Forest Experiment Station Research Articles

Climate signal in the radial growth of selected coniferous species from the Forest Experimental Station in Rogów

Abstract I present dendroclimatological analysis of coniferous tree species growing under the same environmental conditions in the WULS-SGGW Forest Experimental Station in Rogów (51°49' N, 19°53' E, ca. 190 m a.s.l). The study focuses on silver fir, European larch, Scots pine and Douglas fir. For each species, tree-ring width and annual sensitivity chronologies were developed for the period 1931-2010. Analysed species show considerable similarity of their radial increment course (GLK up to 67%, the t-value of 3,5-9,5). The relationship obtained for of the influence of climate conditions on radial growth of these species is typical of the relationships reported from other locations in lowland Poland. Late winter and early spring temperature, especially during February-March, is the main factor affecting tree-ring formation. The general relationship demonstrates that this seasonal thermal limitation operates at an inter-regional and interspecific level in determining the growth of coniferous tree species in Poland. Whereas, the dependence of these species on precipitation is much less significant.

Dissolved Organic Carbon Dynamics and Controls of Planted Slash Pine Forest Soil in Subtropical Region in Southern China

Soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an active fraction of the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and links terrestrial and aquatic systems. The degradation of DOC can affect carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics and energy supply to microorganism, and consequently change biogeochemical processes. This study investigated the vertical and seasonal variability of soil DOC concentrations and its controls in a 23-year-old planted slash pine (Pinus elliottii) forest at Qianyanzhou Forest Experimental Station (QFES) in Southern China. Soil solutions were collected at bimonthly intervals at depths of 10, 20 and 30 cm by a mechanical-vacuum extractor from November 2007 to March 2009, and at monthly intervals at depths of 10, 30 and 50cm from April 2009 to October 2010. The DOC concentrations were determined with a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. Mean (±standard deviation) DOC concentrations at depths of 10cm, 20cm, 30cm and 50cm were 12.4±4.4, 10.6±6.3, 8.7±2.6, and 8.0±5.9 mg L-1, respectively. Both seasonal and spring means of DOC concentration showed a decreasing trend with increasing depth, while there was no clear trend for the summer, autumn, or winter seasons. DOC concentrations during spring, summer, autumn and winter ranged from 4.8 to 21.5, 4.9 to 26.2, 5.4 to 17.1, 4.9 to 14.6 mg L-1, respectively, their mean DOC concentrations were 10.2, 10.5, 10.8 and 8.3 mg L-1, respectively. No consistent pattern of seasonal variability of DOC concentrations at different depths was observed. No obvious relationship between organic carbon content of forest litter and DOC concentration was found. There was a positive linear relationship between SOC and DOC concentration (R2=0.19, p<0.01), which showed that SOC was one of the main controls of DOC. A positive exponential relationship existed between soil temperature at 5 cm and DOC concentrations at 10 cm depth in slash pine, masson pine (Pinus massoniana) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate) planted forests (R2=0.12, p<0.01). DOC concentrations showed a negative linear relationship with soil moisture at all depths in slash pine forest (R2=0.15, p<0.001), and DOC concentrations at depth of 10 cm demonstrated a negative exponential relationship with soil moisture at 5 cm depth in three planted forests (R2=0.13, p<0.001). Precipitation in sampling months and mean seasonal DOC concentration were not correlated. However, a more detailed analysis of precipitation events at different times before sampling and seasonal DOC concentration showed that the timing of precipitation events prior to sampling had different effects on seasonal DOC concentrations at different depths. Our study highlights the importance of DOC dynamics for the carbon cycle in planted slash pine forest and it provides evidence for evaluating the effects of ecological restoration in subtropical red soil region.

Mineral Composition of Cottonseed is Affected by Fertilization Management Practices

Cottonseed and its products can be used as human food, animal feed, and industrial raw material. Chemical composition is one of the critical parameters to evaluate cottonseed’s quality and potential end use. Whereas there are reports on the improvement of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lint yield by poultry litter (PL) fertilization, there are no data about the impact of PL application on mineral composition of cottonseed. In this study, we collected seed samples in 2 yr from cotton fertilized with PL and chemical inorganic fertilizer (CIF) with or without winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cover crop (CC) at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station. Contents of 18 elements (Al, As, B, C, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, and Zn) and ash in these cottonseed samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma‐based or dry combustion methods. Cover crop did not significantly impact the chemical composition of cottonseed. Compared to no fertilizer control, both CIF and PL altered the levels of Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P (possibly Na and K), and ash contents but not C, N, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Al, S, B and As. The impact of subsurface band vs. broadcast application methods or fall vs. spring application timing on mineral composition was not obvious. Cottonseed K, Mg, and P contents were higher with PL fertilization but lower with CIF than those of the control cottonseed (no fertilizer). The data of the three elements were highly correlated (α &lt; 0.01), indicating the three elements were co‐accumulated in cottonseed.

Nematodes Associated WithDryocoetes uniseriatus(Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

We examined the nematode fauna associated with a species of bark beetle, Dryocoetes uniseriatus Eggers, as part of a biodiversity survey of forest beetle-associated nematodes. Collections were made in a pine stand at an experimental forest station in Ibaraki, Japan, from April to July of 2011; we examined the nematode association in 273 insects collected during this time. In total, 68% of the insects were associated with at least one species of nematode. Six species of nematodes, including two phoretic microbe feeders (Bursaphelenchus rainulfi Braasch & Burgermeister and Micoletzkya sp.), one insect parasite and nematode predator (Devibursaphelenchus cf. eproctatus), one insect parasite (Contortylenchus sp.), one insect parasite and potential microbe feeder (unidentified rhabditid parasite), and one potential insect parasite and fungal feeder (B. sinensis) were recovered from the beetles. D. cf. eproctatus was enclosed in nematangia on the backsides of the elytra, B. rainulfi was isolated from the backsides of the elytra or enclosed in nematangia, Micoletzkya sp. was isolated from under the elytra, Contortylenchus sp. and a rhabditid parasite parasitized the body cavity, and B. sinensis was found in the digestive tract of the insect. The association patterns of the nematode species varied seasonally, although definitive interactions among species (e.g., segregation, competition) were not observed.

Environmental assessment of soil N 2O fluxes spatial and temporal variability on the forest plot of the nature reserve «Petrovsko-Razumovskoe»

In article deal with the problem of greenhouse effect and the influence of global climate change on environmental condition of modern megalopolis, on the example of Moscow. The research are focused on nitrogen oxide (I), which is one of the least studied greenhouse gases. Research were carried out in the territory of Forest Experimental Station RGAU-MSHA named after K.A. Timiryazev since May till September, 2013.

Fungal diseases of tree stands under urbanized conditions of Moscow

Phytosanitary and ecological estimation of tree-stands has been con?ducted at the Forest Experimental Station of Moscow Agricultural Academy and parks of Northeast of Moscow in 2007-2011. Fomes fomentarius was proved to be a very serious pathogen of trees under conditions of Moscow, Piptoporus betulinus, Phellinus igniarius, and Fomitopsis pinicola also occurred and caused damage to trees. This rather bad phytosanitary situation depends on alarming ecological situation in Moscow. At the Forest Experimental Station of Moscow Agricultural Academy a number and cover of lichens decreased. In general, all trees in Moscow are in dynamic equilibrium with the urbanized environment. In connection with this, the following classification of tree-stands was proposed for the urbanized environment: 1 - healthy trees, 2 - affected trees which can be managed, 3 - dry woods, 3a - very diseased. Many tree-stands in investigated regions of Moscow are found to belong to the groups 2 and 3c. All tree-stands must be carefully monitored and managed in order to provide a well-timed decision on the support system for preservation of trees as ?lungs of city? and avoid unpredictable tree falling which put people and traffic at risk.

Effects of Pit and Mound Landscape on Soil Ecosystem Engineers at Local Scales - a Case Study in Hyrcanian Forest

Earthworms comprise a major proportion of the total invertebrate biomass in terrestrial ecosystems and they are often called ecosystem engineers. Felling of trees by wind occurs continually in forest ecosystems. Many of trees are uprooted by windthrow, annually. The uprooting of old trees creates multiple microsites (e. g. pit and mound landscape) that are main source for soil heterogeneity. Efforts have been made in this study to determine the impact of pit and mound landscape on earthworm assemblages. Due to, the experimental forest station of Tarbiat Modares University studied that is located in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. For this purpose, twenty hectare areas considered and numbers of thirty four uprooted trees were found. Five microsites were distinguished including mound top, mound wall, pit bottom, pit wall and closed canopy. Soil samples were taken at 0~15 cm, 15~30 cm and 30~45 cm depths from all microsites using core soil sampler with 81 cm 2 cross section. Soil pH, water content, organic carbon, total nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio measured in the laboratory. The earthworms were collected simultaneously with the soil sampling by hand sorting method. As a result, in this study soil characters changes had significantly impact on earthworm abundance at local scales. Earthworm's (epigeic, anecic and endogeic) density and biomass had more amounts in pit bottom whereas, no earthworms found in mound top and wall microsites. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) performed on earthworm population and environmental variables showed that water content and C/N ratio are potential indicators of earthworm abundance change.

Building allometric models to estimate above-ground and below-ground biomass of mahogany sapling.

There are large areas of big-leaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) afforestation and reforestation plantations for reducing carbon dioxide due to climate change in Taiwan. In Taiwan, out of the total area of mahogany plantations of approximately 2982.00 ha, 125.40 ha is in national forests and 232.00 is at the Hsin-Hua Experimental Forest Station. Biomass is a plant attribute that accumulates over time. It is an important indicator of growth and is used in analysis and management processes. Above-ground biomass is the key parameter in many allometric relationships. However, there are few studies on below-ground biomass estimations of mahogany, for it is difficult to excavate and quantify these portions. The aim of this study was to establish an allometric relationship to estimate the above-ground (stem wood, stem bark, branches, and foliage) and belowground (roots) biomass using an easily measured value, such as the diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter at the stem base (DSB) and tree height (H). Forty-six mahogany saplings (0 cm ≤ DBH ≤ 10 cm), with different ages in the second compartment of this forest station, were used to establish the allometric functions of DBH and biomass, and functions of DSB and biomass. A significance test of the correlation was used to test the relationship between DBH and biomass in different sections, including foliage, branches, stems, above-ground, below-ground, and the entire tree. The DSB was also tested. The results showed that the power regression function was superior to other functions. The correlation between DBH and biomass was higher than the correlation between DSB and biomass. The allometric functions for the entire tree biomass, above-ground biomass, and below-ground biomass were W = 175.67×DBH^2.29 (R^2 = 0.9692), Wabove = 112.21×DBH^2.34 (R^2 = 0.9621), and Wbelow = 61.65×DBH^2.19 (R^2 = 0.9610), respectively. The carbon content of each part of mahogany trees was as follows: stem wood (45.83±0.92%), roots (45.09±0.89%), foliage (44.95±1.21%), branches (43.74±1.09%), and stem bark (42.64±1.01%). Managers can estimate the biomass, carbon content ratio, and carbon storage of mahogany without destroying trees.

Effects of uprooting tree on herbaceous species diversity, woody species regeneration status and soil physical characteristics in a temperate mixed forest of Iran

We conducted a study to examine the pattern of development of herbaceous plant species, woody species regeneration and soil physical characteristics after tree uprooting in 20-ha areas of Experimental Forest Station of Tarbiat Modares University located in a temperate forest of Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. Soil bulk density, soil texture and moisture from pit and mound (PM) were measured in the laboratory. Results show that the soil bulk density was most in soil deeper layers at mound top, and the soil moisture content was most in soil deeper layers at Pit bottom. Our study supports that the micro-topography of PM (pit and mound) topography will create a mosaic of environmental conditions. This environmental heterogeneity could be responsible for the diversity of herbaceous plant species and regeneration of woody species. It is recommend that the fallen trees with PM structure should remain in the protected area without clearing as the best option for forest restoration. This information can be useful for forest management that attempts to emulate natural processes.

Insects of the Subfamily Scolytinae (Insecta: Coleoptera, Curculionidae) Collected with Pitfall and Ethanol Traps in Primary Forests of Central Amazonia

An experiment was conducted in a primary forest area of the Tropical Forest Experimental Station, 45 km from Manaus-Boa Vista Highway, in order to compare the insect fauna of the subfamily Scolytinae, in flight activity and on the ground. Five impact traps of the type Escolitideo/Curitiba, with ethanol baits, were installed at the height of 3 m above the ground, and five pitfall traps were buried in the same area of the above ground traps. The data collections were evaluated through abundance, richness, and Simpson diversity index, and, to compare these data with the pitfalls and the months collection, the ANOVA was used. The Pearson correlation test was also carried out to evaluate the meteorological factors (temperature and rainfall). From the total of 2,910 Scolytinae, 2,341 were captured in pitfall traps representing 80.45% and 569 with Escolitideo/Curitiba traps representing 19.55%. The most abundant species in the collections wereXyleborus volvulusFabricius andXyleborus affinisEichhoff, and this was classified as constant in both habitats. The result of the analysis indicates that the Simpson’s index was high and that the abundance of insects was affected by the types of trap and by the month of collection. The analysis of correlation with meteorological factors showed that onlyXyleborus spinulosusspecies presented significant correlation with temperature.

Bidirectional texture function of high resolution optical images of tropical forest: An approach using LiDAR hillshade simulations

Quantifying and monitoring the structure and degradation of tropical forests over regional to global scales is gaining increasing scientific and societal importance. Reliable automated methods are only beginning to appear; for instance, through the recent development of textural approaches applied to high resolution optical imagery. In particular, the Fourier Transform Textural Ordination (FOTO) method shows some potential to provide non-saturating estimates of tropical forest structure, including for large scale applications. However, we need to understand more precisely how canopy structure interacts with physical signals (light) to produce a given texture, notably to assess the method's sensitivity to varying sun-view acquisition conditions. In this study, we take advantage of the detailed description of canopy topography provided by airborne small footprint LiDAR data acquired over the Paracou forest experimental station in French Guiana. Using hillshade models and a range of sun-view angles identical to the actual parameter distributions found for Quickbird™ images over the Amazon, we study noise and bias in texture estimation induced by the changing configurations. We introduce the bidirectional texture function, which summarizes these effects, and in particular the existence of a textural ‘hot spot’, similar to a well-known feature of bidirectional reflectance studies. For texture, this effect implies that coarseness decreases in configurations for which shadows are concealed to the observer. We also propose a method, termed partitioned standardization, that allows mitigating acquisition effects and discuss the potential for an operational use of VHR optical imagery and the FOTO method in the current context of international decisions to reduce CO 2 emissions due to deforestation and forest degradation.

Hursh CR and Brater EF (1941) Separating storm-hydrographs from small drainage-areas into surface- and subsurface-flow. Transactions, American Geophysical Union 22: 863-871

The Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory was established in 1934 (originally known as the ‘Coweeta Experimental Forest’). A symposium to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2009 was an opportunity to acknowledge that some of the world’s most important long-term research in forest hydrology and ecology has been conducted there (Swank and Vose, 2009). To understand the reasons why Coweeta was established, one must understand something of the social, economic and political circumstances at the time. It was concern about soil erosion, flood control and sustained flow of rivers, as well as future timber supplies, that led to the establishment of the first forest reserves (soon to become ‘national forests’) from the public domain lands of the American West (Douglass and Hoover, 1988). The Weeks Act of 1911 provided the basis for national forests in the East, primarily to protect forest and water resources in the headwaters of navigable rivers. At this time, little was known about the influence of forests on catchment hydrology and interest was at a high level in 1926 when Charles R. Hursh, an ecologist, joined the five-man staff of the newly established Appalachian Forest Experiment Station. Hursh identified the need to understand the relationship between forests and streamflow where erosion was of minor importance. Only then was it possible to show how patterns of runoff and erosion would change when the tree cover was removed. Hursh searched for suitable areas in the Appalachian Mountains where comprehensive studies of forest influence could be made. His site criteria were: a complete headwater drainage basin with well-developed stream networks, perennial flow, high rainfall, deep soils and complete forest cover. The Coweeta basin was selected in 1931 and, following a major programme of construction and surveying, the Coweeta Experimental Forest was

A comparative study on the velocities of stress wave propagation in standing Fraxinus mandshurica trees in frozen and non-frozen states

In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of identifying wood defects and to realize the maximum wood utilization of trees, we employed an experimental method to test the stress wave propagation velocity in standing Fraxinus mandshurica trees selected from the Harbin Forest Experimental Station in winter. Thirty standing trees in good conditions were taken as test specimens and stress wave propagation velocities were measured using a FAKOPP Microsecond Timer in trees in both fall and winter. The test data were processed with the aid of Excel and SPSS software. The results show that 1) the velocities in longitudinal and radial stress wave propagation in frozen F. mandshurica trees were much higher than those in the non-frozen trees; 2) there was a highly positive correlation between longitudinal stress wave propagation velocity in frozen and non-frozen states, with a correlation coefficient of 0.82, as well as a positive correlation between radial stress wave propagation velocity in frozen and non-frozen states with a correlation coefficient of 0.87; 3) in the frozen state, the longitudinal stress wave propagation velocity was significantly affected by the moisture content (MC) of standing tree, while it was not obvious in the non-frozen state and 4) the radial stress wave propagation velocity was not significantly affected by MC in either frozen or non-frozen state.

Estimation of fine root production, mortality and turnover with Minirhizotron in Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations

Fine root turnover is a major pathway for carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. However, to estimate fine root turnover, it is important to first understand the fine root dynamic processes associated with soil resource availability and climate factors. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine patterns of fine root production and mortality in different seasons and soil depths in the Larix gmelinii and Fraxinus mandshurica plantations, (2) to analyze the correlation of fine root production and mortality with environmental factors such as air temperature, precipitation, soil temperature and available nitrogen, and (3) to estimate fine root turnover. We installed 36 Minirhizotron tubes in six mono-specific plots of each species in September 2003 in the Mao’ershan Experimental Forest Station. Minirhizotron sampling was conducted every two weeks from April 2004 to April 2005. We calculated the average fine root length, annual fine root length production and mortality using image data of Minirhizotrons, and estimated fine root turnover using three approaches. Results show that the average growth rate and mortality rate in L. melinii were markedly smaller than in F. mandshurica, and were highest in the surface soil and lowest at the bottom among all the four soil layers. The annual fine root production and mortality in F. mandshurica were significantly higher than in L. gmelinii. The fine root production in spring and summer accounted for 41.7% and 39.7% of the total annual production in F. mandshurica and 24.0% and 51.2% in L. gmelinii. The majority of fine root mortality occurred in spring and summer for F. mandshurica and in summer and autumn for L. gmelinii. The turnover rate was 3.1 a−1 for L. gmelinii and 2.7 a−1 for F. mandshurica. Multiple regression analysis indicates that climate and soil resource factors together could explain 80% of the variations of the fine root seasonal growth and 95% of the seasonal mortality. In conclusion, fine root production and mortality in L. gmelinii and F. mandshurica have different patterns in different seasons and at different soil depths. Air temperature, precipitation, soil temperature and soil available nitrogen integratively control the dynamics of fine root production, mortality and turnover in both species.

Height development of shade-tolerant conifer saplings in multiaged Acadian forest standsPublication 2954 of the Maine Agricultural and Forest Experiment Station, University of Maine, Orono, Maine.

Understory growth dynamics of northern conifer species were studied in four stands managed under multiaged silvicultural systems in eastern Maine. Height growth of Picea rubens Sarg., Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., and Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr. saplings between 0.5 and 6.0 m in height was related to the proportion open sky (POS), using sapling height as a covariate. Height growth of T. canadensis equaled A. balsamea and exceeded P. rubens under very low light levels (POS &lt; 0.1) but is much less responsive to both increasing POS and taller heights, reaching 50% of its maximum height growth at a POS of only 0.09. Abies balsamea outgrew P. rubens under similar dark conditions; at higher light levels (POS &gt; 0.10), both species grew similarly. Evidently, no feasible overstory manipulation of light alone can promote more rapid height development of P. rubens saplings over A. balsamea. A nonlinear light-prediction model using stand basal area is linked with height-growth prediction equations to quantify sapling development from 0.5 to 6 m. Depending on overstory density, P. rubens requires a height advantage of 0.14–0.33 m over a 0.5 m tall A. balsamea to reach a height of 6 m over the same time period.

Cavity Trees, Snags, and Selection Cutting: A Northern Hardwood Case Study

Abstract Although traditional application of the selection system includes a focus on high-value trees that may reduce cavities and snags, few studies have quantified those habitat features in managed uneven-aged stands. We examined the effects of single-tree selection cutting on cavity trees and snags in a northern hardwood stand immediately prior to the second cutting. Marking followed guidelines proposed by Arbogast, C., Jr. (1957. Marking guides for northern hardwoods under selection system. US For. Serv. Res. Pap. 56, Lake States Forest Experiment Station. 20 p.), with the objective of improving stand quality for timber production while maintaining a balanced diameter distribution. The stand contained seven species of cavity trees and snags; sugar maple and American beech were most common, the latter comprising 20% of snags and 26% of cavity trees despite its relatively minor (7%) contribution to stand basal area. We found that 92% of cavity trees were live, underscoring the value of living trees as sources of cavities. Precut cavity tree density (25.2 live cavity trees per hectare) was more than twice that found in other studies of selection stands, although density of snags (11.0 snags per hectare) was comparable or lower. More than 50% of sampled cavity trees were designated for removal in the second selection cut, reducing projected postcut density to 11.0 live cavity trees per hectare, a density similar to that found in other studies. Postcut density of large cavity trees (3.3 live trees &gt;45 cm dbh per hectare) exceeded published guidelines for northern hardwoods (0.25 to 2.5 live cavity trees &gt;45 cm dbh per hectare). We speculate that the relatively high maximum diameter (61 cm dbh) and long cutting cycle (20 years) used to define the target stand structure may have contributed to the number of cavity trees observed. Nevertheless, selection cutting as applied in this study will likely reduce cavity abundance unless retention of trees with decay is explicitly incorporated into the management strategy.

Milestones and millstones: A retrospective on 50 years of research to improve productivity in loblolly pine plantations

The productive potential of plantations together with the expansion of the pulp and paper industry in the region prompted a broadly based program of research and development in southern pine plantation establishment and management. The first major research contribution to pine plantation forestry in the South was the USDA-Forest Service Publication, Agricultural Monograph No. 18, Planting the Southern Pines by P.C. Wakeley. This publication summarized 30 years of research by Wakeley and his colleagues at the Southern Forest Experiment Station and served as a road map for essentially every agency and organization, public and private that wished to establish and manage plantations of southern pine. In 1951, the Texas Forest Service and Texas A&M University established the first southern pine tree improvement program. This program not only introduced a new area of forest research in the South, it established a new way to conduct research through the creation of a forest industry–university–government research cooperative. The passage of the McIntire–Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Act of 1962 greatly expanded the forestry research potential at state universities and soon thereafter a number of cooperatives were formed in pine tree improvement, forest fertilization, competing vegetation management, forest biology, nursery management, growth and yield, hardwood tree improvement, and hardwood silviculture. These cooperative endeavors fostered creativity and innovation and provided a network for the rapid testing and dissemination of ideas and discoveries. Naturally regenerated second growth stands of southern pine typically had a mean annual increment of 2–3 m 3 ha −1 year −1. Today, operational plantations of genetically improved loblolly pine with basic site preparation will produce 9–12 m 3 ha −1 year −1 over a 25-year rotation while experimental plantations with complete competition control and annual fertilization have achieved mean annual increments as high as 34 m 3 ha −1 year −1 by age 12 years. In 1999, planted forests accounted for only 11% of the South's total growing-stock volume, but contributed 41% of the softwood net annual growth and 29% of the softwood harvest. These figures are forecast to increase during the first half of the 21st century.

Sirococcus clavigignenti‐juglandacearum

<i>Sirococcus clavigignenti‐juglandacearum</i>

Effects of Land Use Change On the Storage of Soil Organic Carbon: A Case Study of the Qianyanzhou Forest Experimental Station in China

Forests play an important role in sequestrating carbon from the atmosphere. Since the 1980s, reforestation activities have been implemented in the area surrounding the Qianyanzhou Forest Experimental Station in Jiangxi Province, China. Farmland and heavily eroded waste land were replanted with fruit, orchards and forest plantations. The area surrounding the Qianyanzhou Forest Experimental Station was selected as research site to analyze the potential of reforestation in carbon sequestration. This study evaluated the variation of soil organic carbon storage under the different land use types. Soil organic carbon storage varied greatly with land use types. From 1984 to 2002, soil organic carbon storage increased 2.45 x 10(6) kg across eight land use types. This study demonstrates the potential for carbon sequestration in soils from reforestation. However, a complete understanding of soil carbon fluxes at the landscape scale will depend on the potential and retention period of soil organic carbon.

Glenn Snow, 1930 to 2003

Glenn Austin Snow passed away 5 August 2003 after a long fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Dolores, his children Alan Mark, Albert Lee, Carroll Wayne, and Barbara Frances, and seven grandchildren. He was born in Carrizozo, New Mexico, in 1930. He attended primary and secondary school in Carrizozo, and later received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Biology from New Mexico State University. He received a Master of Science degree in plant pathology from Colorado State University and a Ph.D. degree in plant pathology from North Carolina State University. He served in Korea as a first lieutenant in the 24th Infantry Division of the United States Army. His professional career began with the New Mexico State Department of Health working as a District Sanitarian. In 1957, he joined the Southern Forest Experiment Station of the U.S. Forest Service in Gulfport, Mississippi. There he worked as a research plant pathologist and project leader until his retirement in 1990. Glenn’s major research was fusiform rust of slash pine and brown spot needle blight of longleaf pine. His early research on spore dispersal and infection biology of the rust pathogen contributed greatly to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, including important developments in rust hazard evaluation, disease management and aspects of screening for disease resistance. He also contributed important research on control of fusiform rust in forest tree nurseries so that disease-free planting stock would be available. Glenn then turned his attention to characterizing variability in the fusiform rust–slash pine pathosystem where his studies were classical in forest pathology and set the stage for much of the current research on the genetics of disease resistance. Along the way, Glenn developed a quantitative inoculation system which is still a preferred way to challenge specific pine seedlings with sources of the pathogen. He collaborated in a paper describing several form species of Cronartium quercuum which renamed the fusiform rust pathogen C. quercuum f. sp. fusiforme. During his career, he published over 70 research papers. In 1983, he received the Southern Forest Pathologists Award. In addition to being a long-time member of The American Phytopathological Society, he was active in civic and church affairs. In retirement, he served as a consultant to a task-force seeking to determine the cause of the decline of the live oaks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He will long be remembered for his dedication to science, his mentorship, and his dry wit.