Document: ROB-3-31-14

A carbon model of Atlantic white cedar swamps.

ATKINSON, R.B.*

Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606 USA 1

Abstract:
Atlantic white cedar swamps are peat-accumulating wetlands that occur in the outer coastal plain province from Maine to Mississippi. Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.)B.S.P., an obligate wetland tree, occurs in near monocultures where catastrophic fire eliminates competition. Peat facilitates self-maintenance through hydrologic modification and as seed refugia, which supports post-fire regeneration. A carbon model for this ecosystem is needed in order to quantify peat dynamics and to assess ongoing restoration and management efforts. An eight-site chronosequence was studied for three years to determine more than 50 carbon-related structural and functional parameters including production, decomposition and carbon gas emissions. The model suggests that hydrologic variables are important for restoration and management strategies.

Keywords: Carbon model, Atlantic white cedar, decomposition, production

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This abstract is being presented at: 8:15 AM in session:
Oral Session #1: Plant Carbon Allocation.