Nutrient cycling in forests of the Pacific Northwest

摘要: Ecosystem analysis has established nutrient cycling as an important area of ecology involving biological, chemical, and geological interactions. Studying the flow elements through ecosystems provides us with a tool for understanding functioning ecosystems. For example, if ecosystem component rapid flux it, or it stores large amounts element, that is clearly in function. Nutrient strongly influences productivity since flows are closely linked transfers carbon water. In addition may also affect succession evolution forest Various distinct processes involved cycling, such decomposition, weathering, uptake, leaching, so on. Each precursor to another nutrients follows set interconnected steps. Although basic common all ecosystems, rates vary from one another. This variation plays role evolution. long-term foliage retention by conifers allow species exist where only marginal supply available soil. Nitrogen-fixing species, on other hand, can occupy sites nitrogen availability low because they provide their own nitrogen. An thus essential rational management Nitrogen recognized most limiting element growth Pacific Northwest, particularly Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) (Gessel Walker 1956; Gessel et al. 1969). this reason chapter focuses largely cycling. Cycling potassium calcium compared nitrogen, contrasting behavior insight into nutrient-cycling processes. The objectives (1) briefly describe processes; (2) contrast cycles different eco-