Conifer Encroachment: Effects on Carbon and Nutrient Cycling
Conifer encroachment alters basic ecosystem functions and processes by changing the distribution and availability of carbon, nitrogen, and other resources.
Key Science
- Conifer encroachment shifts carbon and nitrogen from primarily belowground to aboveground, making it more susceptible to loss through fire (Rau et al. 2010)
- Long-term carbon security declines as core sagebrush areas are impacted by trees (O'Connor et al. 2024)
- Conifer removal helps maintain belowground carbon and does not affect total ecosystem carbon sequestration potential (Abdallah et al. 2020)
Additional Resources
- Pinyon-Juniper Encroachment: Effects on Carbon and Nutrient Cycling
