Effects of species composition change under experimental warming on soil microclimate in a montane meadow
Abstract
The results of a long-term experimental warming study, in a montane meadow in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, have shown that Artemisia tridentata (Common Sagebrush) is likely to increase in abundance under climate change, as perennial forb species decrease in abundance. This change in species composition in the ecosystem could have a feedback effect on microclimate conditions. In this study we examined the potential effects on soil microclimate, by measuring various temperature variables in the soil around selected forb species and A. tridentata, as well as soil moisture among the two vegetation types. Results showed significant, and sometimes dramatic, differences in soil temperature between A. tridentata and the forbs. Soil moisture appeared to be higher surrounding A. tridentata, compared to forb species, but this result was not significant. Thus, the change in species composition towards A. tridentata seems to act as a local negative feedback to an external heat forcing, in this one respect. Implications for this effect on soil microclimate could be important for ecosystem processes such as litter decomposition and seed germination. Vollering
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References (16)
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