LUQ Newsletter
October 2002
From Nick Brokaw :
Update on the Canopy Trimming Experiment
- Aaron and Pedro have installed all 12 plots (4 plots in each of 3 blocks).
Many of the plots have had cords and stakes installed within them to outline
the 16, 5 x 5 m subplots and walkways between each of those subplots.
- Aaron has scheduled the start of litterfall sampling and collection and
is making arrangements for sample transfer and processing. This includes
regular litterfall sampling as well as collection for Grizelle's decomposition
experiments.
- Grizelle has planned the use of the electro-shocker to exclude worms.
- José, the handyman at the station, will construct a specially-designed set
of shelves and trays in a room at the Stream House where litter can be dried
and stored.
- Jean and Sharon Cantrell have made
plans and schedules for microbial studies.
- The first soil sampling begins in
mid-November and Aaron, Ligia, and Matt have planned the procedures for the
associated lab work.
- Whendee begins her work on soil respiration, trace gas fluxes, and soil
nutrient pools in November.
- Bill was here a few weeks ago to launch the lysimeter studies.
- At El Verde we met with four arborists to explain the trimming plan. They
will submit bids for the work. We have decided to trim the small stuff ourselves.
We have discussed at length how we will handle the detritus transfer to, and
distribution within, the addition plots. We have tried to anticipate in detail
the actual process of trimming and its impacts, to achieve what we want and
forestall problems. We are not going to do the pilot cut at the station as
planned before.
- Aaron has done an enormous amount of work on materials and equipment purchase,
and he and Pedro have done an enormous amount of work preparing and installing
stakes, cord, litter traps, etc.
- Jess has arranged for graduate student assistants for Grizelle and Elvira.
- Aaron has worked hard on the optimal allocation of space within the plots
for all the different studies.
- Alonso has planned microenvironmental measurements.
- No news on the permit yet, but there
is plenty of time. Trimming would be August or September 2003.