Carbon and nutrient availability effect on plant nutrient supply for upland forest sites in interior

The effects of microbial energy supply and low-level nitrogen fertiliser treatment on microbial respiration, nitrogen mineralisation, and tree foliar chemistry were addressed through field manipulations. and modelling analysis. Sugar, sawdust, and nitrogen fertiliser were added to a series of upland successional communities in interior Alaska. Forest floor respiration and tree foliage chemistry were measured the year prior to treatment and for 2 years after treatment. LINKAGES and CENTURY were used in an attempt to duplicate the short-term field measurements and to extend the predicted effects to a longer time period. Ecosystem structure and function simulated by both models were consistent with field measurements of upland hardwood and mature Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (spruce) control stands. Neither model accurately predicted the effects of large-scale disturbance to the treated sites