Abstract
The weathering of parent material is the primary source of Ca, Mg, K, and P in soils and ecosystems. The influence of rock-derived nutrients on N cycling is less often investigated. Here, we investigated the geochemical compositions of soil mineral nutrients of mineral horizon in 20 sites in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, United States. Total soil N content, foliar N concentration, and N mineralization were compared among sites located on different types of bedrock. Total soil N content was significantly higher in sites located on Rangeley schist than sites located on the Conway, Mt. Osceola, and Kinsman granites. Foliar N and N mineralization were not related to bedrock types. Nitrogen mineralization was closely related to foliar N concentration, soil C/N ratio and soil exchangeable Ca. Nitrogen mineralization rate was higher when foliar N concentration increased, but was inhibited by the soil C/N and soil exchangeable Ca. Rock-derived nutrients may deserve more attention as a control on N accumulation in ecosystem development.