Changes in canopy cover alter surface air and forest floor temperature in a high-elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) forest

Abstract

The objective of this study is to describe winter and summer surface air and forest floor temperature patterns and diurnal fluctuations in high-elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) forests with different levels of canopy cover. In 1988, a series of 10- x 10-meter plots (control, low nitrogen [N] addition, and high nitrogen addition) were established on Mount Ascutney, VT, to examine the influence of N fertilization on red spruce and balsam fir (Abies balsamea Mill.) forest N cycling, tree mortality, and forest growth. As a result of N addition to the plots, species mortality has occurred on the low N and high N plots with the control plots experiencing very little mortality. Consequently, the mortality experienced on the low N and high N plots reduced forest cover and created both patchy and open forest canopies.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings from the conference on the ecology and management of high-elevation forests in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains

Citation

Boggs, Johnny L.; McNulty, Steven G. 2010. Changes in canopy cover alter surface air and forest floor temperature in a high-elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) forest. In: Rentch, James S.; Schuler, Thomas M., eds. 2010. Proceedings from the conference on the ecology and management of high-elevation forests in the central and southern Appalachian Mountains; 2009 May 14-15; Slatyfork, WV. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-64. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 13-21.