Long‐Term Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Nitrogen Availability in Coastal Douglas‐Fir Forest Floors

It has been suggested that a long‐term increase in N availability could be achieved by repeated N fertilization of forests, and that the increase in N availability would be greatest at initially N‐rich sites. The aim of this study was to determine if N availability was elevated 8 to 12 yr after repeated N fertilization, and if the effects of N fertilization were related to the soil N capital. Rates of N cycling in control and fertilized plots of Douglas‐fir [ Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] were compared by measuring net N mineralization rates in forest floors and by estimating rates of N turnover from the litterfall/forest floor ratio. Litterfall N contents, litter N concentrations, and rates of N turnover increased along the gradient in soil N capital in both control and fertilized stands. Fertilization did not affect litterfall N content, but C/N ratios of litter and forest floors were significantly lower in fertilized stands along the gradient. Turnover rates of N in the forest floors were not higher in fertilized plots than in control plots, nor were rates of net N mineralization affected by fertilization. Net nitrification rates were higher in some of the plots that received 1120 kg N ha −1 than in control plots. We conclude that N fertilization did not result in a sustained increase in N cycling and N availability analogous to a higher site N capital, and that the effect of N fertilization was not related to the initial soil N capital of these sites.