OVERVIEW OF BELOWGROUND ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH
AND FERTILIZATION EXPERIMENTS ON THE HOG ISLAND
CHRONOSEQUENCE.
Several intensive studies of primary production, belowground
processes, and the controlling influences of groundwater
hydrology and nitrogen availability along the Hog Island
chronosequence were completed during the past year and summaries
of the results are included in the following reports by
Day, Lakshmi_and_Day,
Conn_and_Day, Stevenson_and_Day,
Weber_and_Day, and Dilustro_and_Day.
Particularly noteworthy is the successful utilization of minirhizotrons in a
fertilization experiment on the 36-year old dune. The fine scale observation
of root dynamics on the same root cohorts through time allows a refined
look at belowground effects, and this technique will be continued
and expanded in use on the VCR-LTER site in the future.
Several long-term monitoring efforts and experiments are
continuing along the Hog Island chronosequence. Groundwater
monitoring is in its 4th year and a synthesis of those results
will be generated this summer. Video recordings in the
minirhizotrons are currently being obtained early and late in the
growing season for the 2nd year following the initial year of
frequent, more intensive observations. Digitization and
interpretation of the current recordings await the establishment
of the RA position proposed for the site. The long-term nitrogen
fertilization experiment is in its 3rd year, and initial results
will be analyzed and compiled this summer. Plant cover and
species composition are being monitored in nitrogen ammended and
control plots across the chronosequence.