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Effects of Excess Nitrogen Deposition on the Herbaceous Layer of Eastern North American Forests
Book chapter

Effects of Excess Nitrogen Deposition on the Herbaceous Layer of Eastern North American Forests

The Herbaceous Layer in Forests of Eastern North America, pp.445-459
Oxford University Press, 2nd edition
04/03/2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199837656.003.0020

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Abstract

This chapter examines the effects of excess nitrogen (N) on the herb layer of forests, reviewing recent pertinent literature from both North America and Europe. It shows that excess N has the potential to substantially alter species composition and decrease biodiversity of the herbaceous layer of forests of eastern North America, and does so in ways that are distinctive from other forms of forest disturbance. Numerous studies confirm that increasing N in forests from N limitation to N saturation can not only alter soil N biogeochemistry and deplete nutrient cations, but it can also (1) alter competition to give advantages to fewer nitrophilous species; (2) increase intensity and degree of herbivory; (3) increase frequency of mycorrhizal infection; (4) increase occurrence and severity of fungal pathogens; and (5) enhance species invasions.

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