Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
1.1 The Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) is a collaborative partnership among North Central and Northeastern Research Stations of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Technological University and the Carbon Consortium within the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). NIACS activities are largely funded by the Northern Research Station under the problem area of 'Factors regulating carbon allocation to root systems'. Key progress made in this activity is (1) a field study of soil carbon accumulation with stand age using quantative soil pits throughout the northern United States was initiated in cooperation with University of Pennsylvania, (2) a literature review of forest management impacts on soil carbon sequestration was initiated, (3) the field research of a graduate student comparing the whole ecosystem carbon accumulation of red pine and sugar maple growing on similar soils was completed. 1.2 The belowground observatory, or
rhizotron, was operated for the first year, biweekly data on root ingrowth and soil organism activity was initiated, as was soil environmental monitoring. A time-lapse recording system was designed and installed, which will allow long-term observation of above and below-ground processes in these systems. 1.3 Three graduate students were supported fully or in part by funds associated with this project.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2).
Publications
- Hancock, Jessica E.; Loya, Wendy M.; Giardina, Christian P.; Laigeng Li; Chiang, Vincent L.; Pregitzer, Kurt S. 2007. Plant growth, biomass partitioning and soil carbon formation in response to altered lignin biosynthesis in Populus tremuloides. New Pytologist. 173:732-742.
- King, J.S.; Giardina, C.P.; Pregitzer, K.S.; Friend, A.L. 2007. Biomass partitioning in red pine (Pinus resinosa) along a chronosequence in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 37:93-102.
- Talhelm, Alan F.; Quadir, Samir A.; Powers, Matthew D.; Bradley, Kate L.; Friend, Alexander L.; Pregitzer, Kurt S. 2007 13C labeling of plant assimilates using a simple canopy-scale open air system. Plant Soil 296: 227-234.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
1.1 The Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) is a collaborative partnership among North Central and Northeastern Research Stations of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Technological University and the Carbon Consortium within the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). NIACS activities are largely funded by the North Central Research Station under the problem area of "Factors regulating carbon allocation to root systems". Key progress made in this activity is (1) a field study of soil carbon accumulation with stand age using quantative soil pits throughout the northern United States was initiated in cooperation with University of Pennsylvania, (2) a literature review of forest management impacts on soil carbon sequestration was initiated, (3) the field research was completed of a graduate student comparing the whole ecosystem carbon accumulation of red pine and sugar maple growing on similar soils. 1.2 The belowground observatory, or
rhizotron, was operated for the first year, biweekly data on root ingrowth and soil organism activity was initiated, as was soil environmental monitoring. 1.3 Three graduate students were supported fully or in part by funds associated with this project.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2).
Publications
- Funk, Jennifer L.; Giardina, Christian P.; Knohl, Alexander; Lerdau, Manuel T. 2006. Influence of nutrient availability, stand age, and canopy structure on isoprene flux in a Eucalyptus saligna experimental forest. Journal of Geophysical Research. [111:G02012]
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Progress 09/06/01 to 09/06/06
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1.1 A chronosequence study of coarse roots and soil carbon was completed for red pine (Pinus resinosa) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands in upper Michigan, and in mature sugar maple stands. It has resulted in peer-reviewed scientific publications and an MS thesis. 1.2 A manuscript on "Fine root dynamics in a developing Populus deltoides plantation" was prepared and submitted, which evaluates the impact of soil N availability on belowground carbon allocation through fine root production. 1.3 Three case studies of how forest management could increase carbon sequestration were prepared in support of the Forest Service component of a USDA and DOE led effort to revise accounting rules and guidelines for the reporting of carbon sequestration. 1.4 The Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) was formed. It is a collaborative partnership among North Central and Northeastern Research Stations of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Technological University and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). 1.5 A rhizotron tunnel was designed and built, which enables experimentation and observation of roots from a mature forest. This facility was constructed in FY2005 and is being used to monitor root and soil organism dynamics. Biweekly data collection on root in growth and soil organism activity was initiated, as was soil environmental monitoring. A time-lapse recording system was designed and installed, permitting long-term observation of above and below-ground processes in these systems. A mesocosm facility was designed, which will enable researchers to study replicable volumes of soil in under realistic temperatures with the possibility of visual observation and repeated sampling of roots, soil and water from these volumes. 1.6 A study of fertilization effects on fine root production of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) documented non-linear responses of fine production with nitrogen addition. 1.7 Studies of aspen leaf litter quantity and chemical composition in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and ozone were carried out and incorporated into published reports. 1.8 We participated in a landowner targeted meeting on Montreal Process Sustainability Criteria. Project personnel conducted two sessions on carbon cycling and prepared a published fact sheet on forest contributions to global carbon cycles, with a focus on the Lake States. 1.9 RWU personnel published additional projects on carbon cycling and productivity in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. 1.10 Unit scientist participated in a field study of soil carbon accumulation with stand age using quantative soil pits throughout the northern United States in cooperation with University of Pennsylvania and (2) a literature review of forest management impacts on soil carbon sequestration was initiated in cooperation with the University of Ohio. 1.11 Three graduate students were supported fully or in part by funds associated with this project. PARTICIPANTS: Rich Birdsey, USFS NERS, Program Manager - NGCRP Mark Coleman, USFS SRS, Biological Scientist - RWU4103 Christian Giardina, USFS PSW, Research Ecologist - Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry Linda Heath, USFS NERS, Research Forester - NGCRP John Hom, USFS NERS, Deputy Program Manager - NGCRP Randy Kolka, USFS NCRS, Project-Leader - RWU4351 Mark Kubiske, USFS NCRS, Project Leader - RWU4152 William Mattson, USFS NCRS, Research Entomologist - RWU4152 Brian Palik, USFS NCRS, Project Leader - RWU4101 Carl Trettin, USFS SRS, Soil Scientist - RWU4103 Coeli M. Hoover, USFS NERS, Research Soil Scientist - RWU4152 Dennis May, USFS NCRS, Forest Inventory & Analysis, Program Manager - RWU 4801 Patrick D. Miles, USFS NCRS, Forest Inventory & Analysis, Research Forester - RWU 4801 Eric J. Gustafson,USFS NCRS, Project Leader - RWU4153 Don Riemenschneider, USFS NCRS, Project Leader - RWU4158 Michael G. Ryan, USFS RMRS, Research Forester - RWU-4352 Chuck Rhoades, USFS RMRS, Research Biogeochemist - RWU-4352 University of California, Berkeley - Tom Bruns Penn State University - David Eissenstat Mead Publishing Paper - John Johnson, Mead Publishing Paper Stan Wullschleger - Oak Ridge National Lab University of Michigan - Donald Zak Colorado State University - Dan Binkley University of Maine - Gary King INRA - Dr. Gladys Loranger-Merciris Mead West Vaco Company- Gary Wyckoff North Carolina State University - Dr John King University of Wisconsin - Dr Ken Raffa and Dr David Coyle Michigan State University - Dr Donald Zak University of Minnesota - Dr Paul Bolstad USGS - Dr David McGuire Michigan Tech University School of Forest Resources & Environmental Science (MTU) Dr. Andrew Burton, Dr. Victor Busov, Dr. Margaret Gale Dr. Martin Jurgensen, Dr. David Karnosky, Dr. Wendy Loya, Dr. Kurt Pregitzer, Dr. David Reed, Dr. Linda M. Nagel, Dr. Andrew Storer, Dr. John A. Vucetich, Dr. Christopher R.Webster TARGET AUDIENCES: Scientists, policy makers, forest managers, general public, students, and industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2). For example, the coarse root chronosequence studies have led to better estimates of the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil, filling a gap in our understanding that limited our ability to accurately model C accumulation in ecosystems. This will permit better estimates of forests ability to mitigate greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere, contributing to scientific progress, management and policy. NIACS has communicated science products from the NC and NE Research Stations to the wider scientific, management and policy communities, facilitating informed decision-making. We have also contributed to an increased appreciation of belowground processes. The Rhizotron has had a large impact on the broader understanding of the importance of belowground processes, with hundreds of visits from scientists, students (K through university and continuing education) and the public each year. Timelapse imagery has demonstrated the dynamic nature of belowground processes, bringing soil ecology alive for viewers. Impacts of other publications include the advancement of fundamental and applied knowledge of root processes. The impact of these publications can be gauged by their broad citation in the scientific literature
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1.1 The Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) is a collaborative partnership among North Central and Northeastern Research Stations of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Technological University and the Carbon Consortium within the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). NIACS activities are largely funded by the North Central Research Station under the problem area of 'Factors regulating carbon allocation to root systems'. Key progress made in this activity is (1) research and technology transfer was facilitated on soil carbon modeling by organizing a conference to be held on this subject in January at the University of Minnesota, (2) On the ground research progressed in work quantifying carbon in coarse roots and soil for red pine, aspen, and sugar maple. Publications are expected in FY06, (3) Numerous presentations were made to technical and nontechnical groups on carbon management. 1.2 The belowground observatory, or rhizotron, was
designed and constructed in FY05. Research in this facility will begin in summer 2006. 1.3 Three graduate students were supported fully or in part by funds associated with this project.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2).
Publications
- Coleman, Mark D.; Friend, Alexander L.; Kern, Christel C. 2004. Carbon allocation and nitrogen acquisition in a developing Populus deltoides plantation. Tree Physiology. 24: 1347-1357.
- Giardina, Christian P.; Coleman, Mark D.; Hancock, Jessica E.; et al. 2005. The response of belowground carbon allocation in forests to global change. In: Binkley, D.; Menyailo, O., eds. Tree species effects on soils: implications for global change. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: NATO Science Series, Kluwer Academic Publishers. Chapter 7: 119-154.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
1.1 The Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) is a collaborative partnership among North Central and Northeastern Research Stations of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan Technological University and the Carbon Consortium within the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). Its activities are largely funded by the North Central Research Station under this problem area: Factors regulating carbon allocation to root systems. Key progress in this activity is (1) the charter was drafted and approved by all partners, (2) the first annual meeting was held involving partners and representative stakeholders, (3) a strategic plan was drafted and discussed at the annual meeting. 1.2 A preliminary design for a belowground observatory was prepared by project scientists. The design consists of a classic rhizotron tunnel, which will enable experimentation and observation of roots from a mature forest; and a mesocosm facility, which will enable researchers
to study replicable volumes of soil in under realistic temperatures with the possibility of visual observation and repeated sampling of roots, soil and water from these volumes. 1.3 A chronosequence study of coarse roots and soil carbon was completed for red pine (Pinus resinosa) stands in upper Michigan of ages 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 17, 22, 32, and 55 years. Results showed that the proportion of root-to-shoot biomass changes as stands age. Complete data from this project are being analyzed and will be available in FY 05. Results will benefit wood utilization and carbon accounting interests. 1.4 A similar chronosequence was completed for aspen (Populus tremuloides) aged 3, 5, 8, 13, 16, 19, and 36 years. Results will be analyzed in FY05. 1.5 A study of fertilization effects on fine root production of cottonwood (Populus deltoides) (Kern et al., 2004) documented non-linear responses of fine production (growth increment plus mortality) with nitrogen addition. The implications are substantial
for understanding and managing carbon allocation of trees. 1.6 Studies of aspen leaf litter quantity and chemical composition in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide and ozone were continued during FY04. Data from this project will be available in FY05 1.7 We participated in a landowner targeted meeting on Montreal Process Sustainability Criteria. Project personnel conducted two sessions on carbon cycling and prepared a published fact sheet on forest contributions to global carbon cycles, with a focus on the Lake States. 1.8 RWU personnel published additional projects on carbon cycling and productivity in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. 1.9 Three graduate students were supported fully or in part by funds associated with this project.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2).
Publications
- Giardina, Christian P.; Binkley, Dan; Ryan, Michael G.; Fownes, James H.; Senock, Randy S. 2004. Belowground carbon cycling in a humid tropical forest decreases with fertilization. Oecologia. 139: 545-550.
- Giardina, Christian P.; Ryan, Michael G.; Binkley, Dan; Fownes, James H. 2003. Primary production and carbon allocation in relation to nutrient supply in a tropical experimental forest. Global Change Biology. 9: 1438-1450.
- Kern, Christel C.; Friend, Alexander L.; Johnson, Jane M.-F.; Coleman, Mark D. 2004. Fine root dynamics in a developing Populus deltoides plantation. Tree Physiology. 24: 651-660.
- Roberts, Scott D.; Friend, Alexander L.; Gerard, Patrick D. 2004. The effect of large applications of nutrients from organic waste on biomass allocation and allometric relations in loblolly pine. In: Connor, Kristina F., ed. Proceedings of the 12th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-71. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station: 398-402.
- Giardina, Christian P.; Binkley, Dan E. 2002. Sources of soil surface CO2 efflux in a tropical plantation forest. In: Annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America; 2002 August 4-9; Tuscon, AZ. Abstract. (Only available on internet) http://abstracts.co.allenpress.com/pweb/esa2002/document/?ID=16935
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
Methods for quantifying root form/function have been incorporated into the design of the Belowground observatory. A chronosequence of red pine stands and a chronosequence of trembling aspen stands are being sampled for above-and belowground tree biomass and allometry, forest floor carbon, and mineral soil carbon to develop whole ecosystem (above and belowground) carbon budgets. To sample coarse roots, > 400 m3 of soil are being excavated and sifted in the field with excavation and shifting system developed within our work unit. Soil respiration and fine root biomass were sampled in the FACTS II Experiment. Litterfall sampling was initiated in the FACTS II project to quantify fluxes of C and N associated with leaf drop. Litterfall was quantified in 2002 and 2003 in all plots at the FACTS II facility. Litterfall was used to quantify both carbon and nutrient inputs to soil, the timing of these inputs, and corresponding leaf area by species for each plot. Cooperators
initiated research to study cycling of carbon and nutrients from a forested wetland in the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. One Ph.D. student is studying the role of bryophytes in N and C cycling, and another one is developing a hydrologic model to understand the contribution of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon to the hyporheic zone. A manuscript on "Fine root dynamics in a developing Populus deltoides plantation" was prepared and submitted, which evaluates the impact of soil N avaliability on belowground carbon allocation through fine root production. Three case studies of how forest management could increase carbon sequestration were prepared in support of the Forest Service component of a USDA and DOE led effort to revise accounting rules and guidelines for the reporting of carbon sequestration.
Impacts
Detailed information on carbon allocation within plants and ecosystems, including environmental controls over how plant carbon enters soils and is transformed in soils, will inform forest policy and forest management. In the case of policy, in order to understand the extent to which human activities are disrupting ecosystem health, we will need to understand the downstream effects of environmental changes on trees, soils, and water; carbon is an excellent medium for addressing this question. In the case of management, knowing the magnitude and causes of carbon accumulation in forests will allow us to explore the use of forests in managing for global change (e.g., using forests to sequester excess atmospheric CO2).
Publications
- Giardina, Christian P.; Ryan, Michael G. 2002. Total belowground carbon allocation in a fast-growing Eucalyptus plantation estimated using a carbon balance approach. Ecosystems. 5: 487-499
- Funk, Jennifer L.; Jones, Clive G.; Baker, Christine J.; et al. 2003. Diurnal variation in the basal emission rate of isoprene. Ecological Applications. 13(1): 269-278.
- Burton, Andrew J.; Pregitzer, Kurt S. 2002. Measurement carbon dioxide concentration does not affect root respiration of nine tree species in the field. Tree Physiology. 22:67-72.
- Euskirchen, Eugenie S.; Chen, Jiquan; Pregitzer, Kurt S. 2002. Carbon fluxes at a naturally regenerated Jack pine stand in northern Michigan. In: The Ecological Society of America 87th annual meeting: Society for Ecological Restoration 14th annual international conference abstracts; 2002 August 4-9; Tucson, AZ. [City, State: Publisher unknown]: 124. Abstract.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Methods for quantifying root form/function are being incorporated into the design of the Belowground Observatory. A chronosequence of red pine stands are being sampled for above- and below-ground tree allometry, and soil carbon. To sample coarse roots, massive amounts of soil >400 m3 are being sifted in the field with custom built machinery. Soil respiration and fine root biomass were sampled in the FACTS II Experiment. Litterfall sampling was initiated in the FACTS II project to quantify fluxes of C and N associated with leaf drop. Cooperators initiated research to study the role of bryophytes in the cycling of carbon and nutrients from a forested wetland. Cooperators are developing an historical database of results from the past 20 years of research in forested wetlands of the West Branch of the Sturgeon River. Datasets from studies of root plasticity in Populus deltoides growing in Rhinelander were analyzed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Pregitzer, Kurt S. 2002. Fine roots of trees - a new perspective. New Phytologist. 154: 267-273.
- Pregitzer, Kurt S.; DeForest, Jared L.; Burton, Andrew J.; Allen, Michael F.; Ruess, Roger W.; Hendrick, Ronald L. 2002. Fine root architecture of nine North American trees. Ecological Monographs. 72(2): 293-309.
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