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Determine Impacts of Aluminum Toxicity and Calcuim Loss on Threatened High-Elevation Spruce-Fir
| GLNF CESU Project #: |
MTU-NPS-13 |
| TA# |
J5460070154 |
| Partners: |
Michigan Technological University and the National Park Service |
| Project Contact: |
Christopher Webster (cwebster@mtu.edu) |
| Agency Contact: |
Mike Jenkins (mike_jenkins@nps.gov) |
| Project Funding: |
$81,426 (FY08: $27,142; FY07: $54,284) |
| Project Dates: |
07/01/2007- 07/01/2009 |
| Project Abstract: |
Because of the combined impacts of the balsam woolly adelgid and chronic acid deposition, spruce-fir forests in the southern Appalachians are among the most threatened vegetation communities in North America. Acid deposition in these forests mobilizes aluminum and increases the leaching of cations. Our study will examine how aluminum toxicity, calcium availability, and nitrogen saturation vary with modeled deposition, topography, and edaphic characteristics and how these factors influence the distribution of plant species. We will use a model of acid deposition and the park vegetation map to create a stratified sample of study plots, on which intensive vegetation and soil data will be collected. |
| Project Products: |
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