Project Number: 5348-11120-002-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2002
End Date: Sep 30, 2004

Objective:
For different ecosystems determine the affects of altering or disrupting the litter decomposition cycle on soil C storage. Determine the affects of changing the kinetics of soil N mineralization and immobilization on C sequestering in different ecosystems.

Approach:
1) Develop and carry out an experiment to elucidate the effects of changing ecosystem vegetation on the soil decomposition process. 2) Plan and carry out experiments to determine the effect of N mineralization and immobilization on soil carbon storage. 3) Sample, process and analyze ^15N labeled field soil from each site at three times during the next 2 years to follow N through each system. Produce a model of N cycling in relation to C storage in each system. 4)Develop a soil C storage index for these systems and test the index with other exosystems. Further test the index for applicability to manipulated systems.

Project Team

Smith, Jeffrey - Jeff

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003   FY 2002

Related National Programs

Soil Resource Management (202)   Global Change (204)