. Robert J. Naiman
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Correspondence toJames M. Helfield.

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Helfield, J.M., Naiman, R.J. Salmon and alder as nitrogen sources to riparian forests in a boreal Alaskan watershed.Oecologia 133, 573–582 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00442-002-1070-x

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