Aspen succession and nitrogen loading: a case for epiphytic lichens as bioindicators in the Rocky Mountains, USA

Paul C. Rogers; Kori D. Moore; Ronald J. Ryel

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Aspen succession and nitrogen loading: a case for epiphytic lichens as bioindicators in the Rocky Mountains, USA

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Paul C. Rogers, Kori D. Moore, Ronald J. Ryel

Year:

2009

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Journal of Vegetation Science. 20: 498-510.

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Abstract

Forty-seven randomly selected mid-elevation aspen stands were sampled for lichens and stand conditions. Plots were characterized according to tree species cover, basal area, stand age, bole scarring, tree damage, and presence of lichen species. We also recorded ammonia emissions with passive sensors at 25 urban and agricultural sites throughout an adjacent populated valley upwind of the forest stands. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination was used to evaluate an array of 20 variables suspected to influence lichen communities.

Keywords

community analysis, macrolichens, ordination, ammonia, Phaeophyscia nigricans, Populus tremuloides

Citation

Rogers, Paul C. ; Moore, Kori D.; Ryel, Ronald J. 2009. Aspen succession and nitrogen loading: a case for epiphytic lichens as bioindicators in the Rocky Mountains, USA. Journal of Vegetation Science. 20: 498-510.