Dataset Information

Building flux capacity: Citizen scientists increase resolution of soil greenhouse gas fluxes.

ABSTRACT: Though citizen science programs have been broadly successful in diverse scientific fields, their adoption has lagged in some disciplines, including soil science and ecosystem ecology. Collaborations with citizen scientists may be viewed as a conundrum in these disciplines, which often require substantial labor and technical experience; citizen scientists could improve sampling capacity but may reduce sample quality or require training and oversight prior to and while performing specialized tasks. To demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating citizen scientists into soil biogeochemistry research, we conducted a proof-of-concept study in high-elevation meadows of the Sierra Nevada in California. A collaboration between university researchers and citizen scientists allowed us to assess spatial and diel patterns of soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes with an intensity and frequency that would otherwise be beyond the capacity of a typical research laboratory. This collaboration with citizen scientists increased our sampling intensity by over 700% while only doubling the sampling error relative to that of full-time researchers. With training and support from project scientists, citizen scientists collected data that demonstrate spatial independence of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide at scales between 1 m and 175 m. Additionally, we found a lack of temporal variation over a 24-h period for all three GHGs. Citizen scientists participating in this one-day event reported levels of satisfaction commensurate with longer-term, immersive campaigns. The place-based event also proved an effective tool for teaching intangible concepts of soil biogeochemistry and promoting local conservation. Despite perceived barriers to entry, this study demonstrates the mutual benefits of citizen science collaborations in soil science and ecosystem ecology, encouraging adoption by disciplines that have been slow to take advantage of such collaborations. Short-term, local citizen science events can provide meaningful experiences for area residents and teach global biogeochemical cycles in a place-based context.

SUBMITTER: Reed CC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6033390 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Building flux capacity: Citizen scientists increase resolution of soil greenhouse gas fluxes.

Reed Cody C CC Winters Julianne M JM Hart Stephen C SC Hutchinson Rachel R Chandler Mark M Venicx Gitte G Sullivan Benjamin W BW

PloS one 20180705 7

Though citizen science programs have been broadly successful in diverse scientific fields, their adoption has lagged in some disciplines, including soil science and ecosystem ecology. Collaborations with citizen scientists may be viewed as a conundrum in these disciplines, which often require substantial labor and technical experience; citizen scientists could improve sampling capacity but may reduce sample quality or require training and oversight prior to and while performing specialized tasks ...[more]

PMID: 29975686

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Project description:IntroductionPlant species composition in forest ecosystems can alter soil greenhouse gas (GHG) budgets by affecting soil properties and microbial communities. However, little attention has been paid to the forest types characterized by understory vegetation, especially in boreal forests where understory species contribute significantly to carbon and nitrogen cycling.MethodIn the present study, soil GHG fluxes, soil properties and bacterial community, and soil environmental conditions were investigated among three types of larch forest [Rhododendron simsii-Larix gmelinii forest (RL), Ledum palustre-Larix gmelinii forest (LL), and Sphagnum-Bryum-Ledum palustre-Larix gmelinii forest (SLL)] in the typical boreal region of northeast China to explore whether the forest types characterized by different understory species can affect soil GHG fluxes.ResultsThe results showed that differences in understory species significantly affected soil GHG fluxes, properties, and bacterial composition among types of larch forest. Soil CO2 and N2O fluxes were significantly higher in LL (347.12 mg m-2 h-1 and 20.71 μg m-2 h-1) and RL (335.54 mg m-2 h-1 and 20.73 μg m-2 h-1) than that in SLL (295.58 mg m-2 h-1 and 17.65 μg m-2 h-1), while lower soil CH4 uptake (-21.07 μg m-2 h-1) were found in SLL than in RL (-35.21 μg m-2 h-1) and LL (-35.85 μg m-2 h-1). No significant differences between LL and RL were found in soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes. Soil bacterial composition was mainly dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi among the three types of larch forest, while their abundances differed significantly. Soil environmental variables, soil properties, bacterial composition, and their interactions significantly affected the variations in GHG fluxes with understory species. Specifically, structural equation modeling suggested that soil bacterial composition and temperature had direct close links with variations in soil GHG fluxes among types of larch forest. Moreover, soil NO3 --N and NH4 + - N content also affected soil CO2, CH4, and N2O fluxes indirectly, via their effects on soil bacterial composition.DiscussionOur study highlights the importance of understory species in regulating soil GHG fluxes in boreal forests, which furthers our understanding of the role of boreal forests in sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Dataset Information

Building flux capacity: Citizen scientists increase resolution of soil greenhouse gas fluxes.

Publications

Building flux capacity: Citizen scientists increase resolution of soil greenhouse gas fluxes.

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