COS 86-2 - Nitrogen deposition alters ecosystem fire recovery in semi-arid chaparral ecosystems of southern California

Wednesday, August 8, 2007: 1:50 PM
Guadalupe, San Jose Marriott
Sarah C. Pasquini, Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA and George L. Vourlitis, Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, San Marcos, CA
Abstract
The effects of anthropogenic nitrogen deposition are being studied worldwide; yet the consequences of nitrogen deposition in semi-arid ecosystems such as the Mediterranean-type shrublands of southern California are not fully understood.  Furthermore, semi-arid ecosystems of southern California are subjected to periodic fire, and increased nutrient inputs can alter ecosystem recovery.  This three-year study compared the recovery from fire of three chaparral sites in southern California located along an anthropogenic nitrogen deposition gradient.  Aboveground biomass was measured using non-destructive dimensional analysis four times each year seasonally.  Total biomass, shrub biomass and average shrub biomass were compared as a function of months post fire.  Shrub biomass was also examined as a function of shrub density.  The results of this study suggest that nitrogen deposition leads to greater aboveground biomass, average shrub biomass and increased shrub biomass as a function of density.
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