The Influence of Adjacent Mature Douglas-Fir Forests and Mountain Meadows on Soil Nutrient Cycling, Microbial Activity, and the Occurrence of Ectomycorrhizal Mats
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Authors
Price, Edwin R.
Issue Date
1998
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The long-term effects of vegetation on soil characteristics is important knowledge
for foresters. This study was designed to measure some of these effects using old growth
Douglas-fir and old field sites in the Willamette National forest and the H.J. Andrews
Experimental Forest in the central Oregon Cascades. Soil samples were collected along
transects running from old growth forest to old fields. 𝛽-Glucosidase enzyme activity,
denitrification potential, and temperature were elevated significantly in old fields
compared to old growth forest, while readily degradable carbon, ectomycorrhizal mat
distribution and litter depth were found to be higher in old growth than in the fields. In
addition, intermediate values for variables studied were observed in transition zones for
these tests. Variable trends were found in substrate-induced respiration tests for
fungallbacterial dominance. Continued inhabitance of these fields by grass and fern
vegetation changes several biochemical and biotic variables and probably serves to inhibit
succession to a tree-dominated area.
Description
vii, 23 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.