The University of West Florida campus ecosystem study: effects of a persistent canopy opening on regeneration of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.).
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| Title: | The University of West Florida campus ecosystem study: effects of a persistent canopy opening on regeneration of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.). |
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| Authors: | Gilliam, Frank S.1 (AUTHOR) fgilliam@uwf.edu, Sosa, Alyssa M.1 (AUTHOR) ams315@students.uwf.edu, Howard, Sydney A.2 (AUTHOR) sah116@students.uwf.edu, Smith, Oliver E.1 (AUTHOR) mes145@students.uwf.edu, Schelonka, Emma M.2 (AUTHOR) ems92@students.uwf.edu |
| Source: | Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. May2026, Vol. 198 Issue 5, p1-10. 10p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Longleaf pine, *Forest canopy gaps, *Ecosystems, *Regeneration (Biology), *Forest regeneration, *Soil temperature, *Solar radiation |
| Company/Entity: | University of West Florida |
| Abstract: | Powerline rights of way (ROWs) permanently alter natural landscapes, creating persistent canopy openings in forests. Longleaf pine is a fire-dependent tree species exhibiting minimal successful regeneration under chronic unburned conditions, such as those surrounding a north–south powerline ROW on the University of West Florida (UWF) campus, with longleaf juveniles observed along the edges of the ROW. The goal of this study was to compare longleaf regeneration of east versus west edges. Regeneration was measured on east and west sides of the ROW in 35 continuous plots on each side. To assess temporal and spatial variation in light and soil temperature, solar radiation was measured along seven transects comprising three sample points each—east side, center, and west side—with soil temperature measured at a 5-cm depth. Bulk mineral soil was taken at 15 sites along each of the east and west sides of the ROW and analyzed for pH, organic matter, texture, and several extractable nutrients. Longleaf regeneration was significantly greater along the east edge of the ROW, a ten-fold difference for juveniles and two-fold difference for saplings. None of these differences was related to any soil variable associated with bulk mineral soil analyses. Light and soil temperature, however, displayed significant spatial and temporal variability. Asymmetry in light and temperature was likely a stress to longleaf pine seedlings on the west side of the ROW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
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