Abstract
Wildfires are a change agent of natural systems and can prove beneficial by initiating ecological recovery through the removal of old organic detrital and resetting microbial populations. In this paper, we investigate if the first nine months of biological recovery of the Border 32 wildfire corresponds to changes in the underlying soil mineralogy during this period. Loss on ignition and eDNA extraction of the area suggest a linear trend of biological growth. The composition of the new microbiological community identified through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplification in this study demonstrates a population initially dominated by bacteria. After six months, fungi appear and find a balance with bacteria. Archaea, while also present, did not follow the same trend. X-ray diffraction found that mineralogy dominated by quartz, anorthite, and biotite did not change over the recovery period. This was consistent with the igneous nature of the California batholith underlying the study location.
Advisor
Strand, Stephanie
Second Advisor
Pollock, Meagen
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Geology
Recommended Citation
Fox, Noah, "Assessing Soil Recovery Dynamics in the Aftermath of the Border 32 Wildfire" (2024). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 11215.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/11215
Disciplines
Biogeochemistry | Cell Biology | Forest Management | Geochemistry | Life Sciences | Molecular Genetics | Sedimentology | Soil Science
Keywords
16s Ribosomal Gene, Fungi, Bacteria, Archaea, Wildfires, California, eDNA extraction, LOI, XRD
Publication Date
2024
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2024 Noah Fox