Effects of Intensive Biomass Harvesting in Northern Lake States Forests on the Soil Microbial Community, Soil Nutrients, and Soil Carbon Dynamics
Author | : |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 340 |
Release | : 2016 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:953527441 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (41 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: A more complete understanding of the effects of intensive forest biomass harvesting on the soil microbial community, soil nutrient bioavailability, and soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics are essential to advance knowledge of maintaining forest productivity under sustainable biomass harvesting. The objectives of this research are: (1) to quantify the effects of different harvesting practices on shifts in the soil microbial community (2) to address the long-term effects of soil compaction on the soil microbial community and soil nutrients in surface (0-10 cm) and subsurface (20-30 cm) mineral soil two decades after harvest; (3) to determine the effects of organic matter and woody biomass removal combined with soil compaction on SOC pools and mean residence time (MRT) in surface and subsurface mineral soil two decades after harvest, and relate these effects to soil biotic and abiotic C stabilization mechanisms. Four established field experiments were used to assess the effects of intensive biomass harvests on ecosystem properties. The research sites are located throughout the central lake states (MI, WI, MN), in aspen and northern hardwood forests. Soil microbial community composition and biomass were quantified using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Soil nutrient bioavailability was assessed using PRS nutrient probes. SOC dynamics were assessed using a density fractionation procedure followed by carbon and nitrogen determination. Information from this research will help us to address the goal of balancing our global need for energy with sustainable forest use.