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.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

Author information

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

Authors

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

Corresponding author

Correspondence toJames M. Helfield.

Additional information

Electronic Publication

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

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

Download citation