Harvesting and Climate Effects on Organic Matter Characteristics in British Columbia Coastal Forests

2002 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 402-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.M. Preston ◽  
J.A. Trofymow ◽  
J. Niu ◽  
C.A. Fyfe
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Coastal Forests ◽  
Climate Effects

scholarly journals A global hotspot for dissolved organic carbon in hypermaritime watersheds of coastal British Columbia

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (15) ◽  
pp. 3743-3762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison A. Oliver ◽  
Suzanne E. Tank ◽  
Ian Giesbrecht ◽  
Maartje C. Korver ◽  
William C. Floyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Coastal Ocean ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
Coastal Margin ◽  
Doc Concentration ◽  
Small Catchments ◽  
Dom Composition

Abstract. The perhumid region of the coastal temperate rainforest (CTR) of Pacific North America is one of the wettest places on Earth and contains numerous small catchments that discharge freshwater and high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) directly to the coastal ocean. However, empirical data on the flux and composition of DOC exported from these watersheds are scarce. We established monitoring stations at the outlets of seven catchments on Calvert and Hecate islands, British Columbia, which represent the rain-dominated hypermaritime region of the perhumid CTR. Over several years, we measured stream discharge, stream water DOC concentration, and stream water dissolved organic-matter (DOM) composition. Discharge and DOC concentrations were used to calculate DOC fluxes and yields, and DOM composition was characterized using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). The areal estimate of annual DOC yield in water year 2015 was 33.3 Mg C km−2 yr−1, with individual watersheds ranging from an average of 24.1 to 37.7 Mg C km−2 yr−1. This represents some of the highest DOC yields to be measured at the coastal margin. We observed seasonality in the quantity and composition of exports, with the majority of DOC export occurring during the extended wet period (September–April). Stream flow from catchments reacted quickly to rain inputs, resulting in rapid export of relatively fresh, highly terrestrial-like DOM. DOC concentration and measures of DOM composition were related to stream discharge and stream temperature and correlated with watershed attributes, including the extent of lakes and wetlands, and the thickness of organic and mineral soil horizons. Our discovery of high DOC yields from these small catchments in the CTR is especially compelling as they deliver relatively fresh, highly terrestrial organic matter directly to the coastal ocean. Hypermaritime landscapes are common on the British Columbia coast, suggesting that this coastal margin may play an important role in the regional processing of carbon and in linking terrestrial carbon to marine ecosystems.

scholarly journals Does the Cascade Wolf Survive?

Oryx ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 185-190
Author(s):  
Robert Pisano
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Coastal Forests ◽  
Complete Protection ◽  
Wolf Management ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Coastal British Columbia ◽  
Special Protection

The Cascade wolf Cants lupus fuscus is extinct in the USA. But it may survive in Canada, in the coastal forests of British Columbia, the northernmost part of its original range. But British Columbia gives this highly endangered subspecies no special protection. Over-hunting and hybridisation with neighbouring wolf subspecies and domestic dogs are the chief threats. The author reviews wolf management in coastal British Columbia and suggests changes that would improve the Cascade wolf's prospects, including complete protection of all wolves on wilderness islands where it may survive.

scholarly journals Surveys for terrestrial gastropods in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, with new records and range extensions

2020 ◽  
Vol 133 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-234
Author(s):  
Kristiina Ovaska ◽  
Lennart Sopuck ◽  
Jennifer Heron
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
New Records ◽  
Columbia River ◽  
Columbia River Basin ◽  
Coastal Forests ◽  
Terrestrial Gastropods ◽  
Coeur D'alene ◽  
Northwestern Montana ◽  
Single Category ◽  
Conservation Concern

The northern Columbia River basin, extending from the Kootenay region in British Columbia southward to the Idaho panhandle and northwestern Montana, contains a unique terrestrial gastropod fauna, but in Canada few surveys have specifically targetted this group. Here we report on terrestrial gastropods detected during surveys of 314 sites distributed in five biogeoclimatic zones across the Kootenay region. The surveys occurred on 65 days over seven years from 2007 to 2015, usually in September–October. We detected 45 taxa identified to species, belonging to 33 genera; micro-snails of the genus Vertigo (apart from Vertigo ovata) were combined into a single category, and snails belonging to Succineidae were not identified further. Regionally endemic species previously reported from the region included Western Banded Tigersnail (Anguispira kochi occidentalis), Coeur d’Alene Oregonian (Cryptomastix mullani), Rocky Mountainsnail (Oreohelix strigosa), Subalpine Mountainsnail (Oreohelix subrudis), and Pale Jumping-slug (Hemphillia camelus), which was widespread across the region. Magnum Mantleslug (Magnipelta mycophaga), the distribution of which extends beyond the Kootenay region, was detected at several widely spaced sites. Two species new to Canada were detected, Pygmy Slug (Kootenaia burkei) and Sheathed Slug (Zacoleus idahoensis), both of which were subsequently assessed to be of conservation concern both provincially and nationally. Other notable observations included the detection of Fir Pinwheel (Radiodiscus abietum), a regional endemic, which has been previously reported only once, and three species common in coastal forests but not previously reported from the region: Pacific Banana Slug (Ariolimax columbianus), Robust Lancetooth (Haplotrema vancouverense), and Northwest Hesperian (Vespericola columbianus). Further surveys, especially at higher elevations, may reveal other additional or unusual species.

Response of lodgepole pine health to soil disturbance treatments in British Columbia, Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 1045-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anya M. Reid ◽  
William K. Chapman ◽  
John Marty Kranabetter ◽  
Cindy E. Prescott
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Health Response

Soil disturbance from organic matter loss and soil compaction can impair site productivity, but less is known about whether these disturbances also affect forest health (defined here as the presence and severity of damaging pests and diseases, mortality, and overall vigour). We used six long-term soil productivity (LTSP) sites in the interior of British Columbia, Canada to test the effects of organic-matter removal and soil compaction on forest health, and to explore the relationship between forest health response and potential indicators of site sensitivity: mineral soil pH, base saturation, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), carbon to phosphorus ratio (C:P), and calcium to aluminum ratio (Ca:Al). Visual forest health surveys were conducted on 5400 15 and 20 year old lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) trees. Soil disturbance treatments significantly affected forest health metrics, but this response typically differed among sites. Principle component analyses indicated the response of healthy trees was negatively related to soil base saturation, the response of dead or dying trees related to soil C:P, and the response of tree disease related to soil Ca:Al, pH, base saturation, and C:N. We found forest health response to soil disturbance varied among sites with relationships between response and soil chemical properties, suggesting a greater vulnerability of pine stands to disease with increasing soil acidity.

A COMPARISON OF LIME REQUIREMENT METHODS FOR ACID CANADIAN SOILS

1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. WEBBER ◽  
DIANE CORNEAU ◽  
P. B. HOYT ◽  
M. NYBORG
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Toxic Level ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Exchangeable Al ◽  
Canadian Soils ◽  
Highly Correlated ◽  
Diagnostic Index

Several laboratory methods for estimating lime requirements of acid soils were compared using 24 soils from Alberta and northeastern British Columbia and 15 from elsewhere in Canada. The Peech, Schofield, Woodruff and SMP (Shoemaker et al. 1971) buffer methods were equally well correlated with lime requirements for raising soil pH to 5.5 or 6, which in turn were highly correlated with the amounts of soluble and exchangeable Al and organic matter in the soils. The SMP buffer method is recommended for use as the diagnostic index of lime requirement to achieve pH 5.5 or 6 because of its speed and simplicity. A refinement is suggested for Alberta and northeastern B.C. soils on the basis that lime need not be added to achieve pH 5.5 but should be added to reduce Al below the toxic level for sensitive crops. The lime requirements to reduce Al in those soils were highly correlated with the amounts of 0.02 M CaCl2-soluble Al they contained and it is recommended that the 0.02 M CaCl2-soluble AI be used as the diagnostic index of lime requirement. Lime requirements related to SMP (pH) and 0.02 M CaCl2-soluble Al are presented.

SOIL PROPERTIES AFFECTING THE RETENTION OF PHOSPHORUS FROM EFFLUENT

1971 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
MATT K. JOHN
Keyword(s):  
Waste Water ◽  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Base Saturation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Coastal Soils

Factors affecting removal of P from waste water effluent on 376 soils from British Columbia and six soils from New Zealand were studied. When shaken at a ratio of 1:50 soil to effluent, the soils of the dry British Columbia interior removed on an average 31% of the effluent P, whereas wet coastal soils removed 85% and the New Zealand soils removed 76%. The capacity of the soil to remove effluent P was related mostly to Al, Fe and P extracted by various extractants, pH, base saturation, organic matter and texture.

EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE VEGETABLE PRODUCTION ON CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND NUTRIENT MINERALIZATION OF A BRITISH COLUMBIA HUMISOL

1990 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-460
Author(s):  
B. M. OLSON ◽  
L. E. LOWE
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Surface Layer ◽  
Subsurface Layer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
Nutrient Mineralization

A study was conducted to determine the effects of long-term vegetable production on some organic matter (OM) chemical properties in an organic soil located near Cloverdale, British Columbia. Producers in this area are concerned about yield reduction and some feel this is due to changes in the soil quality. Paired soil samples were collected from two transects: one in a 40-yr-old vegetable field, and the other in an adjacent fence row. The transects were positioned in order to collect samples from a relatively deep organic deposit and from a shallow deposit where a ridge of mineral subsoil had been exposed. Initial analysis showed that cultivation had changed some chemical properties only in the plow layer. The exception was pH which was higher throughout the sample depth of the cultivated transect. Organic matter loss from the cultivated field was estimated 28% by weight, based on ash accumulation. In the cultivated deep organic section (west of the ridge) OM and C contents were reduced by 7.1 and 5.6% respectively, whereas on the cultivated ridge OM, C, N and S contents and the amount of C, N and S mineralized were reduced by 43.3, 41.6, 43.4, 25.9, 42.8, 60.8 and 52.5%, respectively. On an ash-free basis there were no changes in the deep organic section. In the ridge, the OM sulphur content had increased and the amount of N and S mineralized were decreased compared with the uncultivated transect. In the cultivated surface layer, increased S content in the OM was caused by incorporation of a S-rich subsurface layer during tillage operations. Increases in P content in the cultivated transect were attributed to P fertilization. Within the cultivated transect, C, N and S contents in the exposed mineral ridge were 48, 48, and 44%, respectively, lower than in the deep organic surface layer on the west side of the ridge. The C:N ratios were unchanged at about 16. The chemical stability of the OM was attributed to its well-decomposed nature. At this particular site, the degradation due to excessive cultivation was manifested mainly in OM loss, rather than in changes in OM quality. The main concern of producers is to reduce or prevent further loss of soil OM. Key words: Humisol, organic soil, cultivation, mineralizable C, N and S, incubation

scholarly journals Hummocks in alpine tundra, northern British Columbia, Canada: distribution, morphology and organic carbon composition

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-147
Author(s):  
Marjolaine Verret ◽  
Yifeng Wang ◽  
Jean Bjornson ◽  
Denis Lacelle
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Late Holocene ◽  
Organic Content ◽  
Alpine Tundra ◽  
Carbon Density ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Alkyl Groups

Hummocks develop by cryoturbation in fine-grained frost-susceptible soils and their stage of maturity may affect the translocation of organics in Cryosols. This study examines the distribution and morphology of hummocks in the Chuck Creek Trail Valley (northern British Columbia) and determines the quantity, distribution, and composition of organic matter in their soils. Hummocks occupy about 5%–20% of the valley and their morphology is largely affected by their silt content. Cryoturbated intrusions, radiocarbon dated to 2814 and 1648 cal year B.P., suggest that hummock development was initiated during the cooler late Holocene. Hummocks have an average soil organic carbon density of 16.3 kg m−2 in the uppermost 1 m, with 62% stored in the top 25 cm. Organics are mainly present as particulate organic matter in the O-horizon (25%–80%), characterized by degradable alkyl C and O/N-alkyl groups, but occur as mineral-associated organic matter (96%–98%) composed of recalcitrant aromatic and aliphatic C groups in the underlying B and C horizons. Minor differences in organic content and composition occur between hummock tops and troughs, and between hummocks showing different stages of maturity. In the absence of an observed frost table, contemporary hummock activity is attributed to seasonal freezing and thawing.

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