Microsite and time since prescribed fire's influence on soil microbiology in a pinyon woodland

Abstract

Pinyon-juniper (Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frém.? Juniperus osteosperma Torr.) encroachment into sagebrush grasslands is a continuing problem in the Western United States. Prescribed burning has been suggested to slow woodland encroachment. We examined surface soil microbial community structure using Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) analyses to determine differences between burned and unburned woodlands at two microsites. Tree canopy interspace microsites had a greater total PLFA and percentage Eukaryotes. Conversely, under tree canopy microsites had a greater percentage of fermicutes, anaerobic metal reducers, and higher PLFA Cis/Trans fatty acid ratio. Time since burning increased Eukaryote PLFA in both microsites.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings-Shrublands under fire: disturbance and recovery in a changing world; 2006 June 6-8; Cedar City, UT

Citation

Rau, Benjamin M.; Blank, Robert R.; Morgan, Tye. 2008. Microsite and time since prescribed fire''s influence on soil microbiology in a pinyon woodland. In: Kitchen, Stanley G.; Pendleton, Rosemary L.; Monaco, Thomas A.; Vernon, Jason, comps. 2008. Proceedings-Shrublands under fire: disturbance and recovery in a changing world; 2006 June 6-8; Cedar City, UT. Proc. RMRS-P-52. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 175-178