Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


wyderka final.pdf (1.67 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Geochemical Characterization of Soils in Wooded Uplands in Northwest Ohio: Implications of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Soil Health

Wyderka, Melissa Ellen
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1592260383941659

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Geology.
The impact of Emerald Ash Borer infestation on Fraxinus trees in eastern North America has been extensively studied, yet impacts to the soil health as the infestation progresses are not well understood. This study characterized soil samples from 5 health categories of Ash (Category 1: healthy; Category 5: dead) in 4 wooded upland sites in Northwest Ohio to gain a current assessment of soil health on locations with similar soil characteristics and geographic factors. Results indicated a strong positive relationship between canopy openness and health categorization (towards decline tree health). However, only a moderate negative relationship between humification index (degree of aromaticity) and canopy openness, indicating less aromatic soil organic matter beneath infested Ash trees. This suggests leaf litter from formation of epicormic branching may be replenishing or maintaining solid organic carbon stocks in soil even after the tree reaches category 4. Density of epicormic branching may also affect trends in bioavailable total nitrogen (TN) and dissolved organic carbon stocks (DOC: TN). The DOC: N ratio combined with a pattern of decrease and increase exhibited individually by DOC and TN, suggests leaf litter supply to the soil was directly affected by loss of canopy and epicormic branching. This feedback system was more visible in soil testing by the presence of neutral to slightly alkaline pH, which may be facilitating nitrification, maintaining low DOC: N ratios and increasing sensitivity to leaf litter fluxes. The neutral to slightly alkaline pH was most likely the result of high calcium (Ca) concentrations on all 4 sites. Results suggested that Ca concentrations were unaffected by base cation leaching, indicating external influxes of Ca. This study suggests Ash trees on these sites may be lingering at category 3 to 4 for several years with epicormic branching making significant contributions to soil fertility even at category 4. Results from category 4 and 5 on these sites indicates density of epicormic branching allowed for accumulation of leaf litter in the O layer, maintaining soil fertility even after the tree was dead suggesting Ash trees may have a future in sustainable systems through management such as coppicing or pollarding.
Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, Dr. (Advisor)
Nathan Hensley, Dr. (Committee Member)
Jeff Snyder, Dr. (Committee Member)
Zhaohiu Xu, Dr. (Committee Member)
71 p.
Biogeochemistry; Environmental Science; Forestry; Geochemistry; Geology; Organic Chemistry; Soil Sciences; Sustainability
Geochemical characterization; soil health; Ash; Emerald Ash Borer

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wyderka, M. E. (2020). Geochemical Characterization of Soils in Wooded Uplands in Northwest Ohio: Implications of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Soil Health [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1592260383941659

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wyderka, Melissa. Geochemical Characterization of Soils in Wooded Uplands in Northwest Ohio: Implications of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Soil Health. 2020. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1592260383941659.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wyderka, Melissa. "Geochemical Characterization of Soils in Wooded Uplands in Northwest Ohio: Implications of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation on Soil Health." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1592260383941659

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1592260383941659
229
© 2020, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.