Abstract:
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) roots in four plant communities--ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor (Pursh). Maxim.)/salal (Gaultheria shallon Pursh), vine maple (Acer circinatum
Pursh)/salal, sword-fern (Polystichum munitum (Kaulf.) Presi. var. munitum) and sword-f ern/oxalis (Oxalis oregana Nutt.)--were sampled for soluble nitrogen concentrations. Sampling prior to bud burst
in the salal communities showed lower concentrations of soluble nitrogen than in the sword-fern communities. Summer samples showed no significant differences. Results suggest that salal community types experience minimum soluble nitrogen levels throughout the year while sword-fern community types experience higher nitrogen
status during winter. Management practices that conserve or add nitrogen are more critical in salal community types.
