Sagehen Creek Field Station

30 Jul, 04 AM - 02 Aug, 08 AM

My goal in this research is to advance ecological knowledge to forward conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems. Although foresters have been working for centuries and ecologists for decades, the ecological, physiological and allocation tradeoffs for tree roots have received relatively little study. This is perhaps because of the difficulties involved in making any observations of root structure or function. Focus has instead been primarily on leaves, and tremendous progress has been made in this area. A complementary focus, on the below-ground component of forested ecosystems, would advance our understanding of the patterns of competition for water and nutrients, of the controls on resource allocation above- and below-ground, and on carbon flux and sequestration below-ground. This study will generate a predictive model that relates quaking aspen and mixed conifer LAI to above- and below-ground carbon allocation. It will also advance understanding of the ecology of a vegetatively reproducing forest species, an important but often overlooked niche. This research methodology may be applied to other species and used to explore below-ground relationships of other vegetatively regenerated forest ecosystems. Moreover, an accurate model that related above-ground aspen and mixed conifer LAI to below-ground biomass and persistence will be useful economically for forest managers and carbon accreditation. With the basal area: LAI relationship I will develop, this model will be economical and practical across scales and for many interested parties, from small landholders to climate modelers. For small landholders with small forests, income from carbon accreditation can be important in deciding whether to invest in afforestation. A persistent soil carbon stock in aspen and mixed conifer stands, if present, would create significant financial incentive for afforestation with and preservation. Benefits would also accrue for global climate and for forested areas.

Visit #29322 @Sagehen Creek Field Station

Approved

Under Project # 25687 | Research

Leaf area-root connections in forested sierran ecosystems

graduate_student - University of California, Berkeley

Reservation Members(s)

Group of 3 Graduate Student Jul 30 - Aug 2, 2012 (4 days)
Benjamin Caldwell Jul 30 - Aug 2, 2012 (4 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

East Cabin (Lower Camp) 4 Jul 30 - Aug 2, 2012
West Cabin (Lower Camp) 4 Jul 30 - Aug 2, 2012