The broadest goal of the research covered in this thesis was to contribute
to our limited knowledge of high elevation forest soil ecology. Based on the reeds
of funding agencies, specific objectives were to examine 1) how climate-induced
Abies lasiocarpa ([Hook.] Nutt.) forest expansion affects soil nutrient pools, 2) the...
In this study, biological and chemical characteristics were determined for two high-elevation meadow-to-forest transitions located in the Central Oregon Cascades. The chloroform fumigation incubation method (CFIM) was used to determine microbial biomass C(MBC) and the N flush due to fumigation (NF), and meadow values were compared to forest values for...
A variety of soil properties have been proposed and tested as potential
indicators of soil quality. This study was conducted in an effort to produce a
standardized soil quality index for systems in Oregon. Soils in both forested and
agricultural systems were sampled in a wide variety of locations, climates,...
In arid and semi-arid deserts, soils are commonly covered with biological soil crusts. The
study of arid biocrusts and their ecological function has become increasingly common in
the literature over the last several decades. Interestingly, no mention is made of
biological soil crusts in forested ecosystems, raising the question as...
Riparian zones of Pacific Northwest forests have high species diversity and abundance and act as an important interface between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In addition, riparian zones comprise a significant portion of the total buffer zone established during commercial forest production to protect aquatic ecosystems from adjacent management activities....
In the past 10 years we have witnessed the beginnings of the study of soil ecology as a unified science, and the general realization by soil scientists, farmers, and land managers that many of the most important economic aspects of soil health are controlled by biological factors. This research focuses...
On piñon-juniper encroached sites that lack the understory fuels to carry a prescribed fire, treatment options are limited to mechanical methods. Cutting with chainsaws and leaving the trees on site has been the primary treatment method for such sites, however this method creates a potential fire hazard, particularly in the...
Soil organic carbon (SOC, kg C m-2) is an important component in evaluating global C stores. The nitrogen (TN, kg N m"2) cycle is closely linked to C and understanding its role is also important. Contents and distributions of SOC and TN in soil profiles, to 1-meter depth, were estimated...
Soil organic matter (SOM) is the terrestrial biosphere's largest pool of organic carbon (C) and is an integral part of C cycling globally. Soil organic matter composition typically can be traced directly back to the type of detrital inputs; however, the stabilization of SOM results as a combination of chemical...
