New research finds hemlock woolly adelgid is killing hemlock trees faster than expected, altering the carbon cycle of these forests. The study suggests that infrequent frigid winter temperatures may not be enough to suppress adelgid populations, leading to rapid decline and mortality.
The USDA Forest Service has named the tree-killing fungus responsible for 'laurel wilt', causing devastating disease in redbay and other laurel species. Lead author Tom Harrington and co-author Stephen Fraedrich unveiled the name, Raffaelea lauricola, after publishing an article in Mycotaxon journal.
The loss of eastern hemlocks may lead to significant changes in streamflow, forest structure, and soil moisture. Eastern hemlocks play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of mountain ecosystems, providing critical habitat for birds and other animals.
The study reports on a case-based approach to managing forest ecosystems before and after hurricanes, considering risk assessment and outcome mitigation strategies. Key findings include the importance of stand spacing, tree height, and species selection in reducing hurricane damage, as well as the need for long-term recovery plans.
The invasive grass Microstegium vimineum can impede the regeneration of woody species in southern US forests by blocking sunlight and seeds. Researchers found that M. vimineum biomass increased significantly after forest canopy disturbances, leading to a decline in native species richness.
Researchers found that trees can't increase wood growth from elevated CO2 without sufficient leaf area, which is limited by soil nutrition. With adequate soil nutrients, forests can sequester more carbon in woody biomass under increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Scientists have created a reversible, non-destructive chilling method to study below-ground carbon allocation in trees. This technique temporarily interrupts carbon movement and leaves the tree alive, allowing for accurate measurement of carbon storage.
Researchers found that a one-mile stretch of National Forest significantly reduced chemical pollutants and improved bacterial populations in a stream. The study suggests that undeveloped forest sections can mitigate the effects of urbanization on water quality.
The study found that freshwater mussel populations declined gradually between 5000 and 1000 years ago, but accelerated after large-scale maize cultivation started. This suggests human activities like land clearing have measurable effects on aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers found that residential development is the primary cause of sweetgrass scarcity, and basket makers support alternative management plans. They propose setting aside land for growing sweetgrass and working with island residents to access the resource.
The cerulean warbler's population decline is attributed to habitat loss and fragmentation in both breeding and winter ranges. An international collaboration, the Cerulean Warbler Technical Group, aims to develop a proactive conservation strategy through sound science and partnerships.
Researchers found that ozone reduces soil carbon formation, a key process for storing organic matter. The study suggests forests may be less effective at cleaning the air of excess carbon dioxide when ozone levels are high.
Researchers from USDA Forest Service and Tennessee Technological University provide the first descriptions of Indiana bat maternity habitats in the southeastern United States. The study reveals that female bats form colonies under coniferous trees, expanding the known habitat range of the endangered species.
A study found that 20% of all land area in the US is within 127 meters of a road, while 50% is within 382 meters. This highlights the significant ecological impact of roads on forest ecosystems.
Researchers found that catnip oil effectively deters termite tunneling, but its toxicity and cost limit its practical use. The study suggests a potential future for catnip oil as a natural termite control method.
Research by the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station sheds light on red-cockaded woodpecker conservation, revealing a preference for older pine trees with resin-rich bark. The study also shows that converting loblolly pine stands to longleaf pines can increase available food for endangered woodpeckers.
A pilot study in the Ozark region found that half of the red oaks on plots were dead, and 10% of white oaks were dying. The study estimates that up to 33% of red oaks may be lost due to the outbreak.