Article
Getting the most from Iowa's forests: Linking forest understory composition to stream water quality and enhancing nutrient capture in forest remnants in agricultural landscapes
Leopold Center Completed Grant Reports
Project ID
E2011-05
Abstract
Investigators worked to identify and disseminate information to enhance riparian forest understory function through actions that reduce contaminant transport to surface waters and enhance terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.
Key Question
How does forest land use affect understory plant community composition and terrestrial nutrient capture, and is there a link between plant communities and stream water/stream habitat quality? What is the potential for reintroduction of key herbaceous species, based on species performance and landowner interest in restoration activities?
Findings
There were differences in plant community composition: Preserved forests had greater proportions of high-quality, native, specialist plants than grazed or urban forests, and greater biomass production and nutrient capture by understory plants. Stream water nutrient content (especially nitrate concentration) was higher in urban streams compared to grazed or preserved forests. Three key understory species reintroduced to urban forests demonstrated persistence and reproduction within two years, and interaction with forest landowners/forest managers indicated interest in forest restoration activities.
Principal Investigator(s)
Jan R. Thompson
Co-Investigator(s)
Cathy Mabry McMullen, Tim Stewart, Michaeleen Gerken, Randy Kolka, Zachary Keninger
Year of Grant Completion
2013
Disciplines
Citation Information
Janette R. Thompson, Cathy Mabry McMullen, Timothy W. Stewart, Michaeleen E. Gerken Golay, et al.. "Getting the most from Iowa's forests: Linking forest understory composition to stream water quality and enhancing nutrient capture in forest remnants in agricultural landscapes" (2013) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/janette_thompson/20/