Seasonal variations of throughfall chemistry in pure and mixed stands of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in Hyrcanian forests (Iran)

Nutrient fluxes in throughfall are significantly higher in mixed stands of Oriental beech compared to pure stands, with notable differences in nitrogen uptake. The study found that while nutrient concentrations were generally higher during the growing season than the dormant season, nutrient fluxes peaked in autumn, coinciding with increased precipitation. Throughfall fluxes for most nutrients exceeded those in bulk precipitation, except for nitrate and ammonium, indicating canopy uptake of nitrogen. This research highlights the influence of canopy composition and seasonal variations on nutrient cycling, providing critical insights into the ecological dynamics of Hyrcanian forests.

Salehi, M., Zahedi Amiri, G., Attarod, P., Salehi, A., Brunner, I., Schleppi, P., & Thimonier, A. (2015). Seasonal variations of throughfall chemistry in pure and mixed stands of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in Hyrcanian forests (Iran). Annals of Forest Science, 73(2), 371–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-015-0525-2