Contribution of red alder to soil nitrogen input in a silvopastoral system

Abstract

Studies on Alnus rubra Bong. (red alder) were carried out to assess its potential for use as a component of a silvopastoral system. Comparison was between two treatments: red alder at 400 stems ha−1 (silvopasture) and red alder at 2,500 stems ha−1 (forestry control). δ15N values close to zero were recorded in all red alder plant parts except for root nodules, indicating that a large proportion of N in red alder was fixed from the atmosphere. Overall, it was estimated that there was 63.45 kg N ha−1 fixed N accumulated in red alder trees, and the rate of N fixation was estimated at 30.95 kg ha−1 year−1 in the silvopasture treatment. The total amount of N that could potentially be added to the soil in the silvopasture treatment as a result of decomposition of senescent leaves, roots, and dead nodules was estimated at 40.56 kg ha−1 year−1. Of the total N added to the soil, 27.1 kg ha−1 year−1 was due to N fixation from the atmosphere. These results show that red alder has a potential to improve and maintain soil fertility in a silvopastoral system.