Treesearch

Aim: The Hemiptera is the fifth-largest insect order but among non-native insect species is approximately tied with the Coleoptera as the most species-rich insect order (Hemiptera comprise 20% more species than in world fauna). This over-representation may result from high propagule pressure or from high species invasiveness. Here, we assess the reasons for over-representation in this group by analysing geographical, temporal and taxonomic variation in numbers of historical invasions. Location: Global. Method: We assembled lists of historical Hemiptera invasions in 12 world regions,...

The decision to establish a network of researchers centers on identifying shared research goals. Ecologically specific regions, such as the USA’s National Ecological Observatory Network’s (NEON’s) eco-climatic domains, are ideal locations by which to assemble researchers with a diverse range of expertise but focused on the same set of ecological challenges. The recently established Great Lakes User Group (GLUG) is NEON’s first domain specific ensemble of researchers, whose goal is to address scientific and technical issues specific to the Great Lakes Domain 5 (D05) by using NEON data to...

Microbial necromass is increasingly recognized as an important fast-cycling component of the long-term carbon present in soils. To better understand how fungi and bacteria individually contribute to the decomposition of fungal necromass, three particle sizes (>500, 250–500, and <250 μm) of Hyaloscypha bicolor necromass were incubated in laboratory microcosms inoculated with individual strains of two fungi and two bacteria. Decomposition was assessed after 15 and 28 days via necromass loss, microbial respiration, and changes in necromass pH, water content, and chemistry. To examine how...

Forests are the reservoir for a vast amount of terrestrial soil organic carbon (SOC) globally. With increasing soil depth, the age of SOC reportedly increases, implying resistance to change. However, we know little about the processes that underpin deep SOC persistence and what deep SOC is vulnerable to climate change. This review summarizes the current knowledge of deep forest SOC, the processes regulating its cycling, and the impacts of climate change on the fate of deep forest SOC. Our understanding of the processes that influence deep SOC cycling and the extent of SOC stores is limited...

Biological invasions pose significant threats to ecological and economic stability, with invasive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, ALB) causing substantial damage to forest ecosystems. Effective pest management relies on comprehensive knowledge of the insect's biology and invasion history. This study uses genomics to address these knowledge gaps and inform existing biosurveillance frameworks. We used 2768 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms to compare invasive A. glabripennis populations in North America, using genomic variation to trace...

In 1973, a 55-acre watershed at the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF) in West Virginia was planted with 2-0 Norway spruce (Picea abies) seedlings to evaluate the effects of conifers on streamflow and water quality. This conversion required considerable effort to ensure survival of the Norway spruce “island” in the sea of hardwoods. After nearly 50 years of tree growth and stand development, we report the impacts of the forest type conversion on stand and biomass development, water yield, water quality, soils, and nutrient cycling within the watershed. Conversion from hardwoods to Norway...

Soil information is essential for identifying appropriate tree species to manage, selecting appropriate silvicultural methods, and planning timber harvests. Traditionally, soil information was available in paper copies of soil surveys, and more recently in digital form via Web Soil Survey. However, newly available soil information tools provide interactive access to digital soil information and interpretations. We describe several different soil information tools that provide access to soil survey information and interpretations in an interactive framework, including SoilWeb, SoilWeb...

Anthropogenically elevated inputs of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) can affect the carbon (C) budget of nutrient-poor peatlands. Fungi are intimately tied to peatland C budgets due to their roles in organic matter decomposition and symbioses with primary producers; however, the influence of fertilization on peatland fungal composition and diversity remains unclear. Here, we examined the effect of fertilization over 10 years on fungal diversity, composition, and functional guilds along an acrotelm (10–20 cm), mesotelm (30–40 cm), and catotelm (60–70 cm) depth gradient at...

In this perspective, we draw from 20 years of implementing the Stewardship Mapping and Assessment Project (STEW-MAP) to show how civic actors provide capacity and local knowledge needed for effective decision-making and implementation in the face of multiple interconnected stressors, including climate change and inequality. Urban areas are striving to achieve sustainability and resilience goals while advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. There is broad recognition that systematic change cannot be achieved via single sector solutions. Rather, just and equitable sustainability...

Declines in ecologically beneficial fire, coincident with alterations to native herbivory and intensive land use, have led to dynamic changes in woodland structure and composition, leading to midstory densification and reductions in ground flora abundance and diversity. Frequent, low intensity fire is key to achieving woodland restoration objectives and prescribed burns are often used to meet management goals. For a variety of reasons, the use of prescribed fire is often limited. Further, growing season prescribed burning is often suggested to have a greater impact on woody stems than...