Dissertation Research: Phosphorus Cycling and Conservation Mechanisms in the Rooting Zone of an Oligotrophic Pitch Pine Forest

由于对森林地表磷循环的高度生物控制，许多贫营养森林的磷损失极低。矿化磷被根系和微生物迅速吸收，防止其从生根区浸出或被流动铝固定。作为Vogt博士的学生，David Publicover先生将研究外生菌根在新泽西松树贫瘠地区的高地沥青松林的森林地面上循环和保护P的作用。他假设菌根组织作为一个重要的储存库，在主要生长季节之外由分解释放的磷。这种储存使不溶性磷-铝化合物的形成和有机金属-磷酸盐络合物中磷的浸出最小化。每月抽样用于确定磷和铝储存和移动的季节性模式。采样包括测量植物生物量积累，根和菌根生产力和周转，土壤层的输入和淋失，以及土壤层中的磷和铝组分。将确定控制生根区磷淋溶的主要因素。研究磷守恒的具体方面的实验操作包括：根和菌根系统中磷保护机制的研究是森林管理和保护领域的重要问题。这些信息将有助于保护温带和热带森林生态系统。沃格特博士是一位经验丰富、卓有成效的科学家，他完全有资格指导大卫·Publicover的博士研究。Publicover先生在林业、林业管理、林业研究和教学方面也有丰富的经验。耶鲁大学林业与环境研究学院拥有支持这项研究工作的特殊资源。

Phosphorus losses from many oligotrophic forests are extremely low due to a high level of biological control over P cycling within the forest floor. Mineralized phosphorus is quickly taken up by roots and microorganisms, preventing its leaching from the rooting zone or its fixation by mobil aluminum. As a student of Dr. Vogt, Mr. David Publicover will examine the role of ectomycorrhizae in the cycling and conservation of P within the forest floor of an upland pitch pine forest in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. He hypothesizes that mycorrhizal tissue acts as an important storage reservoir for P released by decomposition outside of the main growing season. This storage minimizes formation of insoluble P- Al compounds and leaching of P in organometallic-phosphate complexes. Monthly sampling is used to determine seasonal patterns of P and Al storage and movement. Sampling includes measurement of plant biomass accumulation, root and mycorrhizal productivity and turnover, input to and leaching from soil horizons, and P and Al fractions in soil horizons. Primary factors controlling P leaching from the rooting zone will be determined. Experimental manipulations undertaken to investigate specific aspects of P conservation include: removal of ericaceous plants, augmentation and removal of litterfall, P fertilization, and augmentation of available Al. This work on P conservation mechanisms in the root and mychorrhizal system addresses important issues in the area of forest management and conservation. This information will help in the preservation of both temperate and tropical forest ecosystems. Dr. Vogt is a very experienced and productive scientist who is well qualified to direct the doctoral research of David Publicover. Mr. Publicover is also highly qualified with experience in forestry, forestry management, forest research and instruction. The School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University has exceptional resources for supporting this research effort.