Benjamin R. Tanner

Fractal Analysis of Maine's Glaciated Shoreline Tests Established Coastal Classification Scheme

Abstract Average fractal dimensions (D) are calculated for Maines four coastal compartments using a GIS approach and digitized U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute series topographic quadrangle maps. The D values indicate relatively little complexity for the southwest coastal compartment (avg. D = 1.11), higher complexity for the south-central compartment (avg. D = 1.35), and intermediate complexity for the north-central compartment (avg. D = 1.23). Our analysis suggests that the northeastern compartment should be further divided into two subcompartments (Cobscook Bay and non-Cobscook Bay), which have average D values of 1.37 and 1.18 respectively. Subdivision of the northeast coastal compartment is also supported by the geologic makeup of the region. Statistical tests show that all of the geologically different coastal compartments can be discriminated in terms of D at the 95% confidence level, whereas the geologically similar compartments (south-central compartment and Cobscook Bay subcompartment) cannot be statistically distinguished. Further research along previously glaciated shorelines should be carried out to build upon our results.

Nutrient and Physical Soil Characteristics of River Cane Stands, Western North Carolina

Abstract Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl., commonly called river cane, is a member of the grass family (Poaceae). The primary purpose of this research is to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the soils of existing stands of A. gigantea in western North Carolina and to provide guidance for the restoration of river cane to the stream valleys of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. We analyzed soils at 20 sites in Cherokee, Jackson, and Macon Counties in North Carolina and collected data on soil characterization, nutrient levels, bulk density, particle size, pH, and hydraulic conductivity. River cane soils varied significantly for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sand levels, even within the same watershed (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Typical soils are very sandy, mineral soils with low carbon levels and low nutrient levels. Soils are well drained, have very low bulk densities, and low pH. Despite low nutrient conditions, the plant does not appear to be nutrient limited. Restoration potential for the species is high, but more research is required to determine specific limitations on growth.

Exploring Possibilities for Using UV/Vis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to Directly Differentiate Soil Organic Matter in a Soil Profile

ABSTRACT In this study, soil samples taken from a wetland from the surface to a depth of 160 cm were analyzed for water extracted organic matter (WEOM) fractions by UV/Vis and for lignin and polysaccharide components directly by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our results indicate that lignin-derived phenolic compounds in the WEOM fractions decreased with increasing soil depth at three different wavelengths. This decrease was consistent with our FTIR results and was accompanied by a decrease of polysaccharides. Our study demonstrates the application of UV/Vis and FTIR to directly differentiate lignin and polysaccharide concentration gradients in a soil profile.

Presence of Arundinaria gigantea (river cane) on numerous non-wetland sites suggests improper ecological classification of the species

Arundinaria gigantea, or river cane, is a potential riparian buffer, and there is general interest in the restoration of the species to the southern Appalachian mountains. Proper classification of A. gigantea is critical in determining suitable candidate sites for planting. The 1988 National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands lists A. gigantea as facultative wetland (FACW) for the southeast and elsewhere. In this article, we review plant, soil, and hydrologic data collected at 20 A. gigantea sites in western North Carolina, USA, and discuss the species wetland classification in light of our findings. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat), bulk density (ρb), elemental abundance, soil description, plant identification, and hydrologic data are presented and suggest that river cane is currently classified incorrectly, and that an upland (UPL) or facultative upland (FACU) classification is more appropriate. None of the sites studied meet all 3 criteria common to wetland definitions (hydric soils, hydrophytic vegetation and wetland hydrology), although one of the sites had several wetland characteristics. We suggest that river cane restoration should occur in well drained, sandy soils and that the species should only be used as a riparian buffer in this type of setting.