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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Thresholds Of Change In Decomposition Rate Along A Dune/Swale Transect On A Virginia Barrier Island, Dominic J. Graziani
Thresholds Of Change In Decomposition Rate Along A Dune/Swale Transect On A Virginia Barrier Island, Dominic J. Graziani
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Aboveground and belowground decomposition rates were determined along a barrier island dune/swale transect located on the Virginia Coast Reserve-Long Term Ecological Research Site using litterbags and wooden dowels. The objective was to determine the influence of fine scale changes in the environment on decomposition to identify any potential thresholds affecting decomposition rate. Wax myrtle (Morella cerifera L. Small) leaves and dowels of southern yellow pine wood were used as standard substrates to evaluate environmental influences on decay. Aboveground (F=6.494, p < 0.0001) and belowground (F=5.705, p < 0.0001) decay rates (yr-1) showed significant variation among litterbag/dowel locations. Aboveground decay rates (yr-1) ranged from 0.339 (Upper Dune station) …
Long Term Residual Effects Of A Nutrient Addition On A Barrier Island Dune Ecosystem, Susan M. Heyel
Long Term Residual Effects Of A Nutrient Addition On A Barrier Island Dune Ecosystem, Susan M. Heyel
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
In 1991, 150 m2 were fertilized with nitrogen on three dunes on Hog Island, part of the Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research site, to examine plant community response to nitrogen addition. In 2000, the fertilized plots continued to exhibit a positive growth response. This study sampled the aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and nutrient content of the experimental plots to examine the long- term patterns of nitrogen retention in a nitrogen limited system. Aboveground and belowground biomass was significantly greater in the fertilized plots than in the control plots. Aboveground biomass exhibited was significantly greater in control and …