Location

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (virtual)

Date

9-4-2021 12:00 AM

Poster Abstract

As the overstory dominance of oak (Quercus spp.) declines across the Midwest, prescribed fire is becoming an increasingly utilized forest management tool. The effects of such fire on soil quality have been studied for decades, however the recorded impact on fungal communities has been varied. The presence of ectomycorrhizal fungi is a necessary component of oak ecosystems, and aboveground recovery after a disturbance is linked directly to the persistence of EMF. Furthermore, forest composition, productivity, and biodiversity are influenced by mycorrhizal abundance and richness, so fungi should not be overlooked when investigating a forest ecosystem. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of fire on mycorrhizal abundance and community structure. Mycophagous mammals have long been used to estimate mycorrhizal presence, so we collected scat samples from 65 chipmunks across burned and unburned plots in the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment. Fungal spores were extracted from the scat, identified, then analyzed for abundance and diversity. Our analyses reflect that there are differences in species presence across burn classes, and some local environmental variables also help predict presence and abundance. These results emphasize the importance of taking a holistic approach to ecosystem management.

Comments

2021 FNR Poster Competition, Graduate Research - Honorable Mention

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Apr 9th, 12:00 AM

Effects of Prescribed Fire on Mycorrhizal Fungi Abundance and Diversity

Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (virtual)

As the overstory dominance of oak (Quercus spp.) declines across the Midwest, prescribed fire is becoming an increasingly utilized forest management tool. The effects of such fire on soil quality have been studied for decades, however the recorded impact on fungal communities has been varied. The presence of ectomycorrhizal fungi is a necessary component of oak ecosystems, and aboveground recovery after a disturbance is linked directly to the persistence of EMF. Furthermore, forest composition, productivity, and biodiversity are influenced by mycorrhizal abundance and richness, so fungi should not be overlooked when investigating a forest ecosystem. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of fire on mycorrhizal abundance and community structure. Mycophagous mammals have long been used to estimate mycorrhizal presence, so we collected scat samples from 65 chipmunks across burned and unburned plots in the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment. Fungal spores were extracted from the scat, identified, then analyzed for abundance and diversity. Our analyses reflect that there are differences in species presence across burn classes, and some local environmental variables also help predict presence and abundance. These results emphasize the importance of taking a holistic approach to ecosystem management.