Effects of An Introduced Pest on the C and N Dynamics of a Northern Hardwood Forest

Cary Institute Of Ecosystem Studies, Inc., Millbrook NY

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract 99-81503 Lovett Effects of an Introduced Pest on the Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics of a Northern Hardwood Forest One of the most severe stresses on forests of the eastern US is the introduction of exotic pests. The introduction and subsequent spread of the Beech Bark Disease (BBD) is irreversibly altering the northern hardwood forests that cover the uplands of most of the northeastern states. The BBD is initiated by a scale insect that wounds the bark of a tree, allowing entry of a fatal fungal disease. Because beech is one of the dominant trees of the northern hardwood forest, its decline is likely to seriously affect the functioning of the forest ecosystem. In this study, which will focus on the Catskill Mountains of southeastern NY, the investigators will measure the response to the BBD of the vegetation, soils, and basic ecosystem functions like productivity and nutrient cycling. Dr. Lovett and colleagues will also investigate how the BBD interacts with another serious stress to these forests-overabundance of nitrogen delivered by nitrogen oxide air pollutants.