REN R440 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Fauna, Denitrification, Microfauna

• School: University of Alberta
• Department: Renewable Resources
• Course: REN R440
• Professor: Nadir Erbilgin

Document Summary

Disturbances alter light, temperature, co2 levels and nutrient availability, which then alters primary and secondary productivity. Structural disturbances alter light availability, often through the removal of plants. Temperatures are altered through changes in air and water flow and also the removal of plants. Disturbances in air and water currents, soil microbial dynamics, nutrient inputs and productivity alter. Changes in light and temperature can result in removing biomass, adding organic matter, altering microbial decomposition, which can all affect nutrients. Disturbances that remove canopy cover result in increased light reaching the understory and the soil. Increased light results in increased soil temperature, increased vulnerability to drought, and accelerates rates of mineralization of nutrients and organic matter. Full sunlight and increased temperature favor the germination and growth of early successional species. Respiration of plants roots and soil microorganisms is what is responsible for most soil co2 and co2 in the air near the soil surface.