Award Abstract # 0910367
DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Aquatic effects of a terrestrial invasion: a riparian tree subsidizes carbon and nitrogen with differential consequences for stream ecosystem function

NSF Org: DEB
Division Of Environmental Biology
Recipient: IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
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: FY 2009 = $15,000.00
History of Investigator:
  • Colden Baxter (Principal Investigator)
    baxtcold@isu.edu
  • Madeleline Mineau (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Idaho State University
921 S 8TH AVE
POCATELLO
ID  US  83201-5377
(208)282-2592
Sponsor Congressional District: 02
Primary Place of Performance: Idaho State University
921 S 8TH AVE
POCATELLO
ID  US  83201-5377
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
02
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): JJC9GJJJL4M7
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): ECOSYSTEM STUDIES
Primary Program Source: 01000910DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 1181, 9150, 9169, EGCH
Program Element Code(s): 118100
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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Marcarelli, AM; Baxter, CV; Mineau, MM; Hall, RO "Quantity and quality: unifying food web and ecosystem perspectives on the role of resource subsidies in freshwaters" ECOLOGY , v.92 , 2011 , p.1215 View record at Web of Science
Mineau, MM; Baxter, CV; Marcarelli, AM "A Non-Native Riparian Tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Changes Nutrient Dynamics in Streams" ECOSYSTEMS , v.14 , 2011 , p.353 View record at Web of Science 10.1007/s10021-011-9415-

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