Summary:
This study examines the relationships between stream chemistry, the properties of the forest floor, and tree species composition of watersheds. Nitrate export in forested watersheds is influenced by the carbon:nitrogen ratio of the soils which is associated with variation in tree species composition. The authors suggest that nitrogen retention and release is at regulated in part by tree species composition and that changes in this composition can affect the ability of a forest to retain atmospherically deposited nitrogen.
