Southeastern Ohio Research Articles

Environmental Change Since the Woodland Period in the Mid-Ohio Valley: Results from Patton Bog Sediment Core Palynological Analyses

Palynological analyses of sediment cores from Patton Bog in southeastern Ohio recorded environmental changes from ca. 1000 B.C. to the present, representing the first pollen core analyzed from this region. Pollen data show an increase in prairie species, implying periodic expansion of grassland environments during the Woodland period coeval with the initial collection and eventual domestication of Eastern Agricultural Complex seeds. It is suggested that these environmental changes influenced human decisions concerning plant domestication and diet in the mid-Ohio Valley.

Microfungi found on phellen of Jugulans nigra L. in Southeastern Ohio, USA

Bark surfaces from black walnut (<em>Jugulans nigra</em>) trees of three sites in southeastern Ohio, half. Five. and ten miles from the Ohio River, were used in late autumn to isolate fungi in culture. as well as to search for the presence of fungal mycelium and spores. The pH of the cork also was determined. Fifty six, mostly cosmopolitan, species of microfungi and several yeasts were isolated, almost all belonging to imperfect form genera. with the largest number of species in the genus <em>Penicillium</em>. No relationship of fungal presence to cork pH was found among the sites whose acidity was related to closeness to the industrialized river edge. Relatively few fungi were isolated. and even fewer spores, and only four mycelia) growths were found by electron microscopy. Several spores seen could not be matched with fungi that had been isolated. The bark seems to be a trapping surface for spores. rather than a place of fungal growth.

Childhood exposure to manganese and postural instability in children living near a ferromanganese refinery in Southeastern Ohio

Airborne manganese (Mn) exposure can result in neurotoxicity and postural instability in occupationally exposed workers, yet few studies have explored the association ambient exposure to Mn in children and postural stability. The goal of this study was to determine the association between Mn and lead (Pb) exposure, as measured by blood Pb, blood and hair Mn and time weighted distance (TWD) from a ferromanganese refinery, and postural stability in children. A subset of children ages 7–9years enrolled in the Marietta Community Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES) were invited to participate. Postural balance was conducted on 55 children residing in Marietta, Ohio and the surrounding area. Samples of blood were collected and analyzed for Mn and Pb, and samples of hair were analyzed for Mn. Neuromotor performance was assessed using postural balance testing with a computer force platform system. Pearson correlations were calculated to identify key covariates. Associations between postural balance testing conditions and Mn and Pb exposure were estimated with linear regression analyses adjusting for gender, age, parent IQ, and parent age. Mean blood Mn was 10μg/L (SEM=0.36), mean blood Pb was 0.85μg/dL (SEM=0.05), and mean hair Mn was 0.76μg/g (SEM=0.16). Mean residential distance from the refinery was 11.5km (SEM=0.46). All three measures of Mn exposure were significantly associated with poor postural balance. In addition, low-level blood Pb was also negatively associated with balance outcomes. We conclude that Mn exposure and low-level blood Pb are significantly associated with poor postural balance.

An assessment of microbial communities associated with surface mining-disturbed overburden

To assess the microbiological changes that occur during the maturation of overburden that has been disturbed by surface mining of coal, a surface mining-disturbed overburden unit in southeastern Ohio, USA was characterized. Overburden from the same unit that had been disturbed for 37 and 16years were compared to undisturbed soil from the same region. Overburden and soil samples were collected as shallow subsurface cores from each subregion of the mined area (i.e., land 16years and 37years post-mining, and unmined land). Chemical and mineralogical characteristics of overburden samples were determined, as were microbial respiration rates. The composition of microbial communities associated with overburden and soil were determined using culture-independent, nucleic acid-based approaches. Chemical and mineralogical evaluation of overburden suggested that weathering of disturbed overburden gave rise to a setting with lower pH and more oxidized chemical constituents. Overburden-associated microbial biomass and respiration rates increased with time after overburden disturbance. Evaluation of 16S rRNA gene libraries that were produced by "next-generation" sequencing technology revealed that recently disturbed overburden contained an abundance of phylotypes attributable to sulfur-oxidizing Limnobacter spp., but with increasing time post-disturbance, overburden-associated microbial communities developed a structure similar to that of undisturbed soil, but retained characteristics of more recently disturbed overburden. Our results indicate that over time, the biogeochemical weathering of disturbed overburden leads to the development of geochemical conditions and microbial communities that approximate those of undisturbed soil, but that this transition is incomplete after 37years of overburden maturation.

Performance of steel slag leach beds in acid mine drainage treatment

Steel slag leach beds are a popular choice for acid mine drainage treatment in southeastern Ohio. Large amounts of alkalinity leached from the surface of steel slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing, have been added to acid mine drainage-affected streams to neutralize pH and precipitate metals. Results from steel slag leach beds are promising, but alkalinity production has decreased significantly over time in all beds. To determine the cause of the decrease, the effluent flow and chemical characteristics of twelve steel slag leach beds were monitored over a one year period and compared to historical data. Alkalinity production fell and remained below design expectations for two main reasons. First, declining effluent flow rates led to low alkalinity loadings. Thick layers of precipitates in the effluent piping contributed to low flow rates. Precipitates also formed within the slag itself, further lowering flow rates. Recommendations to limit precipitation, improve flow and alkalinity loading rates, included using a low-alkalinity influent, and minimizing carbon dioxide contact with the alkaline effluent. Declining alkalinity loadings were also caused by an inherent limitation in the amount of readily dissolvable calcium compounds on the surface of the slag particles. Past and present data were used to model the declining alkalinity production capabilities of slag with time. All steel slag leach beds studied except one were initially capable of high alkalinity loadings, but typically lost more than 75% of peak alkalinity production within 50 empty bed volumes. Similar results were obtained in the laboratory with slag columns.

Neurocognition of children living near a ferromanganese refinery in southeastern Ohio

Background: Airborne manganese (Mn) exposure can result in neurotoxicity and neuromotor deficits in occupationally exposed workers, yet few studies have explored chronic environmental exposure to Mn in children from industrial ambient emissions. Marietta, Ohio has the longest operating ferromanganese refinery in the United States. Aims: The goal of this study was to determine the association between Mn exposure and neuromotor performance in children. Methods: A subset of children ages 7-9 years enrolled in the Marietta Community Actively Researching Exposure Study (CARES) were invited to participate. Samples of blood and hair were collected and analyzed for Mn. Neuromotor function was assessed using the Reitan Electric Finger Tapping Task, grooved pegboard and the Bruiniks-Osteretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2. Child intellectual function was assessed using the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV. Pearson correlations were calculated to identify key covariates. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between internal dose markers of Mn, covariates, and confounders on neuromotor performance. Results: Neuromotor performance was evaluated on 324 children. Mean blood Mn was 10.1 µg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.8, 10.5 µg/L) and mean hair Mn was 0.67 µg/g (95% CI: 0.54-0.80 µg/g). Mean residential distance from the refinery was 12.0 km (95% CI: 11.3, 12.6 km). Hair Mn was significantly correlated with child IQ (p?0.03). We found a significant inverse relationship between ln hair Mn and finger tapping with the right hand (p<0.006) and ln blood Mn and line drawing (p=0.04) and copying a square (p=0.03). Child age, gender, height/weight ratio, and IQ were also significant for many motor function tests. Conclusions: Exposure to airborne Mn may affect fine motor coordination in children.

Disaggregation of component soil series on an Ohio County soil survey map using possibilistic decision trees

Data mining from existing County soil surveys can improve the utility of maps for research, management and decision making. Aggregated soil series information in soil survey map units can be disaggregated by following a possibilistic decision tree approach to provide maps at the soil series level. The “overall map unit composition percentage” available in the soil survey tabular data can be treated as a possibility distribution of the prevalence of different soil series within all occurrences of the map unit in the survey area. A case study was conducted in Monroe County in southeastern Ohio. Three different learning approaches including C4.5 decision trees, nonspecificity based possibilistic decision trees and clustering based possibilistic decision trees were applied to the existent County survey, and the efficiency of predicting soils at the series level was assessed using an independent soil series point data set. The results showed an improvement in prediction accuracy by following the clustered possibilistic decision tree approach. The maps were useful in identifying the locations of component soil series within map unit associations, consociations, and complexes. Data mining from existent soil survey maps using the component information available in the tabular data can serve as a guide for disaggregating soil map units to create soil series maps, identifying misplacement of polygon boundaries, identifying presence of inclusions, and correcting mislabeled polygons, when updating soil surveys.

Can pollution severity affect diatom succession in streams and could it matter for stream assessments?

While the succession of benthic diatoms on scoured substrata has been widely studied to better understand community recovery from high flow disturbances, how anthropogenic stressors affect this common and dynamic process has received little attention; yet, it could have consequences for bioassessment and subsequent management decisions. Our objectives were to examine if the severity of acid mine drainage (AMD), a stressor of common concern in several countries, affected patterns of community development, diversity, and stream assessment outcomes (based on diatom metrics and indices) when diatoms are sampled during succession. In southeastern Ohio (USA), we deployed unglazed ceramic tiles in three streams along an AMD-impact gradient and in a control stream with no upstream AMD sources, and we sampled diatoms on days 5, 12, 19, 26, and 33. Diatom diversity decreased as AMD severity increased. In more severely AMD-impacted streams, diatom succession was simplified with less community turnover during the 33-day study than the least impacted AMD stream and control stream. Variability in community structure, diversity, and index scores was greatest at the least impacted AMD site. This stream was misclassified during succession by the Diatom Model Affinity index (severely impaired, then unimpaired, then ultimately moderately impaired) and the AMD – Diatom Index of Biotic Integrity (fair condition, then ultimately good condition). The control stream and the two more severely AMD-impacted streams were never misclassified during succession. Severe pollution may reduce niche availability by overriding effects of other environmental gradients important to diatoms (e.g., light and nutrients). The variability at intermediate stressor levels might lead to misclassification and misdirected management decisions if care is not taken to ensure a community has fully recovered from disturbance.

A Laboratory Study on Amending Mine Soil Quality

Two mine soils in southeastern Ohio do not support a luxurious vegetation growth probably because of soil-related constraints. Thus, a laboratory study was conducted to improve the mine soil quality using amendments of zeolite (two grain sizes), flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD), fly ash, and biosolids at an application rate of 10 % by weight. The results showed that FGD was the best amendment for increasing soil pH and improving seed germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) while biosolids significantly enhanced soil aggregate stability and saturated-water-holding capacity. Specifically, FGD increased soil pH from 3.1 to 5.0, and 4.2 to above 7.0, respectively. Elongation of the lettuce seedlings (shoots) in mine soil solutions was also enhanced by the amendment, from an initial length of 0–1.5 cm to 4.5–9.6 cm. Application of biosolids, on the other hand, increased the mean weight diameter of soil water-stable aggregates by two to four times from initial 0.5–1.6 mm to 2.0–2.9 mm. Saturated-water-holding capacity of both soils was also significantly improved by biosolids. But biosolids did not enhance soil plant-available-water-holding capacity. Neither zeolite nor fly ash significantly improved the mine soil qualities measured in our study. Soil chemical analyses showed that these mine soils neither contained high concentrations of heavy metals nor other toxins in solids or in solutions, suggesting that soil acidity is the only chemical constraint limiting the vegetation establishment and growth besides the nutrients deficiency.

Occurrence of Polygyny and Double Brooding In the Eastern Wood-Pewee

Abstract We document the first confirmed cases of polygyny and double brooding in the Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens). During an intensive study of the effects of shelterwood harvesting on canopy-nesting songbirds in southeastern Ohio, 2007–2010, we color-banded 79 Eastern Wood-Pewees and monitored 237 pewee nests. In 2007, we confirmed a color-banded male provisioning at two concurrently active nests; the male was polygynous in at least two consecutive years. In 2009, we observed an unbanded female feeding fledglings and subsequently shaping a nest from which young had recently fledged; the female successfully fledged two broods from the same nest. In addition to confirmed observations, we identified several other probable cases of polygyny and double brooding. In our upland oak system, we estimated rates of polygyny from 6–22% with the greatest occurrence of polygyny during a dry spring in 2007; rates of double brooding may have been as high as 6–12%. Males appeared to benefit from polygyny, becaus...

Exploring the legacy effects of surface coal mining on stream chemistry

Surface coal mining results in dramatic alterations of the landscape in central Appalachia, leading to a myriad of environmental problems. In this study, we explore the long-term effects of surface coal mining on stream chemistry and endeavor to gain a better understanding of the efficacy of reclamation. We examined 30 sites in the Raccoon Creek watershed in southeastern Ohio, where the majority of surface mine sites are in various stages of reclamation. Our results show that conductivity (r = 0.862; P = 0.000), sulfate (r = 0.619; P = 0.000), and aluminum (r = 0.469; P = 0.009) levels increase linearly as a function of the areal extent of reclaimed mines in each subwatershed, suggesting limited success of reclamation to restore natural stream chemistry. In contrast, pH was not significantly linearly correlated with the areal extent of surface mines. This suggests that local acid mine drainage remediation projects are able to regulate acidity levels in the watershed but not conductivity and certain heavy metal concentrations. Many sites had conductivity levels high enough to impair aquatic biota via ionic and osmoregulatory stress. In sum, surface coal mining appears to have a strong legacy effect on stream chemistry in the Raccoon Creek watershed.

Chemical and Geological Control on Surface Water within the Shade River Watershed in Southeastern Ohio

The under-sampled middle and western branches of Shade River Watershed (SRW) in SE Ohio were investigated as part of the Ohio University—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) STAR grant. This project was for monitoring the quality of watersheds in Ohio and classifying them according to their physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Water samples, as well as field parameters, were taken at twenty-two sites for chemical analyses. The ions analyzed included Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Al, NO3, SO4, HCO3, and total PO4, while the field parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and alkalinity. To assess the water quality within the SRW, the analyzed ions and field parameters were compared to the USEPA criteria for the survival of aquatic life. Analytical results showed that the watershed is dominated by Ca-HCO3waters with DO, Fe, Mn, and PO4being the main causes of impairment within the streams. The relatively elevated concentrations of manganese and less extent iron may be associated with the local geology and the acidic nature of the soils. The high alkalinity and calcium concentrations are due to the limestone geology. The elevated phosphate concentration may be due to anthropogenic sources, fertilizers, or contributions from phosphorus-rich bedrock that differs geochemically from other areas.

Population Screening for Von Willebrand's Disease in Adolescents with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

AbstractAbstract 477 BackgroundHeavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the most common presenting symptom in women with von Willebrand’s disease (VWD), reported in 80–90% of patients. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that VWD screening be performed in all adolescents presenting with severe menorrhagia; however, the frequency of VWD screening in clinical practice remains unknown. Combining administrative health claims data and electronic medical records from a large population of Ohio Medicaid-enrolled adolescents, our objectives were to determine the frequency of 1) VWD screening and 2) new patient evaluations at a hemophilia treatment center in adolescents with HMB. We also sought to determine what patient-level factors predicted VWD screening. MethodsThe data for this study were obtained from Partners for Kids, an accountable care organization providing health care for Medicaid patients in Central (Columbus, OH and surrounding counties) and Southeastern Ohio (rural counties). Our study population included females 10–17 years of age with two or more ICD-9-CM diagnoses of HMB (626.2, 626.3, 626.8) continuously enrolled in Partners for Kids for at least 6 months prior to and 12 months following first diagnosis of HMB. We defined severe HMB as HMB plus one of the following clinical features appearing in the 12 months following first diagnosis: 1) inpatient stay for HMB, 2) iron deficiency anemia (ICD-9 codes 280.0, 280.8, 280.9), or 3) evidence of blood transfusion (CPT code 36430). We extracted data from Partners for Kids regarding patient age, county of residence, inpatient and outpatient diagnoses and procedures, and laboratory testing. By linking patient name and date of birth to electronic medical records at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (the pediatric hemophilia treatment center for Central and Southeastern Ohio), we determined which patients had a hematology visit since time of first HMB diagnosis. ResultsOur study included 673 patients, 16% of whom met study definition for severe HMB. VWD screening occurred in only 10% of the total study population, but was significantly higher (24%) in patients with severe HMB (p <0.001). Patients living in Central Ohio (location of the region’s hemophilia treatment center) were more likely to be screened for VWD (OR 2.1, p <0.03) than patients in Southeastern Ohio. When compared to 15–17 year olds, the youngest patients (aged 10–11 years) were more likely to be screened for VWD (OR 3.6, 95% C.I.: 1.6–8.1, p =0.002), and 12–14 year olds were also more likely to be screened than the oldest patients (OR 2.7, 95% C.I.: 1.5–4.8, p =0.001). Fifty-one (7.6%) patients were seen by the regional hemophilia treatment center.Almost 10% of all patients had a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, although only 26% of patients were screened for this common complication of HMB. Though only 3% of the study population (11% of the severe HMB population) was diagnosed with a bleeding disorder within 1 year of diagnosis of HMB, over a third of these (36%) were VWD. The prevalence of platelet function defects was similar to VWD. DiscussionDespite recommendations by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, VWD screening is performed in a minority of adolescents with HMB, even among those with the most severe disease. Given the low rates of screening, our population reported frequencies of inherited bleeding disorders in adolescents with HMB are likely under-estimates. The low rate of screening for iron deficiency anemia in adolescents with HMB is also of concern. Future studies are needed to identify and overcome barriers to laboratory screening for inherited bleeding disorders in young women with HMB.1. Laboratory Evaluation and Final Diagnoses in Adolescents with Heavy Menstrual BleedingAll females with HMB (N = 673)Females with severe HMB (N = 105)Hospitalization for HMB54 (8.0)54 (51.4)Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia63 (9.4)63 (60.0)Screened for bleeding disorder207 (30.8)65 (61.9)PT and/or aPTT100 (14.9)26 (24.8)VWD testing67 (10.0)23 (23.8)Platelet function testing39 (5.8)16 (15.2)Screened for iron deficiency anemia177 (26.3)52 (45.2)Hemoglobin or CBC143 (21.2)43 (41.0)Ferritin or iron34 (5.1)9 (8.6)Diagnosed with bleeding disorder22 (3.3)12 (11.4)VWD8 (1.2)3 (2.9)Platelet function defects8 (1.2)7 (6.7)Ehlers-Danlos syndrome2 (0.30)0 (0.0)Factor VIII deficiency1 (0.15)0 (0.0)Other coagulation defects3 (0.45)2 (1.9) Disclosures:O'Brien:GSK: Consultancy, topic not relevant to this paper Other.

Examining Local Climate Variability in the Late Pennsylvanian Through Paleosols: An Example from the Lower Conemaugh Group of Southeastern Ohio, USA

Three temporally close stratigraphic sections were excavated in Glenshaw Formation of Athens County, Ohio. The described units are Upper Pennsylvanian (Gzhelian, 305–302 Ma) and located in the distal portion of the Appalachian foreland basin. Mudstone units interpreted as paleosols were identified across all three sections. Detailed field and micromorphological studies lead to the recognition of two separate paleosols within the profile. The profile consists of a composite paleosol composed of two cumulative paleosols. The lower paleosol is interpreted as a calcic Vertisol which formed in a seasonally dry environment whereas the upper paleosol is interpreted as a gleyed Inceptisol which formed in a seasonally wet environment. The change in paleosol types is the result of increased precipitation which led to saturation of the soil and surface ponding. Pedogenic carbonate nodules are a common feature throughout the entire profile as are stress cutans. A coalesced carbonate horizon (Bk) was observed approximate 120 cm from the top of the profile in all three sections. This carbonate horizon formed in the Vertisol and later served as a barrier which limited the downward movement of surface water. This limited the gleization of the bottom portion of the overprinted Vertisol resulting in a diffuse boundary with the overlying Inceptisol and producing a composite paleosol.

Recognizing Vertical and Lateral Variability in Terrestrial Landscapes: A Case Study from the Paleosols of the Late Pennsylvanian Casselman Formation (Conemaugh Group) Southeast Ohio, USA

The Upper Pennsylvanian Casselman Formation of southeastern Ohio contains four distinct paleosol types that formed in alluvial systems within the distal Appalachian foreland basin. The properties of these paleosols as well as their small-scale lateral and vertical variations were studied to interpret the paleoenvironmental and paleoecological conditions within the alluvial settings in which they formed. The ichnofossils and pedogenic features preserved within the paleosols of the Casselman Formation record the local climactic, hydrologic, biotic, and topographic changes that occurred in the region during the Late Pennsylvanian. The four paleosols types of the Casselman Formation are interpreted as Alfisols (Type A, Type D), Vertisols (Type B), and Inceptisols (Type D). The four paleosol types indicate different degrees of changes in local moisture regimes including water table fluctuations due to seasonal precipitation and flooding events. The assemblages of ichnofossils within the paleosol types were produced by both soil arthropods and a diverse array of plants that formed part of the different soil ecosystems present within the alluvial environment. Although regional-scale studies are important for understanding the Late Pennsylvanian world, small-scale studies are also necessary to fully understand the local pedogenic, paleoenvironmental, and paleoecologic consequences of global scale changes in paleoclimate and paleogeography.

English

We have been planting blight resistant American chestnut seedlings on reclaimed coal mined areas in Southeastern Ohio, which was once within the natural range of the American chestnut. Towards the goal of restoring the American chestnut, we are testing suitable sites that can aid survival, growth and establishment of planted seedlings pre-inoculated with ectomycorrhizal fungi. Prior to the arrival of the chestnut blight fungus, pathogens of the genus Phytophthora were introduced in the USA that were responsible for the ink disease or root-rot resulting in wide-spread death of chestnut trees in southern states. Although these pathogens were not observed elsewhere, recent reports indicate their presence in some northern states, including Ohio. We have been testing each location targeted for chestnut plantings for the presence of Phytophthora, specifically P. cinnamomi. The work reported here shows results obtained from seven different sites in southeastern Ohio where reclamation was done 3-20 years ago. Soil was collected at a depth of 4-5 at several locations within each site. A positive control containing ~4 cfu/10 g soil was used in the analysis. We used two different techniques for identifying the pathogen: 1. Direct isolation of the pathogen from the soil using selective media; 2. Using chestnut leaves as a baiting technique followed by selection on plates. In both cases, final identification was done by DNA isolation and sequencing using Phytophthora-specific primers. Our results showed that, at least in the locations we tested, P. cinnamomi was not detected. Because most of these lands were only recently reclaimed, it is possible that the pathogen may not have established there yet. However, samples from locations that were reclaimed more than 2 decades ago also showed absence of this fungus. Results suggest that this pathogen is either not as wide-spread in Ohio as in southern states or mined sites are not favorable for its existence and spread.

Evidence for Topographic Control of Tree Spatial Patterning in an Old-growth, Mixed Mesophytic Forest in Southeastern Ohio, USA1

Analyzing the spatial pattern of individuals within a plant community is useful for inferring the underlying mechanisms and processes governing community organization. Aggregated patterns can be caused by habitat-specificity or dispersal limitation, while overdispersed patterns are often caused by competition or predatory host-specificity. However, few studies have looked at how abiotic influences might drive spatial patterning. Here, we address how topography might lead to differences in tree spatial patterning on a north- and south-facing slope at Dysart Woods. We also look at how species identity, canopy position, and sampling year affect spatial patterning. We found that the spatial distribution of trees was highly aggregated on a south-facing plot, but did not differ from random on a north-facing plot. We attribute these differences largely to the differential dominance of Acer saccharum and Fagus grandifolia on the north and south plots, respectively. Acer saccharum individuals were largely randomly distributed, while Fagus grandifolia individuals were highly aggregated. We also found differences between understory and overstory individuals, with smaller individuals being more aggregated, likely due to life-history or competitive self-thinning processes. Lastly, we observed a surprising change in the scale that aggregation occurred at from 1996 to 2011 on the south plot. In 1996, stems on the south plot were aggregated at distances >3 meters, but only at distances >10 meters in 2011. We found that this reduction in aggregation was largely due to the unusually high mortality rates of Cornus florida and Prunus serotina. We conclude that topography can greatly influence spatial patterning, and that this and other abiotic variables should be taken into consideration in future studies on community structure.

Long-term effects in vegetation and soils at two 19th century iron furnace sites in southeastern Ohio, USA

Deciduous forests are regenerating following industrial disturbance in large areas of eastern North America and western Europe. To understand the long-term process of forest regeneration, the microenvironment and flora of post-industrial plots were compared with non-industrial controls at two 19th century iron furnace sites in southeastern Ohio, USA. Post-industrial plots had a shrub and canopy structure similar to controls, and showed comparable litter cover, soil organic content, and bulk density. Post-industrial and control plots remained clearly distinguishable in soil moisture, pH, and cation concentrations, however, consistent with leaching from industrial waste. Post-industrial areas were dominated by shade-tolerant plant species typical of long-established second-growth forest in the region, suggesting functional suitability of the industrial soils and an abundance of potential colonists. Open-habitat species persisted in post-industrial plots, showing a significantly higher richness and abundance than control plots. Annual growth increments showed later establishment of canopy tree species in the post-industrial plots, suggesting that the presence of open-habitat species reflected delayed canopy closure in the post-industrial area. Slag, clinker, iron–ore, and terrace microsites consistently differed in species composition within the post-industrial areas despite their relatively small size and close proximity. Thus, industrial effects appear to be perpetuated by long-term persistence of species distributions and hitherto unsuspected sensitivity to physical and chemical gradients. Forest composition and spatial structure retain a distinctive industrial character even 120years after abandonment.

Management for oak regeneration: Short‐term effects on the bird community and suitability of shelterwood harvests for canopy songbirds

AbstractInterest in regenerating oaks (Quercus spp.) has promoted use of partial harvesting techniques that create an open forest structure. From 2007 to 2009, we studied songbirds in mixed‐oak forests in southeastern Ohio, comparing shelterwoods recently harvested to 50% stocking and closed‐canopy mature second‐growth. We surveyed birds using distance‐based methods (56 line transects in 18 stands at 4 forests). We intensively investigated suitability of shelterwoods for canopy‐nesting species by examining habitat preferences, as measured by settlement patterns, age distributions, and site fidelity; we also examined nesting success. Several midstory and ground‐nesting species were 26–73% less abundant in shelterwood than unharvested stands, whereas shrub‐nesting species increased &gt;100% several years post‐harvesting. Canopy‐nesting species were 31–98% more abundant in shelterwoods, but cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea) responses varied by forest. Patterns of settlement and site fidelity were generally similar among stands. Proportions of young males were actually greater for several species in shelterwood than unharvested stands, which may have been a consequence of young birds colonizing newly created (or improved) habitat. Even in our predominantly forested study system, nesting success (&gt;700 nests) was low, ranging from 15% to 19% for yellow‐throated vireos (Vireo flavifrons) and cerulean warblers, to 27–36% for scarlet tanagers, blue‐gray gnatcatchers (Polioptila caerulea) and eastern wood‐pewees (Contopus virens). However, nest survival did not differ between shelterwood and unharvested stands, possibly because numbers of avian predators did not change with harvesting. Despite increased numbers of brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) in shelterwoods, only 2% of canopy nests in which young could be identified were parasitized. Although these results suggest shelterwood harvests containing abundant overstory trees can provide short‐term breeding habitat for canopy songbirds, long‐term responses of birds to partial harvesting may differ from those documented here depending on different management options employed. Management for oak regeneration will typically remove all overstory trees later in the cutting cycle, initially resulting in loss of nesting substrates and hence breeding habitat for canopy songbirds. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

A paleopedologic and ichnologic perspective of the terrestrial Pennsylvanian landscape in the distal Appalachian Basin, U.S.A.

The Conemaugh Group of southeastern Ohio contains numerous ichnofossil-bearing paleosols in both the lower Glenshaw and upper Casselman formations, which were deposited during the Kasimovian and Gzhelian (305–301Ma) along the distal edge of the Appalachian basin. This study examined the small-scale (<1km) lateral variability in some of these paleosols and the role of organisms in the soil-forming processes during the Late Pennsylvanian.Twenty four stratigraphic sections were measured from ten sites in Athens County, Ohio from which thirty paleosols were identified and described. Detailed field descriptions allowed differentiation of four distinct pedotypes; one in the Glenshaw Formation and three in the Casselman Formation. The Glenshaw Pedotype (GPT) is a Vertisol that formed on a proximal to distal floodplain. The three Casselman pedotypes represent Entisols/Inceptisols (CPTI) Alfisols (CPTII) and Vertisols (CPTIII). All four types contain evidence of alteration by post-pedogenic processes such as ‘drowning’ by migrating river channels or rising sea level or a gradual transition from one alluvial subenvironment to another as a result of channel migration.Eight morphologically distinct ichnofossils were observed in the Conemaugh Group paleosols including three types of rhizoliths, lined and unlined, vertical to subhorizontal shafts, chambers, sinuous burrows with and without bioglyphs, and general burrow mottling. These ichnofossils occur in distinct assemblages that form unique ichnocoenoses within each of the four pedotypes. They were produced by various plants, arthropod detritivores, carnivores, and herbivores as well as amphibians and early reptiles as temporary to permanent members of complex soil ecosystems.Pedogenic properties combined with ichnofossil diversity, abundance, and distribution increase the understanding of the complexity of Late Pennsylvanian soil ecosystems and provide details on the small-scale variations in paleosols due to short-term autogenic changes in alluvial environments. Although broad, regional studies across 102–103 of kilometers are important, small scale variations over less than 1km are needed to understand the effects of localized changes in hydrology, topography, organisms, and sedimentary processes on soil formation and soil biodiversity. Consideration of these types of localized studies is also vital when attempting to interpret regional to global-scale aspects of environment such as climate from paleosols.