Soils and Forest Floor
 Mineral soil chemistry is determined by analyzing 12 samples from each
vegetation plot for carbon, nitrogen, and macronutrients. Soil nutrient
availability is measured by comparing mineralization and nitrification of
recently collected samples with those that are incubated in the ground for 20-30
days. Bulk density sampling and penetrometer readings are used to determine soil
physical properties.
Although not a component of the national protocols, examining
carbon and nutrient cycling will augment information from the soils discipline by
explaining nutrient changes in nutrient fluxes as affected by treatment.
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Aboveground biomass and production will
be estimated from vegetation. Pool
sizes will be estimated using allometric equations from the literature.
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Belowground biomass will be determined
by excavating soil monoliths.
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Fine root production will be
estimated using root in-growth bags.
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Detritus pool size will be estimated
using fuels data collected.
- Aboveground litter and wood
decomposition will be estimated using litterbags and wooden dowels,
respectively.
- In conjunction with aboveground
decomposition measures, belowground decomposition will be estimated.
- Litterfall will be measured and serve as an estimate of annual leaf production.
- Soil respiration will be measured.
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