Angelo Coast Range Reserve

18 May, 05 AM - 31 May, 05 AM

We would like to measure rates of input and transport of particulate terrestrial detritus in nine stream sites within the South Fork Eel river watershed. We would determine how rates of carbon and nutrient input as particulate plant detritus vary with watershed area, and compare this data to measurements of primary productivity, respiration, and nutrient availability in the streams to determine whether terrestrial detritus inputs are likely to have a significant impact on carbon and nutrient cycling in the streams. We would like to measure inputs and transport of terrestrial plant detritus in the following streams: Skunk, McKinley, Fox, Barnwell, Jack of Hearts, and Elder Creeks, and the South Fork Eel River. Two sites on each of Elder Creek and the South Fork Eel would be monitored. We would measure detritus inputs using litter traps designed to catch litter from falling overhead and litter entering from the streambanks. Ten to twelve traps for each type of input (a total of 20 to 24 traps) would be placed at each of the sites. More traps (less than 40) might be placed at Elder Creek and South Fork Eel River sites because there is likely to be more variation in inputs associated with recent alder growth. Traps would be checked and emptied every two weeks. We would measure transport of detritus at the same time that traps are emptied. We would measure transport of coarse detritus by placing 2-3 drift nets in the streams for 15 min to 2 hours, and collecting plant material that accumulates. We would measure transport of fine detritus by filtering a few liters of water. Part two of the study would examine the role of abundant herbivorous insects in nutrient cycling in the streams. We would measure rates of nutrient regeneration by insects in several streams that vary in watershed area, temperature, and algal growth. We would determine if regeneration rates by individual species vary with watershed area, and how detritiovores and grazers differ in their nutrient release rates. We would measure the nutrients released by insects as particulate and liquid watse, as well as the nutrient content of the insects' tissue and food. These would allow us to relate nutrient regeneration by insects to both watershed area and stoichiometric theory. We hope to use these measurements, along with previously collected data on the insects' distributions and abundances, to predict where in the watershed nutrient regeneration by the insects could be important to nutrient cycling within the streams. We would determine rates of nutrient regeneration by four grazers species (Glossosoma penitum, Glossosoma califica, Dicosmoecus gilvipes, and Gumaga sp.) and one detritivore (Lepidostoma) at up to six sites in the South Fork Eel River watershed (Fox, Barnwell, Jack of Hearts, Elder and Elk Creeks, and the South Fork Eel River). We would measure excretion and egestion rates by incubating insects in plastic bags containing natural streamwater in situ at each of the streams. Incubations may require up to a few hundred insects of small, abundant species. Fewer individuals of larger or insects would be needed. All of the species are extremely abundant, dominant members of their communities. A subsample of the inects used in the incubations would be collected to determine biomass and nutrient content of the insects' tissues. At some sites additional insects may be collected to determine assimilation efficiencies, growth rates, and food nutrient content. The number of insects collected from any site would represent a very small fraction of their local populations. Samples of natural stream water (less than a liter) and epilithon (up to 10 scrapings of a few square cm) would also be collected to determine nutrient content. Samples would be processed in the Angelo Reserve Science Center.

Visit #7254 @Angelo Coast Range Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 5388 | Research

Carbon and nutrient cycling in South Fork Eel Rover watershed

research_scientist - University of California, Berkeley

Reservation Members(s)

Frances McNeely May 18 - 31, 2005 (14 days)
Group of 2 Undergraduate Student May 18 - 31, 2005 (14 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Computer lab 3 May 18 - 31, 2005
Fox Creek Lodge 3 May 18 - 31, 2005
Lab 3 May 18 - 31, 2005
Wilderness Lodge 3 May 18 - 31, 2005