This document discusses quantifying uncertainty in ecosystem budgets. It provides examples of different types of uncertainty commonly encountered in ecosystem studies, including natural variability, measurement error, and model error. The document also examines specific studies that have quantified uncertainty in components of the nitrogen budget at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, including precipitation inputs, streamflow outputs, forest biomass nitrogen, soil nitrogen pools, and nitrogen accumulation rates. Monte Carlo simulations were used to analyze how uncertainty in inputs propagates to uncertainty in overall budget calculations. The studies aim to improve estimates of uncertainty and identify areas where reducing uncertainty could have the most impact.
This document summarizes a workshop on tools for estimating uncertainty in ecology. It discusses various sources of uncertainty in ecosystem studies, including natural variability, measurement error, and model error. Specific examples are provided of quantifying uncertainty in nitrogen budgets, precipitation measurements, streamflow modeling, and forest biomass estimates. Monte Carlo simulation techniques are presented as a way to quantify overall uncertainty by incorporating the uncertainty in individual parameters and measurements. The importance of identifying the greatest sources of uncertainty and being able to detect meaningful differences is emphasized.
From all comments received by the LTER Network Office, this year's meeting in Estes Park was a complete success! The 2015 LTER All Scientists Meeting was held from August 30 through the evening of September 2. The Conference was organized around the theme: " From Long-Term Data to Understanding: Toward a Predictive Ecology". Almost 600 people attended the meeting. There were over 300 poster presentations and more than 75 formal and ad-hoc working group meetings. Drs. James Olds, Diana Wall, Knute Nadelhoffer, Ned Gardener and Christine O'Connell provided excellent plenary presentations to highlight the meeting. Chloe Wardropper (NTL) won 1st place in the student poster competition with Alexandra Conway (BNZ), Shinjini Goswami (HBR), Hafsah Nahrawi (GCE) and Bonnie McGill (KBS) winning runner-up awards.
This document summarizes a study that assessed changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen after converting grassland in southern Brazil to agricultural land using conventional tillage (CT) or no-till (NT) systems over 5 years. The key findings were:
1) Soils under CT lost 9% of total organic carbon and 21% of total nitrogen in the top 60 cm of soil, compared to levels under original grassland.
2) No-till soils accumulated organic carbon near the surface and mitigated total organic carbon and nitrogen losses by 82% and 34% respectively, compared to grassland levels.
3) No-till increased particulate carbon and nitrogen fractions and compensated for losses in mineral associated fractions
This study examined how topography influences soil moisture and nitrogen availability across forest sites in Montana. Soil samples were collected monthly from sites varying in elevation, aspect, and microtopography. Results showed nitrogen levels were highest at higher elevations and in hollows, where deeper snowpack insulated soil for longer. Microtopography had a larger influence than elevation alone. Nitrogen availability in early 2015 was reflected in bud nitrogen levels in 2016, suggesting topography impacts seasonal nitrogen cycling and forest productivity over time. Ongoing work is investigating how trees utilize varying nitrogen availability.
IPCC and soil organic carbon: Key findings of the 5th Assessment Report, plan...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, Opening Ceremony of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Jo House from IPCC, in FAO Hq, Rome
This is the talk I gave at the Forest day, March 21 2016, at MUSE in Trento. I talked about the interaction between the water cycle, vegetation and climate. As a modeller, I conclude talking about the challenge of modelling all of this complexity at various spatial and temporal scales.
Review of the latest research on corn nitrogen fertilizer. Specifically covering the long-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer rates on soil health and new technologies to better predict nitrogen fertilizer requirements in corn. Joshua Nasielski, University of Guelph
This document summarizes a workshop on tools for estimating uncertainty in ecology. It discusses various sources of uncertainty in ecosystem studies, including natural variability, measurement error, and model error. Specific examples are provided of quantifying uncertainty in nitrogen budgets, precipitation measurements, streamflow modeling, and forest biomass estimates. Monte Carlo simulation techniques are presented as a way to quantify overall uncertainty by incorporating the uncertainty in individual parameters and measurements. The importance of identifying the greatest sources of uncertainty and being able to detect meaningful differences is emphasized.
From all comments received by the LTER Network Office, this year's meeting in Estes Park was a complete success! The 2015 LTER All Scientists Meeting was held from August 30 through the evening of September 2. The Conference was organized around the theme: " From Long-Term Data to Understanding: Toward a Predictive Ecology". Almost 600 people attended the meeting. There were over 300 poster presentations and more than 75 formal and ad-hoc working group meetings. Drs. James Olds, Diana Wall, Knute Nadelhoffer, Ned Gardener and Christine O'Connell provided excellent plenary presentations to highlight the meeting. Chloe Wardropper (NTL) won 1st place in the student poster competition with Alexandra Conway (BNZ), Shinjini Goswami (HBR), Hafsah Nahrawi (GCE) and Bonnie McGill (KBS) winning runner-up awards.
This document summarizes a study that assessed changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen after converting grassland in southern Brazil to agricultural land using conventional tillage (CT) or no-till (NT) systems over 5 years. The key findings were:
1) Soils under CT lost 9% of total organic carbon and 21% of total nitrogen in the top 60 cm of soil, compared to levels under original grassland.
2) No-till soils accumulated organic carbon near the surface and mitigated total organic carbon and nitrogen losses by 82% and 34% respectively, compared to grassland levels.
3) No-till increased particulate carbon and nitrogen fractions and compensated for losses in mineral associated fractions
This study examined how topography influences soil moisture and nitrogen availability across forest sites in Montana. Soil samples were collected monthly from sites varying in elevation, aspect, and microtopography. Results showed nitrogen levels were highest at higher elevations and in hollows, where deeper snowpack insulated soil for longer. Microtopography had a larger influence than elevation alone. Nitrogen availability in early 2015 was reflected in bud nitrogen levels in 2016, suggesting topography impacts seasonal nitrogen cycling and forest productivity over time. Ongoing work is investigating how trees utilize varying nitrogen availability.
IPCC and soil organic carbon: Key findings of the 5th Assessment Report, plan...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the Plenary 1, Opening Ceremony of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Ms. Jo House from IPCC, in FAO Hq, Rome
This is the talk I gave at the Forest day, March 21 2016, at MUSE in Trento. I talked about the interaction between the water cycle, vegetation and climate. As a modeller, I conclude talking about the challenge of modelling all of this complexity at various spatial and temporal scales.
Review of the latest research on corn nitrogen fertilizer. Specifically covering the long-term impact of nitrogen fertilizer rates on soil health and new technologies to better predict nitrogen fertilizer requirements in corn. Joshua Nasielski, University of Guelph
This document estimates reference soil organic carbon (SOC) values for Colombian mineral soils using IPCC methodology. It homogenizes soil and climate classifications between national systems and IPCC, and assigns default SOC reference values based on soil and climate type. The results indicate Andean soils under cold humid climates store more carbon than warmer tropical soils. The study recommends refinements to wetland soil, low/high activity clay, and climate classifications to better represent Colombian conditions and reduce over/under estimation of SOC. Next steps are to validate the reference SOC values with local data and assess carbon stock changes from land cover conversions.
Improving the quantification of agricultural emissions in low-income countries. WATCH LIVE on WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 14:30 CET: http://ccafs.cgiar.org/videostream
- Deciduous shrub canopies reached the onset of peak greenness 13 days earlier and the onset of senescence 3 days earlier than evergreen/graminoid canopies, resulting in a 10-day extension of the peak season.
- Modeling showed that the longer peak season and greater leaf area of deciduous shrub canopies almost tripled carbon uptake compared to evergreen/graminoid communities. The longer peak season alone resulted in 84% greater carbon uptake in deciduous shrub communities.
- Increasing deciduous shrub dominance extends the peak season and increases modeled net carbon dioxide uptake in tundra ecosystems by enhancing carbon uptake during the period of peak greenness.
Water Supply Assessments in Arid Environments, A GIS SolutionJoe Zilles
This document summarizes a water supply assessment for a proposed 7,700 acre project in the Western Mojave Desert region of California. It outlines the regulatory framework for such assessments, as well as challenges assessing water supply in arid environments with low rainfall and high evaporation. The assessment uses detailed GIS weather data and elevation contours to more accurately calculate mountain front recharge within the project's watershed. It determines that under normal, single dry, and multiple dry year scenarios, projected groundwater recharge would exceed project demand.
This document summarizes the findings of a long-term study on the impacts of land management practices on runoff and water quality in the Black Brook watershed in Atlantic Canada. The study monitored various variables including land use, hydrology, water quality, weather, and agricultural operations from 1992 to 2013. Key findings include: (1) increased terrace coverage is the most effective practice at reducing soil erosion and sediment load at the watershed level; (2) sediment load and concentration decrease with increasing terrace area and snow depth; and (3) over 60% of the annual nutrient, sediment and runoff loads occur during the snowmelt season from December to April.
Session 6.5 modelling the effects of adopting agroforestry on basin scale run...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
1) The study used the SWAT model to simulate the impacts of land use change on hydrologic services in the Gabayan watershed in the Philippines under three scenarios: current land use (S0), degraded land use (S1), and conservation agriculture with agroforestry (S2).
2) Results showed that S1 increased surface runoff, reduced gradual release of water flows, increased sediment yield 155% and sediment concentration 165% compared to S0.
3) S2 was found to improve hydrologic indicators, increasing gradual release and reducing sediment yield by 20% and sediment concentration in critical sub-basins by 35% compared to S1.
On soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change: potentials and drawb...SIANI
Carbon sequestration in soils has potential to mitigate climate change but also drawbacks. While increasing soil organic carbon could be considered sequestration, it must result in a net transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to land. Options to sequester carbon include converting arable land to grassland or forest, but this may displace agriculture elsewhere. Maintaining or increasing soil carbon through reduced tillage, cover crops or organic amendments provides other benefits but may not genuinely sequester new carbon. Overall, too much focus on soil carbon risks neglecting larger climate threats, and priorities should be good land stewardship and integrated solutions.
Quantification of annual soil greenhouse gas emissions under different land u...ILRI
Prepared by Sheila Wachiye , Lutz Merbold, Timo Vesala, Janne Rinne, Matti Räsänen and Petri Pellikka for the General Assembly 2019 of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), Vienna, Austria, 7–12 April 2019.
The document evaluates the use of the AnnAGNPS model to simulate the impact of conservation practices on phosphorus loads to Grand Lake St. Marys in Ohio. The model results show that 26% of the watershed contributes 50% of the phosphorus loads to the lake. Cover crops can reduce phosphorus loads by over 50%, while riparian buffers and reduced tillage practices can lower loads by up to 37% and 27% respectively. Implementing integrated conservation practices targeted at high load areas could significantly reduce phosphorus entering the lake.
Bren 5 Sediment And Nutrient Loss From An Outwinter Paddock AreaUW Discovery Farms
1) The document summarizes a study of sediment and nutrient loss from paddocks used for rotational grazing and winter housing of dairy cattle at Breneman Farms in Wisconsin over two years.
2) Most sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen loss occurred during snowmelt events on frozen ground in winter and spring, primarily from one major runoff event each year.
3) Despite housing cows at higher densities in winter, losses from the farm were extremely low and well below tolerable limits, likely due to the farm's soil characteristics, gentle slopes, and perennial sod cover that aid infiltration.
- There have been changes in water yield (Q) and evapotranspiration (ET) in unmanaged forests of the southern Appalachians over time.
- Q increased from 1938-1970s in low elevation watersheds but decreased 22% from the 1970s-2013, while ET initially declined but increased markedly since the 1980s.
- Changes in precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) explain some changes in Q and ET, but shifts in forest species composition and structure also contributed, potentially decreasing Q by up to 18% in some years.
- The study found that both climate factors and changes in forest structure and species played a role in altering the water balance of
Objectives:
- Determine how soil moisture and nutrients regulate microbial C-use efficiency (CUE)
- Develop mathematical functions that can be incorporated into earth system models
- Improve our ability to predict the impact of climate change on soil C-sequestration in agricultural systems
This document discusses soil carbon sequestration as a strategy for addressing food security, climate resilience, and low-emission agriculture. It notes that soil carbon levels have declined significantly in many agricultural soils. Improving land management practices, such as no-till farming and use of cover crops, offers large potential to sequester carbon in soil. Soil carbon sequestration can provide benefits like increased crop yields as well as incentives for adoption. The document proposes developing an open-source geospatial database to monitor soil carbon levels under different land uses and management practices worldwide.
Measuring and monitoring soil carbon stocks from point to continental scale i...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 2 Parallel session on Theme 1, Monitoring, mapping, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of SOC, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Jeff Baldock, from CSIRO - Australia, in FAO Hq, Rome
E missions from land use change and soil carbon changes in c arbon footprints...SIANI
This document summarizes research on carbon footprints of animal products that account for emissions from land use change and soil carbon changes. It finds that production of livestock products uses about 75% of global agricultural land and meat consumption is projected to double by 2050, increasing pressure on land. Case studies of beef production in Brazil and the EU show that accounting for land use change emissions significantly increases carbon footprints. Models estimating indirect land use change from biofuels generate a wide range of results. Key uncertainties in assessing land use change impacts include deforested areas' initial carbon stocks, subsequent land uses, and modeling indirect impacts. Case studies of dairy rations find feed choices can impact soil carbon levels and land occupation.
Potential soil organic matter benefits from mixed farming: evidence from long...Sustainable Food Trust
David Powlson's presentation from the Sustainable Food Trust's meeting: What role for grazing livestock in a world of climate change and diet-related disease?
Calculating changes in soil carbon in Japanese agricultural land by IPCC-tier...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 2 Parallel session on Theme 1, Monitoring, mapping, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of SOC, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Yasushito Shirato, from Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences - Japan, in FAO Hq, Rome
Land management impact on soil organic carbon stocks – what do we really know?ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 1 Parallel session on Theme 2, Maintaining and/or increasing SOC stocks for climate change mitigation and adaptation and Land Degradation Neutrality, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Axel Don, from Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture -Germany, in FAO Hq, Rome
Looking for Snails in Three MELNHE Stands. Stephanie Suttenberg, REU, SUNY ESF ‘17. Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014. Please see REU/RET conference slideshow for more recent results and interpretations.
- The document discusses Mexico's Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for estimating carbon stock changes in forests.
- Mexico's MRV system aims to estimate carbon stock changes and greenhouse gas emissions/removals from the LULUCF sector for national greenhouse gas inventories.
- The National Forest Inventory provides data on carbon stocks and stock changes, while satellite imagery is used to monitor forest area changes.
- Estimates show the forest sector is currently a large carbon sink, absorbing emissions from deforestation and degradation. However, uncertainties in these estimates need to be reduced to support policy decisions.
Litter Decomposition Experiments Involving Young Technicians, Rick Biche and Team 2 (2012-2014), A. Crosby Kennett Middle School. Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014.
This document summarizes Jerome Barner's master's thesis research comparing belowground carbon allocation in tree roots, microbes, and mycorrhizal fungi under different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization treatments. The objectives are to determine how carbon allocation to fungal compartments responds to fertilization and how fertilization affects fungal species abundance and diversity. Methods include measuring fine root biomass, soil respiration, and sequencing fungal communities from ingrowth bags under nitrogen, phosphorus, and combined nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization at three forest sites. Expected results include decreased carbon allocation and fungal diversity under nitrogen and variable responses to phosphorus, with increased fine root biomass under both nutrients.
This document estimates reference soil organic carbon (SOC) values for Colombian mineral soils using IPCC methodology. It homogenizes soil and climate classifications between national systems and IPCC, and assigns default SOC reference values based on soil and climate type. The results indicate Andean soils under cold humid climates store more carbon than warmer tropical soils. The study recommends refinements to wetland soil, low/high activity clay, and climate classifications to better represent Colombian conditions and reduce over/under estimation of SOC. Next steps are to validate the reference SOC values with local data and assess carbon stock changes from land cover conversions.
Improving the quantification of agricultural emissions in low-income countries. WATCH LIVE on WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER 14:30 CET: http://ccafs.cgiar.org/videostream
- Deciduous shrub canopies reached the onset of peak greenness 13 days earlier and the onset of senescence 3 days earlier than evergreen/graminoid canopies, resulting in a 10-day extension of the peak season.
- Modeling showed that the longer peak season and greater leaf area of deciduous shrub canopies almost tripled carbon uptake compared to evergreen/graminoid communities. The longer peak season alone resulted in 84% greater carbon uptake in deciduous shrub communities.
- Increasing deciduous shrub dominance extends the peak season and increases modeled net carbon dioxide uptake in tundra ecosystems by enhancing carbon uptake during the period of peak greenness.
Water Supply Assessments in Arid Environments, A GIS SolutionJoe Zilles
This document summarizes a water supply assessment for a proposed 7,700 acre project in the Western Mojave Desert region of California. It outlines the regulatory framework for such assessments, as well as challenges assessing water supply in arid environments with low rainfall and high evaporation. The assessment uses detailed GIS weather data and elevation contours to more accurately calculate mountain front recharge within the project's watershed. It determines that under normal, single dry, and multiple dry year scenarios, projected groundwater recharge would exceed project demand.
This document summarizes the findings of a long-term study on the impacts of land management practices on runoff and water quality in the Black Brook watershed in Atlantic Canada. The study monitored various variables including land use, hydrology, water quality, weather, and agricultural operations from 1992 to 2013. Key findings include: (1) increased terrace coverage is the most effective practice at reducing soil erosion and sediment load at the watershed level; (2) sediment load and concentration decrease with increasing terrace area and snow depth; and (3) over 60% of the annual nutrient, sediment and runoff loads occur during the snowmelt season from December to April.
Session 6.5 modelling the effects of adopting agroforestry on basin scale run...World Agroforestry (ICRAF)
1) The study used the SWAT model to simulate the impacts of land use change on hydrologic services in the Gabayan watershed in the Philippines under three scenarios: current land use (S0), degraded land use (S1), and conservation agriculture with agroforestry (S2).
2) Results showed that S1 increased surface runoff, reduced gradual release of water flows, increased sediment yield 155% and sediment concentration 165% compared to S0.
3) S2 was found to improve hydrologic indicators, increasing gradual release and reducing sediment yield by 20% and sediment concentration in critical sub-basins by 35% compared to S1.
On soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change: potentials and drawb...SIANI
Carbon sequestration in soils has potential to mitigate climate change but also drawbacks. While increasing soil organic carbon could be considered sequestration, it must result in a net transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to land. Options to sequester carbon include converting arable land to grassland or forest, but this may displace agriculture elsewhere. Maintaining or increasing soil carbon through reduced tillage, cover crops or organic amendments provides other benefits but may not genuinely sequester new carbon. Overall, too much focus on soil carbon risks neglecting larger climate threats, and priorities should be good land stewardship and integrated solutions.
Quantification of annual soil greenhouse gas emissions under different land u...ILRI
Prepared by Sheila Wachiye , Lutz Merbold, Timo Vesala, Janne Rinne, Matti Räsänen and Petri Pellikka for the General Assembly 2019 of the European Geosciences Union (EGU), Vienna, Austria, 7–12 April 2019.
The document evaluates the use of the AnnAGNPS model to simulate the impact of conservation practices on phosphorus loads to Grand Lake St. Marys in Ohio. The model results show that 26% of the watershed contributes 50% of the phosphorus loads to the lake. Cover crops can reduce phosphorus loads by over 50%, while riparian buffers and reduced tillage practices can lower loads by up to 37% and 27% respectively. Implementing integrated conservation practices targeted at high load areas could significantly reduce phosphorus entering the lake.
Bren 5 Sediment And Nutrient Loss From An Outwinter Paddock AreaUW Discovery Farms
1) The document summarizes a study of sediment and nutrient loss from paddocks used for rotational grazing and winter housing of dairy cattle at Breneman Farms in Wisconsin over two years.
2) Most sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen loss occurred during snowmelt events on frozen ground in winter and spring, primarily from one major runoff event each year.
3) Despite housing cows at higher densities in winter, losses from the farm were extremely low and well below tolerable limits, likely due to the farm's soil characteristics, gentle slopes, and perennial sod cover that aid infiltration.
- There have been changes in water yield (Q) and evapotranspiration (ET) in unmanaged forests of the southern Appalachians over time.
- Q increased from 1938-1970s in low elevation watersheds but decreased 22% from the 1970s-2013, while ET initially declined but increased markedly since the 1980s.
- Changes in precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (PET) explain some changes in Q and ET, but shifts in forest species composition and structure also contributed, potentially decreasing Q by up to 18% in some years.
- The study found that both climate factors and changes in forest structure and species played a role in altering the water balance of
Objectives:
- Determine how soil moisture and nutrients regulate microbial C-use efficiency (CUE)
- Develop mathematical functions that can be incorporated into earth system models
- Improve our ability to predict the impact of climate change on soil C-sequestration in agricultural systems
This document discusses soil carbon sequestration as a strategy for addressing food security, climate resilience, and low-emission agriculture. It notes that soil carbon levels have declined significantly in many agricultural soils. Improving land management practices, such as no-till farming and use of cover crops, offers large potential to sequester carbon in soil. Soil carbon sequestration can provide benefits like increased crop yields as well as incentives for adoption. The document proposes developing an open-source geospatial database to monitor soil carbon levels under different land uses and management practices worldwide.
Measuring and monitoring soil carbon stocks from point to continental scale i...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 2 Parallel session on Theme 1, Monitoring, mapping, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of SOC, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Jeff Baldock, from CSIRO - Australia, in FAO Hq, Rome
E missions from land use change and soil carbon changes in c arbon footprints...SIANI
This document summarizes research on carbon footprints of animal products that account for emissions from land use change and soil carbon changes. It finds that production of livestock products uses about 75% of global agricultural land and meat consumption is projected to double by 2050, increasing pressure on land. Case studies of beef production in Brazil and the EU show that accounting for land use change emissions significantly increases carbon footprints. Models estimating indirect land use change from biofuels generate a wide range of results. Key uncertainties in assessing land use change impacts include deforested areas' initial carbon stocks, subsequent land uses, and modeling indirect impacts. Case studies of dairy rations find feed choices can impact soil carbon levels and land occupation.
Potential soil organic matter benefits from mixed farming: evidence from long...Sustainable Food Trust
David Powlson's presentation from the Sustainable Food Trust's meeting: What role for grazing livestock in a world of climate change and diet-related disease?
Calculating changes in soil carbon in Japanese agricultural land by IPCC-tier...ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 2 Parallel session on Theme 1, Monitoring, mapping, measuring, reporting and verification (MRV) of SOC, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Yasushito Shirato, from Institute for Agro-Environmental Sciences - Japan, in FAO Hq, Rome
Land management impact on soil organic carbon stocks – what do we really know?ExternalEvents
This presentation was presented during the 1 Parallel session on Theme 2, Maintaining and/or increasing SOC stocks for climate change mitigation and adaptation and Land Degradation Neutrality, of the Global Symposium on Soil Organic Carbon that took place in Rome 21-23 March 2017. The presentation was made by Mr. Axel Don, from Thünen Institute of Climate-Smart Agriculture -Germany, in FAO Hq, Rome
Looking for Snails in Three MELNHE Stands. Stephanie Suttenberg, REU, SUNY ESF ‘17. Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014. Please see REU/RET conference slideshow for more recent results and interpretations.
- The document discusses Mexico's Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system for estimating carbon stock changes in forests.
- Mexico's MRV system aims to estimate carbon stock changes and greenhouse gas emissions/removals from the LULUCF sector for national greenhouse gas inventories.
- The National Forest Inventory provides data on carbon stocks and stock changes, while satellite imagery is used to monitor forest area changes.
- Estimates show the forest sector is currently a large carbon sink, absorbing emissions from deforestation and degradation. However, uncertainties in these estimates need to be reduced to support policy decisions.
Litter Decomposition Experiments Involving Young Technicians, Rick Biche and Team 2 (2012-2014), A. Crosby Kennett Middle School. Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014.
This document summarizes Jerome Barner's master's thesis research comparing belowground carbon allocation in tree roots, microbes, and mycorrhizal fungi under different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization treatments. The objectives are to determine how carbon allocation to fungal compartments responds to fertilization and how fertilization affects fungal species abundance and diversity. Methods include measuring fine root biomass, soil respiration, and sequencing fungal communities from ingrowth bags under nitrogen, phosphorus, and combined nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization at three forest sites. Expected results include decreased carbon allocation and fungal diversity under nitrogen and variable responses to phosphorus, with increased fine root biomass under both nutrients.
This document summarizes research on the effects of nutrient addition on soil respiration in northern hardwood forests. It finds that:
1) Soil respiration and belowground carbon allocation declined with increasing soil nutrient availability across study sites.
2) The addition of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients reduced soil respiration the most in the most infertile sites, likely by reducing belowground carbon allocation and root-associated respiration.
3) There were some indications that sites may have been co-limited by both nitrogen and phosphorus, as nutrient additions of both together had stronger effects on respiration in infertile sites than additions of either nutrient alone.
These slides introduce the MELNHE session at the 2013 annual Hubbard Brook Cooperators Meeting, July 11, 2013. They set up the Shoestring presentations that will follow.
This document describes a study on leaf litter decomposition in the Melnhe stands conducted by a researcher and middle school teacher. The study tested hypotheses about what controls litter mass loss by examining the effects of nutrients, mesh size, and litter mixes from young and mature tree stands. Methods involved placing litter in plots with different nutrient treatments, mesh sizes, and litter mixes. Preliminary results found significant effects of nutrients, mesh size, and their interaction on litter mass loss, with some indication of a phosphorus effect and young stand litter decomposing faster. The researcher and teacher saw the potential for middle school students to do authentic local science.
This document discusses a study examining how seedling allocation and survivorship in sugar maple and American beech are influenced by light, nutrients, and moisture. The study found that seedling biomass was not nutrient limited in the first two years. Sugar maple biomass growth increased with soil moisture. Phosphorus increased relative root allocation in sugar maple. Nitrogen decreased sugar maple survivorship. Survivorship of both species decreased with increasing canopy cover, indicating response to light availability. The conclusions were that beech seedlings are less plastic than sugar maple, survivorship depends on light, and mortality at early life stages may be stochastic under canopy.
The document describes a study that placed cardboard in four forest stands to collect snails and examine the effects of nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium additions. Cardboard collection occurred four times over the summer. The results showed that only nitrogen and phosphorus additions in one stand (JBO) increased snail numbers compared to the control. Calcium additions increased snail numbers in all stands except one. The study aims to further examine the impacts of soil properties on snail populations.
Four years in: Finally a treatment response in the MELNHE stands. Adam Wild , Research Assistant, SUNY ESF, and Lisa Carper, Student, A. Crosby Kennett High School. Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014.
This document discusses a study investigating the effects of calcium addition on soil moisture levels. The study examines six plots in New Hampshire forests that were fertilized with calcium-silicate and compares them to control plots. The study hypothesizes that soil moisture levels will decrease more in the fertilized plots, especially in older stands with lower nutrient availability and closer to the forest floor. Soil moisture data is being collected using dataloggers placed at various soil depths. Preliminary results from two sites show differing impacts of calcium addition on soil moisture, depending on stand age and nutrient levels. Future work will examine data collection improvements and additional analysis methods.
This document summarizes a study that added wollastonite (CaSiO3) to experimental forest plots in New Hampshire to examine the effects on soil moisture and tree productivity. Wollastonite was added to bring calcium levels back to pre-industrial amounts, as acid rain has caused leaching of calcium from soils. Previous studies at Hubbard Brook found short-term increases in transpiration and productivity after wollastonite addition. This study monitored soil moisture in wollastonite and control plots, finding one plot (C6 at 30cm depth) had significantly lower soil moisture in the wollastonite area during the growing season, suggesting higher water use by trees, though other data was inconclusive due to
This document summarizes a study that investigated whether soil nitrogen controls phosphorus resorption in a nitrogen and phosphorus co-limited forest system. The study found that phosphorus resorption efficiency was not correlated with soil phosphorus levels for the tree species studied. However, phosphorus resorption efficiency was positively correlated with soil nitrogen levels in 4 out of the 6 tree species, providing evidence that soil nitrogen availability may control phosphorus resorption under co-limitation by nitrogen and phosphorus. The document concludes that more nitrogen may be required to produce enzymes involved in resorbing phosphorus from leaves before abscission.
This document discusses a study measuring the effect of wollastonite (CaSiO3) addition on tree transpiration. Sap flow was measured in American beech, sugar maple, and yellow birch trees using the Granier method in control and wollastonite plots across three sites: Bartlett Experimental Forest, Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, and Jeffers Brook. Preliminary results found increased sap flow in the Bartlett and Jeffers Brook wollastonite plots but decreased flow in Hubbard Brook. Statistical analysis will be done to further analyze the effects. The goal is to understand how CaSiO3 impacts forest hydrology and health with regards to acid rain to inform management practices.
The document examines whether fertilizing trees leads to faster growth. It describes a study measuring the diameter growth of trees in plots with different nutrient treatments (nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrogen and phosphorus combined). The results found that yellow birch showed a strong growth response to the treatments, while previous findings of increased growth in white birch were no longer significant. Mapping of the mature tree stands was also conducted to understand tree interactions and nutrient limitations in northern forests.
Recovery from disturbance requires resynchronization of ecosystem nutrient cycles. Edward B. Rastetter, MBL; Ruth Yanai, ESF; R. Quinn Thomas, VA Tech (formerly Cornell); Matt Vadeboncoeur, UNH; Tim Fahey, Cornell; Melany Fisk, UM Ohio; Bonnie Kwiatkowski, MBL; and Steven Hamburg, EDF (formerly Brown). Hubbard Brook Annual Cooperator's Meeting, W. Thornton, NH, July 10, 2014.
This document summarizes a case study examining changes in tree tissue chemistry over time in the Huntington Wildlife Forest. It analyzes nitrogen concentration in branches of American beech, red maple, sugar maple, and yellow birch from 1985 to 2012, finding significant changes. It also discusses how branch nutrients vary by branch diameter and tissue position, citing data showing higher nitrogen and potassium concentrations in smaller diameter, living branches from the upper crown. The study aims to better understand how forest productivity and sustainability are impacted by nitrogen deposition and acidification over time.
Tyler Sadutto conducted a study to understand how the addition of CaSiO3 affects soil respiration. The objectives were to measure total soil respiration, fine root production, and microbial respiration in calcium and control plots. Total soil respiration was measured every two weeks using a LI-COR 8100 and soil collars. Fine root production was measured using root screens over three weeks. Microbial respiration was measured using a base trap method on soil samples from each plot. The expected results were a decrease in fine root production, microbial respiration, and overall total soil respiration with the addition of CaSiO3.
COOPERATORS' MEETING, Woodstock NH, Wednesday, 8 JULY 2015. Session l: Multiple Element Limitation Study Moderator: Ruth Yanai. Decomposition in the MELNHE plots: Filter paper and tea bags
Matthew Hayden, SUNY- ESF
Using a modified version of a new method called the Tea Bag Index, this study addresses two questions- will there be a noticeable difference in decomposition rates of tea across plots? and will the use of tea as litter be sufficient in identifying short term trends in decomposition?
This study examines the impact of calcium addition on tree transpiration and root function in New England forests impacted by acid rain. Sapflux measurements showed higher transpiration rates in trees on plots with added calcium silicate compared to control plots, with the strongest response in American beech. Preliminary root analysis found higher live fine root tissue and lower embolism in yellow birch roots from the calcium treatment plot compared to the control in early spring. The study is ongoing across three sites on the White Mountain National Forest to further understand the mechanisms by which calcium impacts forest water use and health.
This document describes the development of a reactive nitrogen model for Canadian agricultural lands. The model accounts for nitrogen inputs like fertilizer and biological fixation by legumes, and outputs like food and feed crops harvested, nitrogen lost through leaching and greenhouse gases, and residual soil nitrogen. The model was applied at various geographic scales within Canada from 1981-2011. Results show nitrogen inputs and outputs are balanced each year, and nitrogen leaching increased from 1981-2001 before declining from 2001-2011. The model provides insights into nitrogen flows and trends over time on Canadian farmlands.
Assessment of nitrogen flows into the Cuban landscapeJULIO.docxfredharris32
Assessment of nitrogen flows into the Cuban landscape
JULIO A. BAISRE
Ministerio de la Industria Pesquera, Barlovento Santa Fe, Playa 19 100, La Habana, Cuba
(e-mail: [email protected])
Key words: Atmospheric deposition, Fertilizer, Nitrogen, Nitrogen budgets
Abstract. The alteration of the nitrogen (N) cycle by human activities is widespread and has often
resulted in increased flows of nitrogen to the marine environment. In this paper we have attempted
to know the changes of N fluxes in Cuba by quantifying the N inputs to the landscape from (1)
fertilizer applications, (2) atmospheric deposition, (3) biological nitrogen fixation and (4) net
import of food and feeds. N-inputs to the country progressively increased until the end of the 20th
century, reaching a peak during the 80s when low cost fertilizer imported from the former Soviet
Union led to heavy rates of application. This rapid growth represented more than a 5-fold increase
with respect to pristine values; higher than the two-fold global increase of anthropogenic N
reported by Vitousek et al. (1997 Human alteration of the global nitrogen cycle: sources and
consequences. Ecol. Appl. 7:737–750). Inorganic fertilizer was the largest single source of reactive
N, followed by atmospheric deposition, biological fixation, and net imports of foods and feed-
stocks. Nitrogen inputs peaked in 1987 and data expressed on an area basis show that N flux to the
Cuban landscape, in the 80s, was one of the highest reported in the literature. During the 90s, there
was a dramatic drop in nitrogen inputs mainly associated to a decrease in the use of inorganic
fertilizer. Other factors reducing nutrient inflows to Cuba, during the same period, were imports of
foodstuff and livestock feeds, a decrease of nitrogen oxide emissions, and a decrease in the sugar
cane crop area. Using an empirical relationship (Howarth et al. 1996 Regional nitrogen budgets
and riverine N & O fluxes for the drainages to the North Atlantic Ocean: Natural and human
influences. Biogeochemistry 35:75–139) we present a very preliminary estimate of N-inputs to
coastal waters and discuss the consequences of these changes on the coastal zone.
Introduction
Human activities have more than doubled the inputs of reactive nitrogen (Nr)
to the terrestrial landscape (Galloway et al. 1995; Howarth et al. 1996; Smil
1997; Vitousek et al. 1997). This increase was originally limited to developed
countries, but is now being extended to developing countries (Matson et al.
1999). The accumulation of Nr in ecosystems is one of the most important
research questions associated with the impact of humans on the nitrogen cycle
(Galloway and Cowling, 2002). The influx of excess nitrogen has caused seri-
ous alterations to the natural nutrient cycle and disrupted terrestrial and
aquatic ecosystems especially where intensive agriculture and high fossil fuel
combustion coincide (WRI 2001).
One of the best-documented consequences of huma ...
The document summarizes research on understanding carbon dynamics in Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. It finds that the Arctic is experiencing widespread plant community and land cover changes, with wet sites changing more than dry sites. These changes can increase vegetation greenness as measured by NDVI, both by increasing plant biomass and through changes in surface water. While there is variability, climate change is creating more positive carbon feedbacks through effects like permafrost thaw and increased microbial respiration. Improving methods to scale ecosystem changes over time and integrating trace gas measurements is needed to better understand if the Arctic will become a carbon source.
1) Eddies can supply nutrients to the euphotic zone through vertical pumping and lateral stirring, but the impact of vertical pumping alone has likely been overestimated due to inconsistent time scale assumptions.
2) Vertical pumping by eddies is not sufficient to resolve observational discrepancies in nutrient supply estimates within oligotrophic subtropical gyres.
3) Lateral stirring of nutrients by eddies may be at least as important as vertical pumping in supplying nutrients over large areas.
4) Other processes like interactions between eddies and wind that induce vertical circulation at eddy margins have been overlooked and may also contribute significantly to nutrient supply.
This document analyzes nitrogen inputs and outputs for Canada's forests. It finds that atmospheric nitrogen deposition meets most of the nitrogen needs of forest biomass production. Nitrogen is lost from forests through processes like fire, harvesting, denitrification, and stream exports. The analysis is done on a provincial level and finds some provinces have net nitrogen fixation while others do not. It provides estimates of nitrogen amounts for various inputs and outputs and makes recommendations to refine the estimates.
- The document evaluates the benefits of biochar on soil quality and its effects on soil carbon sequestration as a pathway to sustainability. It discusses how tillage reduces soil carbon and biochar can increase carbon storage. Experiments were conducted on volcanic soils in Guam comparing no-tillage, reduced tillage, conventional tillage, and conventional tillage with biochar application. Results showed biochar can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase crop yields compared to other tillage methods. Further research on using biochar and other conservation practices can help sequester carbon and mitigate climate change.
This study examined how extreme precipitation events influence greenhouse gas fluxes from different soil types. Soils were collected from upland, lowland, creek, and wetland areas and subjected to pulses of water in a laboratory experiment. Water pulses suppressed carbon dioxide fluxes but enhanced methane in creek and wetland soils, while nitrous oxide increased in upland and lowland soils. Accounting for carbon-climate feedback, upland and lowland soil types contributed most to total greenhouse gas emissions. Extreme water pulses can drive nonlinear responses in gas fluxes not captured by empirical models.
The Australian Nitrous Oxide Research Program (NORP) studies nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural systems across Australia. The program aims to reduce uncertainty about N2O emissions, develop evidence-based mitigation practices, and improve models. NORP monitors core sites with different climates and crops. Findings show a wide range in N2O emissions depending on system. The highest emissions come from high rainfall pastures, cane soils, and crops after pasture. Nitrification inhibitors may reduce N2O from urine by 40%. Farming practices that increase carbon could increase N2O emissions. More modeling is needed to predict impacts across different locations.
Poster prepared by Getnet Taye, Enyew Adgo and Teklu Erkossa at the Nile Basin Development Challenge (NBDC) Science Workshop, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9–10 July 2013
This document summarizes a study that used the Canadian Agricultural Nitrogen Budget (CANB) model to simulate reactive nitrogen flows across Canadian agricultural land from 1981 to 2016. The model estimated nitrogen inputs from fertilizer, biological fixation, and atmospheric deposition. It also estimated nitrogen outputs from crop harvest, animal feed production, gaseous losses, nitrate leaching, and residual soil nitrogen. Results showed fertilizer and biological fixation as the main nitrogen inputs. Crop harvest was the main output. Nitrate leaching increased from 1981 to 2011 but decreased by 2016. Nitrogen balances varied over time and by region.
Professor Peter Grace says carbon rich soil is "your superannuation", it's not about carbon credits, it's about productivity. He sketches the potential for rangelands to sequester carbon.
NOTE: The presentation and data therein is for information only and can only be reproduced with permission of the author.
Steven Apfelbaum - Wetlands: Sinking Carbon and Keeping It Out of the Atmospherebio4climate
Steven Apfelbaum - Wetlands: Sinking Carbon and Keeping It Out of the Atmosphere
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Saturday November 22nd, 2014
www.bio4climate.org
Steven Apfelbaum - Wetlands: Sinking Carbon and Keeping It Out of the Atmospheregabriellebastien
Steven Apfelbaum - Wetlands: Sinking Carbon and Keeping It Out of the Atmosphere
From Biodiversity for a Livable Climate conference: "Restoring Ecosystems to Reverse Global Warming"
Saturday November 22nd, 2014
The invention of the plow increased soil erosion, which archaeological studies show contributed to the decline of ancient civilizations. Soil erosion causes on-site issues like reduced fertility and off-site issues like water pollution. The estimated annual global cost of soil erosion from water is $33 billion. Conservation agriculture practices like no-till, cover crops, and crop rotations can help reverse soil degradation, increase soil carbon storage, and provide economic and climate benefits. Rattan Lal estimates that conservation agriculture practices could offset 5-15% of global fossil fuel emissions through increased soil carbon sequestration.
This document summarizes a study that compared the nitrate removal rates, efficiencies, and potential for pollution swapping of different organic carbon media in laboratory denitrification bioreactors. The media tested included lodgepole pine woodchips, cardboard, lodgepole pine needles, barley straw, and a soil control. Results showed nitrate removal was consistently over 99% for all media. However, when considering pollution swapping through the production of other nitrogen species and leaching of contaminants, removal efficiencies ranged from 67% to 95%. Phosphorus releases from the bioreactors exceeded thresholds for eutrophication. Greenhouse gas emissions were dominated by carbon dioxide and methane, with little nitrous oxide. Compar
Bren 5 sediment and nutrient loss from an outwinter paddock areaUW Discovery Farms
1) The document summarizes a study of sediment and nutrient loss from paddocks used for rotational grazing and winter housing of dairy cattle at Breneman Farms in Wisconsin over two years.
2) Most sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen loss occurred during snowmelt events on frozen ground in winter and spring, primarily from one major runoff event each year.
3) Despite housing cows at higher densities in winter, losses from the farm were extremely low and well below tolerable limits, likely due to the farm's soil characteristics, gentle slopes, and perennial sod cover that aid infiltration.
The document summarizes the Danish concept for targeted and cost-effective mitigation of agricultural nutrients in drainage discharge. It discusses (I) a systematic targeted mitigation approach and (II) effective drainage filter technologies. Drainage filters like surface-flow constructed wetlands and subsurface-flow biofilters have shown 25-50% reductions in nitrogen loads and can be a cost-effective solution if sized appropriately for the drainage area. Seasonal variations in temperature and flow rates impact nutrient removal rates.
Distinguishing N and P addition from the air using imaging spectroscopy. Alex...melnhe
This document discusses using imaging spectroscopy and field studies to distinguish between nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions from the air. It finds that N addition reduced reflectance by producing more chlorophyll and absorbing more light, while P addition increased reflectance. When a model was trained on treatment classes (control, N, P, N+P) for 75% of plots, it predicted the other 25% of plots with 83% accuracy. Field measurements of resin-available N and P in soil aligned with clustering of tree-top spectra responses to nutrients. This indicates trees can act as remote signals of belowground nutrient availability and function.
Germinants: The next generation. Denise Rauschendorfermelnhe
The document summarizes multiple studies on germinants conducted by different researchers from 2012 to 2020. It includes population density studies of American beech and sugar maple from 2012, 2018, and 2020 by Denise Rauschendorfer, Shinjini Goswami, and Thomas Mann. It also summarizes seedling survival data collected by Shinjini Goswami, seedling light availability studies, and stem mapping works created by Alex Young using data from previous and present studies. The document is funded by USDA NIFA and NSF, and more information can be found at the provided website.
Mycorrhizal type and co-limitation of forest productivity. Noah Blumenthalmelnhe
This study investigated how the two types of mycorrhizal associations in northern hardwood forests (arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal) influence nutrient limitations and forest productivity. The researchers measured annual stem growth in mature forest stands between 2015-2019. They found that nutrient additions of nitrogen and phosphorus had interactive effects on productivity, suggesting co-limitation, and this effect was stronger for arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species than ectomycorrhizal species. They concluded the greater relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal trees promotes nutrient co-limitation in mature northern hardwood forests.
Grow with the changes: Forest succession and woody debris. Joe Nashmelnhe
1) The document analyzes data from two studies to quantify stocks of downed dead wood in northern hardwood forest stands of different ages.
2) Thirteen forest stands ages 31-145 years old were inventoried for coarse and fine woody debris using line intersect and nested subplot sampling.
3) The primary objective is to distinguish the characteristics of woody debris corresponding to different successional stages in northern hardwood forests.
Litterfall and soil respiration fluxes in the MELNHE study. Thomas Mannmelnhe
This document summarizes a study examining how soil respiration and litterfall in northern hardwood forests are controlled by nutrient availability. The study measured soil CO2 fluxes and collected fine litterfall from treatment plots with different nitrogen and phosphorus additions across 13 forest stands from 2008-2019. Preliminary results found that nitrogen addition lowered soil respiration in nitrogen-poor sites from 2011-2013. While apparent trends were observed, the authors note that statistical analysis is still needed and fertilization effects on litterfall may be more complicated. Next steps include further statistical analysis and exploring why nutrient additions did not significantly impact soil respiration rates.
N-P co-limitation in young northern hardwood forest. Tim Faheymelnhe
1) The document discusses nitrogen, phosphorus, and fine roots in young northern hardwood stands.
2) It presents the hypothesis that growth of new fine roots in these stands may be co-limited by balanced mineral nutrition of nitrogen and phosphorus.
3) A factorial experiment using ingrowth cores found that fine root growth and biomass increased at the plot level in response to the addition of both nitrogen and phosphorus, but not from the addition of only one nutrient.
Fine dining: root morphology, mycorrhizal colonization, and nutrient amendmen...melnhe
This document discusses an experimental study that examined the effects of nutrient amendments on mycorrhizal colonization and root morphology in red maple seedlings. The study predicted that nitrogen amendments would decrease vesicles in roots, phosphorus amendments would increase coil structures, and root morphology would vary depending on mycorrhizal colonization and structures under each treatment type. It then describes the experimental design, data collection process involving root processing and staining, and analysis of mycorrhizal colonization and root morphology.
Could co-limitation be caused by different nutrients limiting shoots and root...melnhe
(1) The MELNHE study examines nutrient co-limitation of forest productivity across 13 forest stands of different ages located in three sites. Fertilization experiments add nitrogen, phosphorus, or both to test for co-limitation.
(2) So far, tree growth has been found to be primarily limited by phosphorus rather than nitrogen or co-limitation.
(3) A new study tested whether root growth is directly limited by nitrogen or phosphorus availability, or responds to aboveground nutrient allocation. Fine root growth responded directly to nitrogen addition but not phosphorus addition, and roots foraged more in phosphorus-rich patches.
Sugar maple leaf characteristics vary with depth in the crown and nutrient ad...melnhe
This document summarizes a study that examined how the physical, chemical, and metabolic characteristics of sugar maple leaves vary with their depth in the tree crown and with the addition of nutrients. The study found that foliar nitrogen and chlorophyll increased deeper in the crown and with nitrogen addition, while foliar phosphorus increased with phosphorus addition. The study concludes that most leaves are shaded rather than just "sun" or "shade" leaves, and that examining the vertical gradient in a tree crown can help reveal relationships between leaf characteristics and nutrients.
The timing of senescence affects foliar p resorption dan hongmelnhe
This document discusses a study on the timing of senescence and its effects on foliar phosphorus (P) resorption. The study (1) examined how foliar concentration and resorption of P and other nutrients varied with N, P, and N+P additions and between species, and (2) investigated whether the timing of senescence affected foliar resorption with nutrient additions. Field collections of green leaves and litter were made over multiple dates in the fall. Results showed adding N increased foliar N but decreased foliar P, while adding P increased foliar P. P resorption efficiency was lower under P additions and proceeded over the course of the fall.
Space wars the fight for light in the stands of bartlett sarah congressmelnhe
This document discusses using LiDAR to map and quantify forest canopy structure within stands at Bartlett, Hubbard Brook, and Jeffers Brook. The first steps are to create maps of the tree canopy and describe the position of each species. Field data on species heights is collected along transects and recorded. Next steps are to combine LiDAR and field data to create species-specific vegetation area index profiles and determine if treatments have affected species dominance or position in the canopy.
Having a stake in nutrient cycling effects of n and p addition on wood decay...melnhe
In a 3-year pilot study, researchers placed sugar maple wood stakes in forest stands to examine the effects of adding nitrogen, phosphorus, both nutrients, and a control on wood decay. Over 273 stakes were distributed across plots with different nutrient additions or a control at 3 sites. The stakes will be collected and analyzed to determine percent mass loss over the study period, with future analysis of nutrients, soil microbes, and their role in wood decay.
Fruiting response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to nutrient additions claudia vi...melnhe
Collecting fungal sporocarps allows researchers to survey the effects of nutrient additions on mycorrhizal fungi fitness over a larger area than soil samples alone. The study aims to determine how ectomycorrhizal sporocarp abundance and fungal community composition vary with nitrogen, phosphorus, and combined nutrient additions and between seasons. Over 4,000 sporocarps from 35 genera and 160 morphospecies were collected and will be identified using genetic techniques to analyze impacts of nutrient manipulations.
Does the fate of n depend on p availability in soil - samuel butlermelnhe
This document discusses using an N15 experiment to determine if the fate of nitrogen (N) in soil depends on the availability of phosphorus (P). Previous research found that adding phosphorus suppresses resin-available nitrogen in soils. Additional studies showed that trees grew more in response to added phosphorus in mid-aged and old growth forests, but responded more to added nitrogen in younger forests. The proposed experiment would use the N15 isotope to trace nitrogen pathways through soil organic matter, plant roots, the microbial biomass, and mineral soil.
Belowground c allocation estimated as soil respiration minus aboveground litt...melnhe
This document summarizes a study estimating belowground carbon allocation in forests by measuring soil respiration and aboveground litter inputs over multiple years. The researchers found that nitrogen decreases soil respiration and likely belowground carbon allocation, while phosphorus decreases leaf litter production. Preliminary results suggest phosphorus may matter more for aboveground growth while nitrogen affects belowground processes to a greater degree.
Baby boomers are there any surviving germinants from the recent mast year -...melnhe
The document discusses a study examining how nutrient treatments affect germination rates and seedling survival of American beech and sugar maple. The study had three hypotheses: 1) germination and survival of maple would be highest with calcium addition; 2) germination and survival of beech would reflect limitation of nitrogen or phosphorus; and 3) survival may reflect nutritional value of seedlings. Methods involved counting germinants and seedlings in nutrient treatment plots over two years. Results showed beech germination increased with nitrogen and phosphorus addition, while maple decreased. Seedling survival decreased with nitrogen and phosphorus addition but increased with calcium addition, with no difference between nitrogen and phosphorus effects.
And you thought there were no earthworms in our forests melnhe
There were few earthworms found at Bartlett but many earthworms were found at Jeffers Brook. Plots at Jeffers Brook with added nitrogen had fewer earthworms, while plots with added calcium had more earthworms.
This document provides information about an upcoming workshop on quantifying uncertainty in monitoring. It includes:
- Details on presenters who will discuss topics like taxonomy of uncertainty, examples from NEON, detecting differences from rain gauge and mercury monitoring data, and measuring uncertainty in the Forest Inventory and Analysis.
- An agenda that will include introductions from participants, five minute presentations followed by discussion, and a general discussion on how the workshop helped and what further assistance is needed.
- Information on current practices in reporting uncertainty from ecosystem studies, including a survey that identified major sources of uncertainty and how respondents report, understand, and view the importance of different sources.
Forest inventory crews were analyzed to determine measurement errors in tree diameter. The study found bias may exist due to penalties for observations more than one class off. While measurement error magnitude was identified, the most uncertain measurements may not be the most important to improve. Propagating the errors into forest inventory data product calculations like timber volume and carbon storage will show which measurements are most important to improve.
The document discusses Pecan Project's uncertainty analysis for LTER ASM 2018. It analyzes parameter uncertainty and sensitivity, and outputs uncertainty through trait meta-analysis, iterative Bayesian calibration, and variance decomposition. Key findings include growth respiration and root water uptake being highly sensitive, and stomatal conductance variability differing between conifer and hardwood species and latitudes. The analysis aims to characterize, propagate, analyze, and reduce uncertainties.
GFW Office Hours: How to Use Planet Imagery on Global Forest Watch_June 11, 2024Global Forest Watch
Earlier this year, we hosted a webinar on Deforestation Exposed: Using High Resolution Satellite Imagery to Investigate Forest Clearing.
If you missed this webinar or have any questions about Norway’s International Climate & Forests Initiative (NICFI) Satellite Data Program and Planet’s high-resolution mosaics, please join our expert-led office hours for an overview of how to use Planet’s satellite imagery on GFW, including how to access and analyze the data.
Trichogramma spp. is an efficient egg parasitoids that potentially assist to manage the insect-pests from the field condition by parasiting the host eggs. To mass culture this egg parasitoids effectively, we need to culture another stored grain pest- Rice Meal Moth (Corcyra Cephalonica). After rearing this pest, the eggs of Corcyra will carry the potential Trichogramma spp., which is an Hymenopteran Wasp. The detailed Methodologies of rearing both Corcyra Cephalonica and Trichogramma spp. have described on this ppt.
A Comprehensive Guide on Cable Location Services Detections Method, Tools, an...Aussie Hydro-Vac Services
Explore Aussie Hydrovac's comprehensive cable location services, employing advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar and robotic CCTV crawlers for precise detection. Also offering aerial surveying solutions. Contact for reliable service in Australia.
A Comprehensive Guide on Cable Location Services Detections Method, Tools, an...
Yanai iufro subplenary
1. Uncertainty in Forest Carbon
and Nutrient Budgets
Ruth D. Yanai
State University of New York
College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse NY 13210, USA
2. Quantifying uncertainty in ecosystem budgets
Precipitation (evaluating monitoring intensity)
Streamflow (filling gaps with minimal uncertainty)
Forest biomass (identifying the greatest sources of uncertainty)
Soil stores (detectable differences)
QUANTIFYING UNCERTAINTY
IN ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
4. Bormann et al. (1977) Science
How can we assign confidence in ecosystem
nutrient fluxes?
5. Bormann et al. (1977) Science
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
6. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input
+ hydrologic export
+ N accretion in living biomass
+ N accretion in the forest floor
± gain or loss in soil N stores
- weathering N input
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
7. The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
8. Measurement Uncertainty Sampling Uncertainty
Spatial and Temporal Variability
Model Uncertainty
Error within models Error between models
Volume = f(elevation, aspect): 3.4 mm
Undercatch: 3.5%
Chemical analysis: 0-3%
Model selection: <1%
Across
catchments:
3%
Across years:
14%
9.
10. We tested the effect of sampling intensity by sequentially omitting
individual precipitation gauges.
Estimates of annual precipitation volume varied little until five or more
of the eleven precipitation gauges were ignored.
11. The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
12. The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
15. Gaps in the discharge record are filled by
comparison to other streams at the site,
using linear regression.
S5
S12
S16
S17
S20
0
100
200
0 100 200
0
100
200
300
0 100 200 300
0
50
100
150
0 50 100 150
0
50
100
150
0 50 100 150
0
50
100
0 50 100
16. Cross-validation: Create fake gaps and
compare observed and predicted discharge
Yanai et al. (2014)
Hydrological Processes
17. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass
+ N accretion in the forest floor
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
18. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass
+ N accretion in the forest floor
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
19. Tree Inventory
log(Height) = a + b*log(Diameter) ± error
log (Mass) = a + b*log(1/2 r2
*Height) ± error
Nutrient content = Mass * (Concentration ± error)
Sum all trees and all tissue types
Allometric Equations
and Nutrient Concentrations
20. Monte Carlo
Simulation
Yanai, Battles, Richardson, Rastetter,
Wood, and Blodgett (2010) Ecosystems
Monte Carlo simulations use
random sampling of the
distribution of the inputs to a
calculation. After many
iterations, the distribution of the
output is analyzed.
22. 611 ± 54 kg N/ha
Nitrogen Content of Biomass
with Uncertainty
23. ***IMPORTANT***
Random selection of parameter
values applies across all the
trees and all the time periods in
each iteration.
The uncertainty between two
measurements can be less than
in a single measurement!
31. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
32. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
35. Nitrogen in the Forest Floor
Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
y = 0 .0 0 0 2 x - 0 . 1 6 1 9
R 2
= 0 . 0 1 0 9
0
0 . 0 5
0 .1
0 . 1 5
0 .2
0 . 2 5
1 9 7 5 1 9 8 0 1 9 8 5 1 9 9 0 1 9 9 5 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 5
ForestFloorN(kg/m2)
The change is insignificant (P = 0.84).
The uncertainty in the slope is ± 22 kg/ha/yr.
36. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor (± 22)
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
37. Studies of soil change over time often fail to detect a difference.
We should always report how large a difference is detectable.
Yanai et al. (2003) SSSAJ
38. Power analysis can be used to determine the
difference detectable with known confidence
Yanai et al. (2003) SSSAJ
39. Sampling the same experimental units over time
permits detection of smaller changes
Yanai et al. (2003) SSSAJ
40. In this analysis of forest floor studies,
few could detect small changes
Yanai et al. (2003) SSSAJ
41. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor (± 22)
± gain or loss in soil N stores
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
42. Nitrogen Pools (kg/ha)
Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
1796
29
10
1260
750
3080
Forest Floor
Live Vegetation
Coarse Woody Debris
Mineral Soil
10 cm-C
Dead Vegetation
Mineral Soil
0-10 cm
Yanai et al. (2013) ES&T
47. We can’t detect a difference of 730 kg N/ha in the mineral soil.
From 1983 to 1998, 15 years post-harvest, there was an
insignificant decline of 54 ± 53 kg N ha-1
y-1
Huntington et al. (1988)
Yanai et al. (2013) ES&T
48. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor (± 22)
± gain or loss in soil N stores (± 53)
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± ?? kg/ha/yr
49. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
+ N accretion in the forest floor (± 22)
± gain or loss in soil N stores (± 53)
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± 57 kg/ha/yr
50. Net N gas exchange = sinks – sources =
- precipitation N input (± 1.3)
+ hydrologic export (± 0.5)
+ N accretion in living biomass (± 1)
The N budget for Hubbard Brook published
in 1977 was “missing” 14.2 kg/ha/yr
14.2 ± 2.6 kg/ha/yr
Draw your budget boundaries to ask questions
that can be answered with confidence!
51. The Value of Uncertainty Analysis
Quantify uncertainty in our results
Uncertainty in regression
Monte Carlo sampling
Detectable differences
Identify ways to reduce uncertainty
Devote effort to the greatest unknowns
Improve efficiency of monitoring efforts
52. Be a part of QUEST!
• Find more information at: www.quantifyinguncertainty.org
• Read papers, share sample code, stay updated with QUEST News
• Email us at quantifyinguncertainty@gmail.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter: @QUEST_RCN
QUANTIFYING UNCERTAINTY
IN ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
53. References
Yanai, R.D., N. Tokuchi, J.L. Campbell, M.B. Green, E. Matsuzaki, S.N. Laseter, C.L.
Brown, A.S. Bailey, P. Lyons, C.R. Levine, D.C. Buso, G.E. Likens, J. Knoepp, K.
Fukushima. 2014. Sources of uncertainty in estimating stream solute export from
headwater catchments at three sites. Hydrological Processes. DOI: 10.1002/hyp.10265
Yanai, R.D., M.A. Vadeboncoeur, S.P. Hamburg, M.A. Arthur, M.A. Fuss, P.M.Groffman,
T.G. Siccama, and C.T. Driscoll. 2013. From Missing Source to Missing Sink: Long-
Term Changes in a Forest Nitrogen Budget. Environmental Science & Technology.
47(20):11440-11448.
Yanai, R.D., C.R. Levine, M.B. Green, and J.L. Campbell. 2012. Quantifying uncertainty
in forest nutrient budgets, J. For. 110: 448-456
Yanai, R.D., J.J. Battles, A.D. Richardson, E.B. Rastetter, D.M. Wood, and C. Blodgett.
2010. Estimating uncertainty in ecosystem budget calculations. Ecosystems 13: 239-248
Wielopolski, L, R.D. Yanai, C.R. Levine, S. Mitra, and M.A Vadeboncoeur. 2010.
Rapid, non-destructive carbon analysis of forest soils using neutron-induced gamma-ray
spectroscopy. For. Ecol. Manag. 260: 1132-1137
Yanai, R.D., S.V. Stehman, M.A. Arthur, C.E. Prescott, A.J. Friedland, T.G. Siccama, and
D. Binkley. 2003. Detecting change in forest floor carbon. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 67:1583-
1593
My web site: www.esf.edu/faculty/yanai (Download any papers)
QUEST, NSF RCN. Outline of the talk: Parts of the ecosystem budget, each illustrating an application of uncertainty analysis. These applications are relevant to all of us involved in forest measurements and management, even if you’re not interested in nutrient budgets per se.
The same principles apply to C budgets
This was the first N budget for HB, published in 1977. Say that it’s an impressive achievement. Quantifying all the pools, and all the sources and sinks. They didn’t add up, there was an imbalance between the sources and sinks…
There was 14.2 kg/ha/yr missing. 14 point two? Plus or minus what?
I started my dissertation at Hubbard Brook in 1983, working on the P budget, and for 25 years it troubled me that we couldn’t assign uncertainty in forest ecosystem budgets.
Put back the animated version
For each of these sources or sinks, I have a diagram illustrating the sources of uncertainty. (Make sure this connects to the estimate in the budget mass balance.)
Figure 7. Sources of uncertainty in stream export of nutrients, illustrated with values for streams at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, except for uncertainty due to gaps of 1-2 weeks in stream discharge at Wakayama, Japan (Tokuchi, Fukushima, and Matsuzaki, personal communication). Uncertainty in stage height is the effect on annual flux of the uncertainty in weekly readings. Sampling uncertainty describes the range in runoff variability for 2000-2009. The height-discharge relationship is calibrated only at low flow; uncertainty at high flows may be very large. Model selection error is for the long-term average export of calcium and nitrate.
The weir cover that protects the basin heater was demolished by an ice-flow that bulldozed virtually the entire stream channel above the gauging station basin on 6 March 2011. The ice flow was produced by a rain-on-snow event and the presence of a thick ice layer on the stream, which allowed the frozen slurry to run down the hillslope un-checked, scouring the channel on the way to the weir. There is a boulder the size of table in the basin. The weir data were missing for about 3 weeks, until the ice could be removed from the V-notch and the floats re-calibrated to the notch height. During that period data from nearby W8 and W7 were used to model the flows in W9. The regression model is based on 15 years of continuous, parallel discharge measurements. Severe incidents of this sort are rare: this is the second time I have seen this in 37 years.
Replace this with gaps at Hubbard Brook
At Wakayama, Japan, gaps of Gaps of 1-3 days resulted in less than 0.5% error in the annual estimate of flow (Figure 6). Gaps of 1-2 weeks gave an average error of 1% of annual flow. Longer gaps still resulted in &lt;2% error, except for two long gaps of 2 or 3 months that gave errors of 7-8% (Figure 6).
I put in 0.5, based on the current low values of N export (0.8 kg/ha/yr) and the variation across replicate streams.
This is not a very certain number, stay tuned
I put in 0.5, based on the current low values of N export (0.8 kg/ha/yr) and the variation across replicate streams.
This is not a very certain number, stay tuned
The biomass calculation is really complicated. We have a complete inventory of every tree on the watershed (actually, this simplifies things; we have no sampling error). We have allometric equations relating tree height to tree diameter, by species and biomass of tissues (bark, branches, leaves, wood, roots) to the parabolic volume of the tree, which we get from the height and diameter. Then we have tissue concentrations for each species and tissue type. So we propagate the uncertainty in measurement error, regression, and concentration using a Monte Carlo approach.
Rather than do anything analytical (like a Gaussian approach)
Here are 100 values, you can see the variation
Graph the variation. But this is not what we want, we want change over time.
Uncertainty at one point in time was 54. Paired, 5
Uncertainty at one point in time was 54
At Hubbard Brook, Whittaker’s equations have very small errors. Will Oswaldo talk about equations in Mexico?
Emphasize model selection error
Divide by 5 years, we get plus or minus 1. This value I’m very confident of. It ranges from .5 to .9, depending on the period
Divide by 5 years, we get plus or minus 1. This value I’m very confident of. It ranges from .5 to .9, depending on the period
Divide by 5 years, we get plus or minus 1. This value I’m very confident of. It ranges from .5 to .9, depending on the period
Power to detect different magnitudes of change in forest floor organic mass for various sample sizes, using the variance of paired differences measured in a regional study of 30 stands (Friedland et al., 1992)
The sample size required to detect a given % change with power = 0.75. The three curves represent different levels of variability derived from Friendland et al. (1992), w upper and lower bounds of the 95% CI for the SD of the differences.
Frequency distribution of detectable change in 21 studies (some are represented more than once, paired an independent or plots vs. stands)
Divide by 5 years, we get plus or minus 1. This value I’m very confident of. It ranges from .5 to .9, depending on the period
The summary;
The depth distribution of fine root biomass depends on root diameter and forest type as a Ca gradient.
The finer roots are more concentrated at the shallow depth in the high Ca availability.
Roots larger than 0.5 mm in hardwoods don’t depend on soil depth and Ca availability, but those of softwoods decrease as soil depth and Ca availability.
Dead roots are more in softwoods than hardwoods, especially the most at low Ca available site.
There are no difference in live and dead root biomass among sites in hardwoods, but highest in Cone Pone in softwoods.
Divide by 5 years, we get plus or minus 1. This value I’m very confident of. It ranges from .5 to .9, depending on the period
Don’t despair. Without the soil, the uncertainty is 2.6. We can say with great confidence that there was a missing source in the N budget (now, instead, we have a missing sink).
Add a conclusion slide: draw your budget boundaries carefully to ask questions that can be answered with confidence.
Don’t despair. Without the soil, the uncertainty is 2.6. We can say with great confidence that there was a missing source in the N budget (now, instead, we have a missing sink).
Add a conclusion slide: draw your budget boundaries carefully to ask questions that can be answered with confidence.
Put in a plug for our as-yet unfunded RCN. We already have a web site, mailing list of 177. Statistical Advice Bureau of 12 experts willing to collaborate with us.
These are 5 models of precipitation in the HB valley, using built-in models in ARC GIS. We can see that each is interpolating between the rain gauges differently.
When we compare the estimates of the different models for the whole valley, we see that there is low variation between the models. Next, we will be working on how to estimate the uncertainty not just between the models, but also within each model.