Stem distance as an explanatory variable for the spatial distribution and chemical conditions of stand precipitation and soil solution under beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees

The partitioning of bulk precipitation (PR) in forest ecosystems and its chemical composition depends on both meteorological factors, such as precipitation amount and intensity, evaporation rate, and wind speed, and stand structural factors, such as stand density, canopy structure, bark texture, and spatiotemporal distribution and density of foliage. We analysed fluxes of water and element contained therein of a mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forest stand on sandy soils in northeastern Germany. We applied a radially symmetrical setup within a stem distance gradient to measure stand precipitation (SP) with its components of throughfall (TF) and stemflow (SF), as well as to measure soil moisture, the chemical composition of the soil solution, the soil chemistry, and the fine root distribution. The chemical analysis of the constituents covered the macroelements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, Si, S, P), the cations and anions NH4+, NO3-, Cl-, SO42-, and a few heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn). With an average PR of 620 mm a(-1), the partitioning resulted in 79% TF, 6% SF, and 15% canopy interception. TF volume increased with distance to stem during summer, but decreased during winter. Clear spatial gradients with increasing concentrations from PR, to different classes of TF as the distance from the trunk decreased, to SF were observed for nearly all elements. The contact of precipitation with leaves and the canopy structures alters the chemical composition of TF and SF by transferring elements from dry deposition or leaching of intracellular materials from the canopy and leads to the input of larger amounts of macroelements and heavy metals with the SP into the soil. Spatial patterns of canopy structures thus affect the spatial variation of TF and its constituents, which also affects the spatial distribution of roots and, at least in phases, the chemical composition of the topsoil solution.

Automated summary

The partitioning and chemical composition of precipitation in forest ecosystems are determined by meteorological and stand structural factors. The contact between precipitation and leaves/canopy structures alters the chemical composition of throughfall and stemflow, contributing to the input of macroelements and heavy metals into the soil. The spatial patterns of canopy structures affect the spatial variation of throughfall and its constituents, as well as the distribution of roots and the chemical composition of the topsoil solution.