Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Natural Resources
First Advisor
Carol Adair
Second Advisor
Anthony W. D'Amato
Abstract
Coarse woody material (CWM) plays a role in nutrient and chemical cycling in forest soils by creating a substantial reservoir of organic carbon and nutrients. However, there are a lack of studies looking at the long-term biogeochemical impacts of removing or altering CWM as there are few forests that remain undisturbed. As climate change impacts further affect factors influencing CWM inputs (mortality) and decomposition (moisture and temperature), understanding the role of CWM in a managed forest is vital. The purpose of this research is to quantify the effect of CWM on the amount of soil carbon, and whether the impact of CWM varies with canopy gap size. Objectives include examining the impacts of (1) the relationship between canopy gap size and soil C, and (2) the proximity to the CWM on soil carbon, ammonium, and nitrate. Results of this research indicate greater concentrations of carbon underneath the CWM regardless of canopy openness and soil moisture conditions. Greater carbon concentration indicates CWM is a buffer and can provide stability in a changing climate. This research will provide more information about the largest terrestrial source of carbon and how carbon concentrations change depending on forest management practices.
Language
en
Number of Pages
40 p.
Recommended Citation
Henry, Caitlin A., "The influence of silvicultural treatments and coarse woody material on forest soil carbon storage and sequestration" (2025). Graduate College Dissertations and Theses. 2057.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/2057
