SP030: Mycorrhizal map sampling data in different age class plots of Douglas-fir forests, Andrews Experimental Forest, 1992-2005
Notice
"As Is" Basis: All content, including maps and forecasts, is provided without warranties. Users are advised to independently verify critical information.
Citation
2005. Mycorrhizal map sampling data in different age class plots of Douglas-fir forests, Andrews Experimental Forest, 1992-2005 Long-Term Ecological Research Andrews Forest LTER Site. [Database]. Available: https://andrewsforest-stage.forestry.oregonstate.edu/data/fsdb-data-catalog/SP030 Accessed 2026-05-10.
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal mats in forest soils have a wide global distribution and are apparently important to nutrient cycling. Since little known about the factors influencing their distribution we have conducted one of the first studies attempting to define the factors influencing mat distribution. We chose to study distribution patterns of mat-forming ectomycorrhizal fungi of the genera Hysterangium and Gautieria in coniferous forests of the Pacific northwestern United States by mapping ectomycorrhizal mats and other forest floor features in 2 x 10 meter plots and digitized into a Geographical Information System (GIS) for spatial pattern analysis. Distribution was measured in terms of mat size, size variability and shape, total mat cover per stand age, nearest neighbor distances, and correlation with understory vegetation and tree age using the digitized plot mats. While GIS analysis indicated that Hysterangium and Gautieria did not physically overlap, there appears to be a tendency for clustering of mats. No apparent correlations were observed between forest floor features and mats located within the 2 x 10 meter grids. Mat distributions were found to vary temporally; total mat area, size and frequency differed for Hysterangium and Gautieria mats when comparing young, mature and old-growth stands. The GIS analysis has been reported by Griffiths et. al. 1996 (Pub 2251) and the digitized plot maps on which these analyses were based are available in this data set.
Coverage
Temporal coverage: 1992-07-01 to 2005-06-20
Geographic coverage: N/A
Bounds: W N/A, E N/A, N N/A, S N/A
Purpose
- Preservation of species diversity has been identified as a critical measure of forest ecosystem health. The data collected on ectomycorrhizal mats suggests that their presence may be a key component for preserving species diversity and normal ecosystem function by providing host trees with requisite nutrients from mineral soil and soil organic matter.
- Because of the potential importance of these mats (Cromack et al., 1988, Griffiths et al.,1991b, 1994), we wanted to determine which factors on a scale of a few meters influenced their distribution patterns. These factors included both surface features and mats of different species and function. We also wanted to determine the effects of stand age on mat distribution to better understand how forest harvesting might influence the occurrence, size, shape and the physical relationships of mats.
Project
Title: Long-Term Ecological Research
Personnel
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Sherri L. Johnson - Principal Investigator US Forest Service ;Pacific NW Research Station ;3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USAPhone: 541-758-7771Email: sherri.johnson2@usda.gov, sherri.johnson@oregonstate.edu
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Julia A. Jones - Principal Investigator Oregon State University;Department of Geosciences; Wilkinson Hall 104, Corvallis, OR, 97331-5506, USAPhone: (541) 737-1224Email: Julia.Jones@oregonstate.edu, geojulia@comcast.netORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9429-8925
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Matthew G Betts - Principal Investigator Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society; 201E Richardson Hall; College of Forestry; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331Phone: (541) 737-3841Email: matt.betts@oregonstate.edu
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Michael P. Nelson - Principal Investigator Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society; 201K Richarson Hall; College of Forestry; Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331Phone: 541-737-9221Email: mpnelson@oregonstate.eduORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6917-4752
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David Bell - Principal Investigator Email: david.bell@usda.gov, david.bell@oregonstate.edu
Abstract
- The H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is a living laboratory that provides unparalleled opportunities for the study of forest and stream ecosystems in the central Cascade Range of Oregon. Since 1980, as a part of the National Science Foundation Long Term Ecological Research (NSF-LTER) program, the Andrews Experimental Forest has become a leader in the analysis of forest and stream ecosystem dynamics.
- Long-term field experiments and measurement programs have focused on climate dynamics, streamflow, water quality, and vegetation succession. Currently researchers are working to develop concepts and tools needed to predict effects of natural disturbance, land use, and climate change on ecosystem structure, function, and species composition.
- The Andrews Experimental Forest is administered cooperatively by the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Oregon State University and the Willamette National Forest. Funding for the research program comes from the National Science Foundation (NSF), US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, Oregon State University, and other sources.
Funding
Data were provided by the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest research program, funded by the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research Program (DEB 2025755), US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, and Oregon State University. National Science Foundation: DEB1440409
Study Area Description
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Long-Term Ecological Research The Andrews Forest is situated in the western Cascade Range of Oregon, and covers the entire 15,800-acre (6400-ha) drainage basin of Lookout Creek. Elevation ranges from 1350 to 5340 feet (410 to 1630 m). Broadly representative of the rugged mountainous landscape of the Pacific Northwest, the Andrews Forest contains excellent examples of the region's conifer forests and associated wildlife and stream ecosystems. These forests are among the tallest and most productive in the world, with tree heights of often greater than 250 ft (75 m). Streams are steep, cold and clean, providing habitat for numerous aquatic organisms.
Associated Party
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Gay A. Bradshaw
Role: Other ResearcherKerulosEmail: bradshaw@kerulos.org
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Robert P. Griffiths
Role: Principal InvestigatorOregon State University;Dept. of Forest Science;321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331-5752, USAPhone: (541) 737-6559Email: bbgriff@peak.org, griff@for.orst.edu
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George W. Lienkaemper
Role: Other ResearcherUSDA Forest Service;Pacific NW ResearchStation;3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USAPhone: (541) 750-7343Email: geo@fsl.orst.edu, george.lienkaemper@usgs.gov
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Barbara J. Marks
Role: Other Researcher
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Theresa J. Valentine
Role: DistributorUSDA Forest Service;Pacific NW Research Station;3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USAPhone: (541) 750-7333Email: theresa.valentine56@gmail.com
Contact
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Information Manager
Andrews Forest LTER Program, US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331Email: hjaweb@fsl.orst.edu
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Theresa J. Valentine
USDA Forest Service;Pacific NW Research Station;3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USAPhone: (541) 750-7333Email: theresa.valentine56@gmail.com
Publisher
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Andrews Forest LTER Site
Role: PublisherForest Ecosystems and Society Department in Forestry, Oregon State University, 201K Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331-5752Phone: (541) 737-8480Email: lterweb@fsl.orst.edu
Study Description
Ectomycorrhizal mats in forest soils have a wide global distribution and are apparently important to nutrient cycling. Since little known about the factors influencing their distribution we have conducted one of the first studies attempting to define the factors influencing mat distribution. We chose to study distribution patterns of mat-forming ectomycorrhizal fungi of the genera Hysterangium and Gautieria in coniferous forests of the Pacific northwestern United States by mapping ectomycorrhizal mats and other forest floor features in 2 x 10 meter plots and digitized into a Geographical Information System (GIS) for spatial pattern analysis. Distribution was measured in terms of mat size, size variability and shape, total mat cover per stand age, nearest neighbor distances, and correlation with understory vegetation and tree age using the digitized plot mats. While GIS analysis indicated that Hysterangium and Gautieria did not physically overlap, there appears to be a tendency for clustering of mats. No apparent correlations were observed between forest floor features and mats located within the 2 x 10 meter grids. Mat distributions were found to vary temporally; total mat area, size and frequency differed for Hysterangium and Gautieria mats when comparing young, mature and old-growth stands. The GIS analysis has been reported by Griffiths et. al. 1996 (Pub 2251) and the digitized plot maps on which these analyses were based are available in this data set. Preservation of species diversity has been identified as a critical measure of forest ecosystem health. The data collected on ectomycorrhizal mats suggests that their presence may be a key component for preserving species diversity and normal ecosystem function by providing host trees with requisite nutrients from mineral soil and soil organic matter.
Purpose: Preservation of species diversity has been identified as a critical measure of forest ecosystem health. The data collected on ectomycorrhizal mats suggests that their presence may be a key component for preserving species diversity and normal ecosystem function by providing host trees with requisite nutrients from mineral soil and soil organic matter.
Methods
Sampling
Sampling Description
- Three sites of each age class were chosen on and near the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) located in the Central Oregon Cascade Mountains. Three plots were chosen at random in each of the three stands for a total of 27 plots. All age classes were Douglas-fir dominated forests in similar soils. The young stands were all 35-40 years old with similar plot preparation, subsequent seedling planting regimes and stand thinning schedules. The mature stands were the result of extensive natural fire events 90-125 years ago and the old-growth stands had trees that were over 400 years old.
- Three 2 x 10 meter plots were chosen at random at each of three sites of the same age class for the mat mapping study. These plots were flagged at 0.5 m intervals and raked to a depth of 5 cm. To-scale drawings of the type, size and location of all ectomycorrhizal mats, rocks, logs, stumps, and all nonherbacious plants were recorded on hand-drawn maps in the field using the grid as a guide. Two mat types (Hysterangium and Gautieria) were identified in the field by mat morphology. Gautieria-like mats were those that were restricted to the top portion of the mineral soil and were typically very dry, almost powdery in consistency and are associated with soils that have a bleached appearance (Griffiths et al. 1991a). Hysteragium-like mats were typified by relatively coarse white to cream rhizomorphs normally found in the litter and/or top of the mineral soil (Griffiths et al., 1991a). The location of neighboring dominant overstory trees was also noted. Twenty seven maps were made: 3 replicates from each location, 3 sites per age and 3 ages. These maps were used to generate digitized maps for the computer analyses described below.
- The primary objective of this study was to determine which factors influence ectomycorrhizal mat distribution on a scale of a few cm to 10s of meters. Toward that end, we measured the influence of one mat on the presence of another, the influence of forest floor features on mat presence, and how the presence of potential host trees, stand density, and stand age influences mat distribution. The mapped mat data were digitized using GIS. Separate digital maps were constructed of each mat species (i.e., Hysterangium and Gautieria) and of all other forest floor attributes within the plot (i.e., rocks, vegetation (vine maple, Pacific yew, and rhododendron), and coarse woody debris (stumps, surface logs and buried logs). All features were considered as potential contributors to mat patterns.
- The following designators were used for the individual plots.
- 10y1, 10y2, 10y3, 6y1, 6y2, 6y3, 7y1, 7y2, >7y3
- 10c1, 10c2, 10c3, 6c1, 6c2, 6c3, 7c1, 7c2, 7c3
- ms1_1, ms1_2, ms1_3, ms2_1, ms2_2, ms2_3, ms3_1, ms3_2, ms3_3
- The first numbers designate the stand number in the “y” and “c” series; the letter “y” = young stand, “c” = control (oldgrowth). The last number represents the plot number within the stand. Those with the same stand numbers in the “y” and “c” series were in stands adjacent to one another. The “ms” series; “ms” = mature stand, the first letter designates the stand number and the second number designates the plot number within the same stand. No attempt was made to pair the mature stands with either young stands or oldgrowth stands.
- There are three data overlays for each plot. One shows the distribution of mats similar to those found in the genus Gautieria and the second shows the distribution of mats similar to those found in the genus Hysterangium. These are lumped together under the heading mat#. The third overlay shows surface features of rocks, roots, logs and vegetation and is designed as top#.
- Citation:
- Griffiths, R. P., Bradshaw, G. A., Marks, B., and G. W. Lienkaemper. 1996. Spatial distribution of ectomycorrhizal mats in coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest, USA. Plant and Soil 180:147-158.
Spatial Sampling Units
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Cascade Mountains, Oregon and Washington
W -122.65947700, E -122.27221300, N 41.90189100, S 48.91215300Altitude: 4392 to 4392 meter
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Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA)
W -122.26172200, E -122.10084700, N 44.28196400, S 44.19770400Altitude: 1631 to 1631 meter
Software
No software entries listed in this EML file.
Keywords
- LTER controlled vocabulary: geographic information systems (theme), primary production (theme), soil (theme), mycorrhizae (theme), plants (theme)
- LTER core research areas: primary production (theme)
Taxonomic Hierarchy
No taxonomic hierarchy listed in this EML file.
Data Entities
No data tables listed in this EML file.
Metadata
No data tables listed in this EML file.
Units
No units listed in this EML file.
Intellectual Rights
Data Use Agreement:
The re-use of scientific data has the potential to greatly increase communication, collaboration and synthesis within and among disciplines, and thus is fostered, supported and encouraged. This Data Set is released under the Creative Commons license CC BY "Attribution" (see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Creative Commons license CC BY - Attribution is a license that allows others to distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon your work (even commercially), as long as you are credited for the original creation. This license accommodates maximum dissemination and use of licensed materials.
It is considered professional conduct and an ethical obligation to acknowledge the work of other scientists. The Data User is asked to provide attribution of the original work if this data package is shared in whole or by individual parts or used in the derivation of other products. A recommended citation is provided for each Data Set in the Andrews LTER data catalog (see: http://andlter.forestry.oregonstate.edu/data/catalog/datacatalog.aspx). A generic citation is also provided for this Data Set on the website https://portal.edirepository.org in the summary metadata page. Data Users are thus strongly encouraged to consider consultation, collaboration and/or co-authorship with the Data Set Creator.
While substantial efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of data and associated documentation, complete accuracy of data sets cannot be guaranteed and all data are made available "as is." The Data User should be aware, however, that data are updated periodically and it is the responsibility of the Data User to check for new versions of the data. The data authors and the repository where these data were obtained shall not be liable for damages resulting from any use or misinterpretation of the data.
General acknowledgement: Data were provided by the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest research program, funded by the National Science Foundation's Long-Term Ecological Research Program (DEB 2025755), US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, and Oregon State University.
Licensed
License: N/A
Maintenance
Maintenance update frequency: notPlanned
Description
- An update history is logged and maintained with each new version of every dataset.
Change History
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Version2 (2004-11-03) Metadata files created in ARC/catalog as HTML format. ARC/Info Export files, shape files, or other data file on ftp.fsl.orst.edu.
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Version1 (2005-06-20) GIS coverage creation date.
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Version3 (2005-06-23) Upper level gis metadata (catalog, databases, entity, sub_entity, catalog_component, cross_reference, update_history) restructured and moved into SQLServer metadata database LTERMETA.