
NSF Org: |
DEB Division Of Environmental Biology |
Recipient: |
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Initial Amendment Date: | April 28, 2009 |
Latest Amendment Date: | April 28, 2009 |
Award Number: | 0910367 |
Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
Program Manager: |
Henry L. Gholz
DEB Division Of Environmental Biology BIO Directorate for Biological Sciences |
Start Date: | June 1, 2009 |
End Date: | May 31, 2011 (Estimated) |
Total Intended Award Amount: | $15,000.00 |
Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $15,000.00 |
Funds Obligated to Date: |
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History of Investigator: |
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Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
921 S 8TH AVE POCATELLO ID US 83201-5377 (208)282-2592 |
Sponsor Congressional District: |
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Primary Place of Performance: |
921 S 8TH AVE POCATELLO ID US 83201-5377 |
Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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Parent UEI: |
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NSF Program(s): | ECOSYSTEM STUDIES |
Primary Program Source: |
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Program Reference Code(s): |
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Program Element Code(s): |
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Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.074 |
ABSTRACT
Dissertation Research: Aquatic effects of a terrestrial invasion: a riparian tree subsidizes carbon and nitrogen with differential consequences for stream ecosystems.
Invasive species can affect ecosystem functions such as productivity or processing of nutrients. These effects can beyond the habitat where the invasion occurs extend. The goal of this research is to evaluate the effects of an invasive non-native tree species (Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia) on aquatic ecosystem processes. Unlike the native riparian vegetation that it replaces, Russian olive is able to fix nitrogen (N) transforming it into a form usable by itself and other plants. As a result, Russian olive trees can supply N to streams, altering nutrient uptake and algal growth. This altered processing of N in streams could result in greater export of N from invaded watersheds to downstream systems which could result in nutrient pollution problems. Research funded by this award will evaluate if this effect of Russian olive is manifested at a regional scale by comparing measurements of nitrogen input and biological demand for N in 10 invaded and 10 non-invaded streams in the Intermountain-West region.
Little is known about how invasive species affect the exchange of nutrients and food sources to adjacent ecosystems. If Russian olive alters N processing in streams this could represent a major unforeseen effect of riparian plant invasions. The results from this research will inform management of Russian olive which is in its infancy, despite the invasion's extent and potential impacts. The investigators will include undergraduate researchers and will mentor a high school intern from the nearby Shoshone-Bannock reservation where some of this work will be conducted. This study will address water quality and human health concerns affecting rural communities in the West. Results of this research will be communicated broadly to the scientific community, local managers and the general public.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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