Aluminum dynamics in nitrogen‐saturated Andisols in Tokyo

Abstract

The debate over whether forests around the Tokyo metropolitan area are nitrogen (N) saturation persists, as atmospheric N deposition in throughfall has decreased. This decrease is evidenced by a notable decline in samples collected in the 1990s (especially 1991–1992 and 1995). This decline can be attributed to a reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from automobiles. The acidity derived from N deposition can increase aluminum (Al) mobility. We conducted a monitoring study from September 2010 to December 2021 to elucidate the effects of decreased N deposition on Al concentrations and flux in a forested Andisol. Throughfall and soil‐percolated water samples were collected under stands of Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress in Hachioji, Tokyo (Field Museum Tamakyuryo). Major inorganic ions were determined by ion chromatography. Total Al concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry after concentration under acidic conditions. Aluminum and nitrate () concentrations were significantly correlated in the both Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress stands. In the case of the Japanese cedar stand, Al concentrations tended to decrease over time from November 2010 to May 2015. Based on stepwise multiple regression analysis, acid load associated with N transformation ([H+]load) was chosen as the sole factor affecting Al mobilization in the Japanese cedar stand. Decreased N deposition affects Al dynamics via a decrease in [H+]load.