The effects of UV-B, nitrogen fertilization, and springtime warming on sugar maple seedlings and the soil chemistry of two central Ontario forests

Abstract

The interactive effects of springtime warming, ambient UV-B, and nitrogen fertilization on the chemistry of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) seedlings and soils from two contrasting sites were assessed. Open-top chambers increased average springtime air temperatures by approximately 1.5 °C, but their heating effect was diminished upon closure of the overstory canopy. Ambient levels of UV-B were reduced with Mylar D polyester film. Ammonium nitrate fertilizer was added in an amount equivalent to an additional 50 kg N·ha–1. The soils of the Oliver forest were deep luvisols overlying a strongly calcareous till (average pH 6.0), while the naturally acidic soils of Haliburton were derived from the Precambrian Shield (average pH 4.7). Of the three main treatments used in this study, application of nitrogen fertilizer had the greatest impacts on foliar chemistry. At both sites, fertilizer application increased the acidity of the soils, while at Haliburton there were losses in total soil calcium. Haliburton maple seedlings had increased foliar concentrations of aluminum and manganese, decreased concentrations of calcium, and reduced calcium/manganese and magnesium/manganese nutrient ratios, after fertilizer was applied. Meanwhile, seedlings growing on the more alkaline soils of Oliver had increased foliar concentrations of magnesium following application of the nitrogen fertilizer. We suggest that these changes in the elemental chemistry of the soils and foliage brought on by continued nitrogen loading may predispose seedlings growing on naturally acidic soils, such as those of the Precambrian Shield, to further stress from additional abiotic and biotic stressors.