Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Open Access Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Forest Ecology and Management (MS)
Administrative Home Department
College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science
Advisor 1
Steven L. Voelker
Committee Member 1
Andrew J. Burton
Committee Member 2
Tara L. Bal
Abstract
This dendrochronological and stable carbon isotope study used tree rings from sugar maple (Acer Saccharum Marsh.) collected at long-term nitrogen (N) amended sites throughout Michigan to understand N amendment and deposition, climate, and growth relationships. Climate responses varied by site, however, we found importance in grouping sites by “productivity” which is related to inherent N and soil nutrients. Our results did not detect an overall effect of N amendments on growth during the treatment period. However, data shows N amendments benefiting larger diameter trees, while smaller diameter trees responded more positively without amendments, especially on more productive sites. Results from the stable carbon isotope analysis imply that leaf gas exchange at less productive sites is more influenced by moisture whereas more productive sites are more influenced by light conditions. Our findings suggest that soil characteristics and tree size are important factors to site specific responses to climate for sugar maple.
Recommended Citation
Ring, Libbie, "SUGAR MAPLE (ACER SACCHARUM MARSH.) TREE-RING GROWTH AND CARBON STABLE ISOTOPE RESPONSES TO NITROGEN AND CLIMATE", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2025.