Microbial Metagenomic and Soil Analysis of Fire Burned Soil Communities From The Albany Pine Bush Preserve

Authors: Alaina Benot, Jennifer Goff, Gray Waldschmidt

SUNY Campus: SUNY ESF

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 49

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Fire-suppression of fire-dependent ecosystems, like the Albany Pine Bush Preserve (APBP), have contributed towards mesophication to canopy forests dominated by moisture-loving and fire-sensitive plant species. The APBP uses controlled burns to maintain and restore the native pitch pine/scrub oak savannahs, making it one of the world’s largest inland pine barrens. Current research highlights fire’s critical role in shaping the disturbance regime and maintaining ecological succession of this unique ecosystem. Multiple studies demonstrate the intrinsic relationship between microbial community, nutrient cycling, and overall forest health. Yet, research into the microbial community within this threatened ecosystem is in its infancy. Prior studies have shown that soil pH is a driving force of microbial richness as well as diversity. Additionally, fire shapes microbial composition through alterations in soil chemistry. However, these studies are often done following sporadic wildfire outbreaks unlike the APBP which maintains an extensive record of fire intensity, frequency, and stand location. We have collected soil at two depths from triplicate stands representing three different burn frequencies: frequent, infrequent, and control. Sub-samples were homogenized to account for soil heterogeneity and microbial microniches. Preliminary analysis displays clear trends within soil pH, nitrogen variation, cation exchange capacity regarding soil depths and correlating burn areas. Further metagenomic analysis is underway.