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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Effects Of 11 Years Of Co2 Enrichment On Root Biomass And Spatial Distribution In A Florida Scrub-Oak Ecosystem, Rachel Eilenfield Schroeder
Effects Of 11 Years Of Co2 Enrichment On Root Biomass And Spatial Distribution In A Florida Scrub-Oak Ecosystem, Rachel Eilenfield Schroeder
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
A Florida (USA) scrub-oak ecosystem was exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 in open-top chambers from 1996-2007. Minirhizotrons and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to measure fine root (< 2 mm diameter) and coarse root (> 5 mm diameter) biomass, respectively. After 11 years of CO2 enrichment, there was a trend of greater total root biomass under elevated CO2. Fine root biomass exhibited a pattern of recovery and steady state throughout the study, with significant CO2 stimulation observed only after disturbance. Greater root biomass under elevated CO2 during recovery periods could result in greater carbon inputs belowground, alteration of the soil carbon …
Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
Small Mammal Populations In Switchgrass Stands Managed For Biomass Production Compared To Hay And Corn Fields In Kentucky, Laura Mary Jane Schwer
University of Kentucky Master's Theses
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a native warm-season grass, has been investigated as a renewable energy crop that may provide viable wildlife habitat. This study investigated small mammal populations in switchgrass, hay, and corn to assess the relative habitat quality. Four, three-night trapping sessions were conducted at four locations in Kentucky using Sherman livetraps. Trapping occurred in spring (before first hay harvest), summer, fall (before switchgrass and corn harvest), and winter (post-harvest). Relative abundance of small mammals, calculated using a capture per unit effort index (per 100 trapnights), and mean taxonomic richness were used to compare habitats. Switchgrass had a …