Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2001

Keywords

Fertilization, Forest growth, Marine-derived nutrients, Nutrient cycling, Picea sitchensis, River, Sitka spruce, Stable isotopes

Abstract

Anadromous Pacific salmon ( Oncorhynchus spp.) transport marine-derived nitrogen (MDN) to the rivers in which they reproduce. Isotopic analyses indicate that trees and shrubs near spawning streams derive 22-24% of their foliar nitrogen (N) from spawning salmon. As a consequence of this nutrient subsidy, growth rates are significantly in­creased in Sitka spruce ( Picea sitchensis ) near spawning streams. As riparian forests affect the quality of instream habitat through shading, sediment and nutrient filtration, and production of large woody debris (LWD), this fertilization process serves not only to enhance riparian production, but may also act as a positive feedback mechanism by which salmon­ borne nutrients improve spawning and rearing habitat for subsequent salmon generations and maintain the long-term productivity of river corridors along the Pacific coast of North America.

Publication Title

Ecology

Volume

82

Issue

9

First Page

2403

Last Page

2409

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2307/2679924

Required Publisher's Statement

Published by: Ecological Society of America

Helfield, J. M. and R. J. Naiman. 2001. Effects of salmon-derived nitrogen on riparian forest growth and implications for stream productivity. Ecology 82: 2403-2409

Article DOI: 10.2307/2679924 Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2679924

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Pacific salmon--Carcasses--Environmental aspects--Alaska; Riparian forests--Nitrogen content--Alaska; Riparian ecology--Alaska; Fish populations--Alaska

Geographic Coverage

Alaska

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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