Importance of Runoff and Winter Anoxia to the P and N Dynamics of a Beaver Pond

Abstract

Annual retentions of total phosphorus (TP) (−11%) and total nitrogen (TN) (−5%) of a headwater beaver pond in central Ontario were low during 1987–88. Annually, inputs exceeded outputs of total reactive P (71%) and NO₃–N (35%), and outputs exceeded inputs of total unreactive P (−33%) and total organic N (−26%), and inputs approximated outputs of NH₄–N (−8%). Seasonal trends in P and N retention were inversely correlated with runoff. Monthly retention was weakly positively related to average water temperature and redox potential (ORP). Positive monthly retention coincided with low runoff and high biotic assimilation during the growing season. Winter ice cover was associated with undetectable dissolved oxygen and low ORP and increased levels of P and N, particularly NH₄–N. High levels of P and N in the surface water during winter were coupled with increased runoff and potentially low biotic assimilation resulting in a net release of TP and TN. Large flow-through of waterborne inputs and flushing of regenerated P and N occurred during peak snowmelt resulting in low annual retention. Initial accumulation of flooded forest material and input of organic matter by beaver may be very important to P and N dynamics, representing a long-term source of nutrients to the pond water and outflow.