Date of Award

1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School

College of Science and Mathematics

Department/Program

Biology

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Dirk Vanderklein

Committee Member

Karina Schafer

Committee Member

Jennifer Adams Krumins

Abstract

This study aims to understand post agricultural forested soils (sandy loam, silt loam, and loam) and the influences that drive carbon sequestration and soil respiration flux. Duke Farms in Hillsborough NJ, has historically been utilized as an agricultural zone for farming a variety of crops. Currently the area is protected with a focus on environmental conservation and restoration of the land. This includes getting a better understanding of the forested portions of the property. Understanding the quality of forested areas is vital as they have the potential to act as a carbon sink which can mitigate the effects of climate change. This study aims to investigate soil respiration (Rs) and how it is affected by soil temperature (Ts), soil water content (SWC) and forested land history. Measurements were gathered using an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) (Li-6400XT; LiCor, Lincoln, NE) at four sites across forested areas in Duke Farms. Data were gathered for 5 soil collars per site at least once a month from 2021-2025. Additional parameters measured were air temperature (Ta_C) and relative humidity (Rh%), soil temperature (Ts) and soil moisture (SWC). In order to better understand the effects of forest age on soil structure, an analysis of the soil bacteria and fungi was conducted using a Microbiometer test and extracting DNA using the DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit followed by next generation sequencing. Results detected a trend where, as Ts increases, the rate of Rs increases but is modulated by prior forest management and treatment. Soils that are subjected to high temperatures are likely to have a higher rate of soil respiration therefore releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which will be exacerbated by climate change.

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