Abstract
Although atmospheric nitrogen deposition due to throughfall has
decreased in Tokyo metropolitan, the forested catchment which composed
with Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), Japanese cypress
(Chamaecyparis obtusa), and oak (Quercus serrata) was
still nitrogen saturated. We aimed to elucidate effects of decrease in
nitrogen deposition on aluminum (Al) dynamics in a forested Andisols.
Throughfall and soil percolated water samples were taken under Japanese
cedar stand and Japanese cypress stand in Hachioji, Tokyo (Field Museum
Tamakyuryo). Major inorganic ions were determined by ion chromatography.
Total Al concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry
after concentrating under acidic condition. Aluminum concentrations were
significantly correlated with nitrate
(NO3-) concentration in both Japanese
cedar stand and Japanese cypress stand. In case of Japanese cedar stand,
Al concentrations tended to decrease with time. Acid load associated
with N transformation ([H+]load), which was chosen
as the sole factor for Al mobilization in Japanese cedar stand, has also
decreased. Decrease in nitrogen deposition affected Al dynamics via
decrease in [H+]load. It was suggested that the
calcium (Ca) content in needles may promote recovery from soil
acidification in Japanese cedar stand.