Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience included local agencies (e.g., USGS, DNR, NFS, NAFC, NGPC, Riparian Vegetation Task Force, Weed Management Association), natural resources managers, NE State Government representattives, participants at professional meetings, faculty and peers from inside and outside institutions, students, and professional community (international and national meetings and visits). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. A total of 3graduate students and several undergraduate and high school students were trained and involved in the project.Additionally, 3postdoc, a technician and 3visiting scientists (from the Swiss Federal Institute, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute,and Chinese Academy of Science) were involved in the study which contributedto their professional development. Results from this study were shared with K-12 students through seminars and talks. Methods and findings were incorporated inplant ecophysiology and introduction to forest management courses. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results and findings from this project have been published in professional journals (8 peer reviewed manuscripts, 2 chapters in NE climate change reports, 1manuscriptunder review, and 2manuscripts under development),and shared in professional meetings and invited talks in the USA, China, Greece, Russia, and Switzerland. Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. A short video for science literacy was developed targeting K-12 with collaboration with NET TV. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This research investigated the impacts of woody species invasion in NE semi-arid grasslands (eastern redcedar and ponderosa pine) and riparian areas (eastern redcedar and Russian olive) on ecosystemsfunctions with emphasis on ecohydrology, productivity, and diversity, and on determining environmental drivers, thresholds, and limitations to woody species expansion and growth under projected climate change. Specifically we used: - Quantitative ecophysiological and ecological approaches to study the impacts of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)expansionin grasslands, and eastern redcedar and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia)invasionin cottonwood (Populus deltoides) riparian forests on plant diversity and productivity, water balance, and resources availability. - Dendroecological approaches to determine past and present growth and responses of invasive and nativewoody speciestothe environmentand to stand density. - Dendroecological, ecophysiological and environmental data to forecast future woody species distribution as impacted by climate variability and change. To address the three objectives we established new sites and/or used long-term research sites (established by PIs) across precipitation gradient in NE (precipitation ranging from 850 to 570 mm in eastern and western NE, respectively). For detailed sites descriptionpleasesee Aus Der Au, et al., 2018; and Awada et al., 2013 and 2019.Since this is an integrated study, we highlight our findings in grasslands and riparian areas separately across all objectives. Grasslands study: We demonstrated in this 5 year-study that tree invasion in NE has led to a shift in vegetation composition, water availability, and soil characteristics, with significant plasticity of invasive woody species in response to resource availability (i.e. nutrients, light, and water) and limitation (e.g., Awada et al., 2013, Msanne et al., 2017). Eastern redcedar, together with other drought tolerant species in the ecosystem may play a dual role in the face of climate variability and change by either maintaining some ecosystem functioning in the face of prolonged periods of drought or impacting resilience due to the decline in biological and functional diversity in the system. We conclude thatunderstanding of the mechanisms of vegetation shift, physiological resistance strategies of species in response to abiotic and biotic stresses associated with climate variability and change, and thresholds in the face of climate extremes, are important for predicting the directional changes and invasion of these ecosystems in the face of climate change (e.g., Msanne et al., 2017, Aus der Au., 2018). Using Dendroecological (tree rings) and stable isotopes we conducted the first and most comprehensive study in NE (across precipitation gradient)on the drivers and thresholds of invasion, as well as impacts of projected climate variability on the expansion and performance of the two species. This study was conducted in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forests, Snow and Landscapes (WSL) and the University of Zurich.We demonstratedthatspecies success in the drier western NE, washighly dependent on climate in the first years of establishment and on access to groundwater in the sampling and tree stage. Tree density was not a major factor. However in the eastern part of the state, the past, current and projected climate variability donot limit the expansion of invasive woody species especially that of eastern redcedar (MS Thesis, Aus der AU, 2017, Aus Der Au et al., 2018). Our preliminary observation also indicated that invasion is highest in private acreages and in unmanaged lands in eastern NE (still to be confirmed statistically). Finally, C13 data have shown that examined woody species have responded positively to increase in CO2 in the atmosphere in NE. Riparian study:we used dendroecological, ecophysiological and stable isotopes to demonstrate the differential acclimationof native Populus deltoides, invasive Elaeagnus angustifolia, and upland native aggressive Juniperus virginiana to streamflow fluctuations in a semi-arid riparian ecosystem along the Republican River. This has been a collaborative effort with WSL. Our results have shown that streamflow or water availability were the most important predictors of P. deltoides tree performance, and to a lesser extent J. virginiana. Elaeagnus angustifolia performance on the other hand was not significantly affected by environmental fluctuations, which increases the concern about the species and its future expansion. These results have significant ecological consequences along the Republican River and elsewhere. Altered ecohydrological processes have been shown to change riparian community composition, structure and function and, in many cases, facilitate the encroachment of native non-riparian or invasive alien species, further impacting the ecohydrology and surface water in the system. In fact, flood control and drought haveexasperated the problem by suppressing the regeneration of P. deltoides which relies on new mineral bed for germination and establishment, while facilitating the spread of J. virginiana and E. angustifolia, which once establish theythrive in the understory of P. deltoides. Based off current water flow management and without high flood pulses through the riparian zone, these species will continue to establish and spread throughout the Republican River watershed and elsewhere with significant impacts on the ecohydrology in the system (e.g., Awada et al., 2019).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Awada, T., Skolaut, K., Battipaglia, G., Saurer, M., Riveros-Iregui, D., Schapaugh, A., Huddle J., Zhou, X., Martin, D., and Cherubini, P. (2019). Tree-ring stable isotopes show different ecophysiological strategies in native and invasive woody species of a semi-arid riparian ecosystem in the Great Plains of the USA. Ecohydrology. In Press.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Aus Der Au, R., Awada,T., Battipaglia, G., Hiller, J., Saurer, M., and Cherubini, P. (2018). Tree rings of Pinus ponderosa and Juniperus virginiana show different responses to stand density and water availability in the Nebraska Grasslands. American Midland Naturalist. 180(1):18-36.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Awada, T. (2018). Phragmites invasion and ecosystem resilience, NWCA Spring Training, Ramada Inn, Kearney April 4, 2018.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Awada, T. (2018). Tree-rings stable isotopes show different adaptive strategies of native and invasive woody species to streamflow fluctuations along the Republican River in NE. 13th Platte River Basin Ecosystem Symposium, June 5-6, Wood River, NE.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Battipaglia G., Awada T., Aus der Au R., Sauer M., and Cherubini P. Increased CO2 facilitates the growth of Ponderosa pine into the semi-arid grasslands of Nebraska. submitted
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience included local agencies (e.g., USGS, DNR, NFS, NAFC, NGPC, Riparian Vegetation Task Force), natural resources managers, participants at professional meetings, faculty from inside and outside institutions, students, and professional community (international and national meetings and visits). Changes/Problems:Several of the participants on this project have left UNL: G. Baigorria, J. Msanne, S. Young, X. Zhou and C. Romero. I continue to collaborate with these faculty but the recent departure of Baigorria and Msanne have slowed down the modelling efforts, which may continue beyond the life of this project (2018 is the final year). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. Two graduate stduents completed their MS thesis, and one undergraduate students was trained. Additionally, a postdoc, a technician and 2 visiting scientists (from the Swiss Federal Institute and Chinese Academy of Science) are involved in the study which contributes to their professional development. Results from this study were shared with K-12 students through the delivery of a biosecurity and invasive species seminar. Methods and findings were incoporated in 2 independent study courses on plant ecophysiology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results and findings from this project have been published in professional journals, and shared in professional meetings and invited talks (e.g., Biosecurity Seminar on Invasive Species, Chinese Academy of Science-Inner Mongolia, and TRACE conference in Russia). Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. A short video for science literacy was developed targeting K-12 with collaboration with NET TV. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?- Continue the collection of long term data from permanent sites at the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey - Complete data analysis and manuscripts preparation. - Continue with our modelling efforts (final objective on this study). - Advise graduate and undergraduate students. - Disseminate results.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This research aims at investigating the impacts of woody species encroachment in semi-arid grasslands and riparian areas of NE on ecosystem functions and resilience with emphasis on ecohydrology, ecosystem productivity and diversity, and determining environmental drivers, thresholds, and limitations to woody species growth under projected climate change. We have used ecophysiological and dendroecological approaches to studying the impacts of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) expansion in grasslands, and eastern redcedar and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) invasion into cottonwood (Populus deltoides) riparian forests on plant diversity and productivity, water balance, and resources availability. - Grasslands study: We demonstrated in this study that tree invasion in NE sandhills has led to a shift in vegetation composition, water availability, and soil characteristics, with significant plasticity of invasive woody species in response to resource availability (i.e. nutrients, light, and water) and limitation. Eastern redcedar together with other drought tolerant species in the ecosystem may play a dual role in the face of climate variability and change by either maintaining some ecosystem functioning in the face of prolonged periods of drought or impacting resilience due to the decline in biological and functional diversity in the system. We conclude that better understanding of the mechanisms of vegetation shift, physiological resistance strategies of species in grasslands in response to abiotic and biotic environmental stresses associated with climate variability and change, and thresholds in the face of climate extremes, are important for predicting the directional changes of these ecosystems in the face of climate change (Msanne et al., 2017). Using Dendroecological (tree rings) and stable isotopes to assess the performance of the ponderosa pine and eastern redcedar across a precipitation gradient in NE demonstrated that these two species success is highly dependent on groundwater access and precipitation in the drier central and western locations of the state, in contrast precipitation was not a limiting factor in the eastern locations (MS Thesis, Aus der AU, 2017). - In the riparian study, we used dendroecological, ecophysiological and stable isotopes to demonstrate the differential adaptation of native Populus deltoides, invasive Elaeagnus angustifolia, and upland native aggressive Juniperus virginiana to streamflow fluctuations in a semi-arid riparian ecosystem along the Republican River in the Great Plains, US. This has been a collaborative effort with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forests, Snow and Landscapes. Our results have shown that streamflow or water availability were the most important predictors of P. deltoides tree performance, and to a lesser extent J. virginiana. Elaeagnus angustifolia performance on the other hand was not significantly affected by the environmental fluctuations. These results have significant ecological consequences along the Republican River and elsewhere. Altered ecohydrological processes have been shown to change riparian community composition, structure and function and, in many cases, facilitate the encroachment of native non-riparian or invasive alien species, further impacting the ecohydrology and surface water in the system. Flood control in these areas has also exasperated the problem by suppressing the regeneration of P. deltoides which relies on new mineral bed for germination and establishment, while facilitating the spread of J. virginiana and E. angustifolia, two species that were widely planted across the Great Plains since 1900's, and are known to produce large number of seeds that can germinate under a range environmental conditions. Once established, both J. virginiana and E. angustifolia were found to thrive in the understory of P. deltoides and based off current water flow management and without high flood pulses through the riparian zone, these species will continue to establish and spread throughout the Republican River watershed and elsewhere with significant impacts on the ecohydrology in the system (Manuscript submitted).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Msanne, J., Awada, T., Bryan, N.M., Schacht, W., Drijber, R., Li, Y., Zhou, X., Okalebo J., Wedin, D., Brandle, J., and Hiller, J. (2017). Ecophysiological responses of native invasive woody Juniperus virginiana L. to resource availability and stand characteristics in the semi-arid grasslands of the Nebraska Sandhills. Photosynthetica, 55:219-230.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Aus Der Au, R. (2017). Two invasive species in the Sandhills of Nebraska: Responses to drought and water use efficiency. Department of Georgraphy, University of Zurich.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Awada, T. (2017). Invasive species and biosecurity - The Sandhills of Nebraska. Biosecurity Seminar, UNL, May 18.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Awada, T. (2017). Woody species encroachment in semi-arid grasslands with emphasis on Juniperus Virginiana. Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China. September 14.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Aus der Au, R., Awada, T., Egli, M., and Cherubini, P. (2017) Goodbye cowboy prairie! Tree Rings in Archaeology, Climatology and Ecology (TRACE) Conference, Svetlogorsk, Russia, May 16-21.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:Target audience included local agencies (e.g., USGS, DNR, NFS, NAFC, NGPC), natural resources managers, participants at professional meetings, faculty from inside and outside institutions, students, and professional community (international and national meetings and visits). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. A short video for science literacy was developed with collaboration with NET TV targeting K-12 education. Two graduate and one undergraduate students are being trained and this study serves as the basis for their research. Additionally, a postdoc, a technician and a visiting scientist from the Swiss Federal Institute are involved in the study which contributes to their professional development. Results from this study were shared with an independent study course on plant ecophysiology. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Two manuscripts were published, and one is in press. Results were shared with professionals and natural resource managers. A short video for science literacy was developed targeting K-12 with collaboration with NET TV. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?- Complete dendroecological data collection - Complete analysis of ecophysiological measurements, and draft manuscripts - Initiate modelling efforts (final objective on this study) - Advise graduate and undergraduate students - Disseminate results with professionals and managers
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Quantitative ecophysiological and ecological approaches to studying the impacts of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) expansion in grasslands, and eastern redcedar and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia) invasion into cottonwood (Populus deltoides) riparian forests on plant diversity and productivity, water balance, and resources availability. Data on tree water use using sapflux techniques in native and invasive woody species along riparian areas is being analyzed. We continue to collect data on environmental changes associated with increase in woody species in native grasslands. A manuscript on this topic was recently published. The article (Msanne et al., Photosynthetica) focuses on changes in environmental conditions (e.g., water, soil characteristics, temperature, humidity, etc.) as impacted by increase in woody species in grasslands and their feedback on tree function. The manuscript included findings on changes in photosynthetic capacity of Juniperus Virginiana that have not been published before especially in the most western distribution of this species. -Dendroecological approaches to determine past and present growth and responses of invasive and native woody species to the environment and to stand density. Cores collection from riparian sites has been completed and data analyzed, we are in the process of preparing a manuscript. Cores collection from upland sites were completed as well in the spring of 2016. Cores are being analyzed for standard dendroecological variables and for C and O isotopes. The team is collaborating with the Swiss Federal Institute of Forest, Snow and Landscapes on data analysis and students advising. -Dendroecological, ecophysiological and environmental data to forecast future woody species distribution as impacted by climate variability and change. This objective will be addressed in 2017 after the completion of dendroecological data collection and analysis, and the completion of ecophsyiological data collection. -Findings from the ecophysiological responses of invasive phragmites in riparian areas along the republican river were incorporated in the models that addressed changes in site evapotranspiration as impacted by phragmites invasion and control. A manuscript was published in Journal of Hydrology. Main findings have shown that control of phragmites along the republican river resulted in an average water saving of 245 mm (equivalent to 32% drop in site evapotranspiration).
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Mykleby, P.M., Lenters, J.D., Cutrell, G.J., Herrman, K.S., Istanbulluoglu, E., Scott, D.T., Twine, T.E., Kucharik, C.J., Awada, T., Soylu, M.E., and Dong, B. (2016). Energy and water response of a vegetated wetland to herbicide treatment of invasive Phragmites australis. Journal of Hydrology, 539:290-303.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Msanne, J., Awada, T., Bryan, N.M., Schacht, W., Drijber, R., Li, Y., Zhou, X., Okalebo J., Wedin, D., Brandle, J., and Hiller, J. (2016). Ecophysiological responses of native invasive woody Juniperus virginiana L. to resource availability and stand characteristics in the semi-arid grasslands of the Nebraska Sandhills. Photosynthetica, early online access.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Nguy-Robertson, A., Buckley, E.M., Suyker, A.S., Awada, T. (2016). Determining factors that impact the calibration of consumer-grade digital cameras used for vegetation analysis. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 37:33653383.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Awada, T. (2016) Climate change and ne agroecosystems: emphasis on croplands and vegetation cover change in rangelands, Speaker and Panel Discussant, NLCV Conservation Summit, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, December 7.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Masis, T., Hiller, J., Morgan, P., Stoerger, V., and Awada, T. (2016). Application of high throughput plant phenotyping in natural resources management. UNL Plant Science Retreat. Lied Lodge and Conference Center, Nebraska City, NE.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Masis, T., Hiller, J., Morgan, P., Stoerger, V., and Awada, T. (2016). Application of high throughput plant phenotyping in natural resources management. AusPheno, 5th International Controlled Environmental Conference, Canberra, September 18-23.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:We communicated the goals of the project, as well as, previous and current findings with local agencies (e.g., Forest Service,DNR,NGPC), natural resources managers, state arboritum staff,scientists from inside and outside institutions, students, and professional community (e.g., national and international conferences). PIs participated in several conferences and professional meetings, and were invited to give seminars nationally and internationally (China, Switzerland and Greece). Research findings wereincoporated inclass lectures (e.g., Forest Ecology and Introduction to Forest Management). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided support to forestry professionals and technicians, training to undergraduate and graduate students, and professional development to post-doctoral fellows. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were shared through peer-reviewedpublications, personnal communications (PI shared data with colleagues),formal and informal discussion withprofessionals, stakeholders (e.g. round table discussion on climate change),students, natural resources managers and foresters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Continue to collect data and process dendroecological samples. 2. Continue to collected soil (e.g., moisture, carbon, temperature, nutrients), and plant data (species composition, gas exchange, C13, nutrients., etc.). 3. Develop initial models to address objective 3 on species forecasting. 4. Submit manuscripts and present data at professional meetings. 5. Train undergraduate and graduate students. 6. Continue to support the development of post-doctoral fellows.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This research aims at investigating the impacts of woody species expansion in semi-arid grasslands and riparian areas of NE on ecosystem functions with emphasis on ecohydrology, and ecosystem productivity and diversity, and determining environmental drivers, thresholds, and limitations to woody species growth under projected climate change. Three objectives were identified, below is our progress to date (year 2 of the project) Quantitative ecophysiological and ecological approaches to study the impacts of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) andeastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) expansion in grasslands, and eastern redcedar and Russian olive (Eleagnusangustifolia) invasion in cottonwood (Populus deltoides) riparian forests on plant diversity and productivity, water balance, andresources availability. As part of our long term study on this topic, we have selected upland sites (open, mid and high density) at the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey and identified trees for measurements. Basic forest mensuration measurements and soil parameters were collected. Replicated soil cores were established at three depths at all sites in 2014, and measurements of soil gas carbon 12 and 13, soil temperature, and water content are being conducted bi-weekly during the growing season. Micrometeorological data were collected from a weather station. Leaf level gas exchange, C isotope, and water status measurements were conducted. On riparian site, three-year sap flux data collection has been completed (supported by a previous Mc.Stennis project funds), and data are being analyzed and manuscripts are in preparation. Dendroecological approaches to determine past and present growth and responses of invasive and native woodyspecies to the environment and to stand density. Cores collection from riparian sites has been completed and data analyzed, we will submit a manuscript in 2016. Cores collection from upland sites were completed in Fall of 2015. Cores are being analyzed for standard dendroecological variables and for C and O isotopes at co-investigator's institution in Zurich (WSL). Dendroecological, ecophysiological and environmental data to forecast future woody species distribution as impacted byclimate variability and change. This objective will be addressed in 2016 and 2017 as planned, after the completion of dendroecological data collection and analysis, and the completion of ecophsyiological data collection. Two new graduate students have joined our team in 2015, and one successfully graduated. PI is co-advising a student at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forests, Snow, and Landscape, who will assist with the dendroecology study. This student is fully supported by Swiss collaborators. Results on the method developmentfordetermination of growth habits in open and dense populations of J. virginiana (Zhou et al. 2015), have required that we develop biomass equation for the woody species we are investigating in an open setting which enables us to capture differences in growth (e.g., tree specific gravity and architecture). Data from destructively sampled open-grown trees were used to examine the uncertainties in the use of forest-derived equations for open-grown trees. Forest-derived equations provided good estimates of trunk biomass at lower diameter ranges but, as diameter increased, resulted in overestimation up to 40% for individual trees. Across the full diameter ranges, individual tree branch biomass was underestimated by 29-82%, depending on species and equation used. Although open-grown trunk and branch biomass curves diverged down and up, respectively, from their forest-derived counterparts, those for the whole tree tended to converge, albeit significantly above the forest-derived curves. Whole-tree biomass for individual trees was underestimated by at least 18%. To correct the biases, we studied the adjustment factor of forest- to open-grown tree biomass. It shows a power function with diameter. On a whole-tree basis, it was evaluated as a constant (1.2) independent of species and diameters. Application of this constant factor adjusted the biomass underestimation of three-species-mixed plantation by forest-derived equations from 21 to 4.6%, providing a cost-efficient approach to use forest-derived equations for open-grown trees in agriculture land. Results on the ecophysiology of introduced and native phragmites along riparian areas (Mykleby et al., 2015), showed that phragmites has the potential to modify habitats and lead to changes in ecosystem services. Our results have shown that native phragmites, with its higher rates of Amax (at 25-32°C), δ13C, water use efficiency (WUE) and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE), has a better ability to deal with water fluctuations, water shortages, and warmer temperatures than its introduced counterpart, and could result in the native lineage being part of more diverse plant communities that can including woody species. In contrast, the faster growth rate, higher SLA, and lower WUE of the introduced lineage under cooler temperatures could result in greater carbon assimilation on a whole-plant level, giving introduced invasive phragmites an advantage and leading to further displacement of native communities in water-saturated habitats.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Zhou, X., Schoeneberger, M.M., Brandle, J., Awada, T., Chu, J., Martin, D.L., Li, J., Li, Y., and Mize, C.W. (2015). Analyzing the uncertainties in use of forest-derived biomass equations for open-grown trees in agricultural land. Forest Science, 61:144161.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Mykleby, P.M., Awada, T., Lenters, J., Bihmidine, S., Yarina, A. and Young, S. (2015). Ecophysiological responses of invasive and native phragmites australis to temperature and nitrogen fertilization. Great Plains Research. 25:63-74
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Awada, T. Woody Species Encroachment in a Semi-arid Grassland Ecosystem: the case of Juniperus virginiana. Naiman Desertification Research Station, Chinese Ecosystem Research Network, Cold and Arid Region Environmental and Engineering Research Institution, Chinese Academy of Sciences. September 7, 2015.(Invited Talk)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Awada, T. (2015). Invasive woody species in a semi-arid grasslands in the Great Plains of the US: the case of Juniperus virginiana, The Birmensdorfer Tree-Ring Lectures, The Swiss Federal Institute for Forests, Snow and Landscapes, Zurich Switzerland, April 15, 2015.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Msanne J., Awada, T., Bryan N.M, Schacht, W., Drijber, R., Li, Y., Wedin, W., Zhou, X., and Hiller, J. Environmental changes and feedback on tree ecophysiology associated with increased density of invasive woody species Juniperus virginiana in a semi-arid grassland ecosystem (Submitted).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Submitted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Mykleby, P.M., Lenters, J.D., Cutrell, G.J., Herrman, K.S., Istanbulluoglu, E., Scott, D.T., Twine, T.E., Kucharik, C.J., Awada, T., Soylu, M.E., and Dong, B. Water and energy balance response of a riparian wetland to herbicide treatment of invasive Phragmites australis (submitted).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Nguy-Robertson, A., Buckleya, E.M., Suykera, A.S., Awada, T. Determining factors that impact the calibration of consumer-grade digital cameras used for vegetation analysis (Revise and resubmit)
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audience included local agencies (e.g., USGS, DNR, NFS, NAFC, NGPC), natural resources managers, faculty from inside and outside institutions, students, and professional community (e.g., international conferences, USA). Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project provided support to several forestry professionals, training to undergraduate and graduate students, and professional development to post-doctoral fellows. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Two manuscripts are in press, results were shared with professionals, students, natural resources managersand foresters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? 1. Complete tree cores sampling, and initiate dendroecological analyses. 2. Continue to collected soil (e.g., moisture, carbon, temperature, nutrients), and plant data (species composition, gas exchange, C13, nutrients., etc.). 3. Develop initial models to address objective 3 on species forecasting. 4. Submit manuscritps and present data at professional meetings. 5. Train undergraduate and graduate students. 6. Continue to support the development of post-doctoral fellows.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
This research aims at investigating the impacts of woody species invasion in semi-arid grasslands and riparian areas of NE on ecosystem functions with emphasis on ecohydrology, and ecosystem productivity and diversity, and determining environmental drivers, thresholds, and limitations to woody species growth under projected climate change. Three objectives were identified, below is our progress to date (year 1 of the project) -Quantitative ecophysiological and ecological approaches to study the impacts of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)expansionin grasslands, and eastern redcedar and Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia)invasionin cottonwood (Populus deltoides) riparian forests on plant diversity and productivity, water balance, and resources availability.Six upland sites were selected with densities ranging from open grasslands to dense canopy eastern redcedar or ponderosa pine. Trees were identified and standard mensuration measurements were conducted on sites. Replicated soil coreswere established at three depths at all sites,and measurements ofsoil gas carbon 12 and 13, soil temperature,and water contentwere conducted onregular basis throughout the growing season.Micrometeorological datawere collected from a weather station.Leaf level gas exchange, C isotope,and water statusmeasurements were conducted. On riparian site, three-yearsap flux data collectionhas been completed (supported by a previous Mc.Stennisproject funds), and data arebeing analyzed. -Dendroecological approaches to determine past and present growth and responses of invasive and nativewoody speciestothe environmentand to stand density. Cores collection from riparian sites has been completed and data analyzed, we are in the process of preparing a manuscript. Cores collection from upland sites will be completed in spring 2015. Cores will be analayzed for standard dendroecological variables and for C and O isotopes. -Dendroecological, ecophysiological and environmental data to forecast future woody species distribution as impacted by climate variability and change. This objective will be addressed in 2016 and 2017 after the completion of dendroecological data collectionand analysis, and the completion of ecophsyiological data collection. Two manuscripts were completed and are in press, they will appear in 2015 (see publication list). Results were shared with professionals and natural resources managers.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
1. Zhou, X., Schoeneberger, M.M., Brandle, J., Awada, T., Chu, J., Martin, D.L., Li, J., Li, Y., and Mize, C.W. Analyzing the uncertainties in use of forest-derived biomass equations for open-grown trees in agricultural land. Forest Science. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5849/forsci.13-071.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Awaiting Publication
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Mykleby, P.m., Awada, T., Lenters, J.D., Bihmidine, S., Yarina, A.J., and Young, S.l., (2015). Ecophysiological responses of native and introduced genetic lineages of common reed (Phragmites australis) to nitrogen and temperature manipulations. Great Plains Research. In press.
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