Forest floor manipulation effects on the relationship between aggregate stability and ectomycorrhizal fungi

Forest floor and mineral soil manipulations influence the biogeochemical properties important for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) tree growth. The impacts of forest on aggregate stability presence ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF), was assessed to elucidate relationship between EMF abundance stability. study site consists a 14-year-old plantation managed by Weyerhaeuser Company in Lower Coastal Plain, approximately 8 miles east New Bern, North Carolina, USA. samples were collected from top 7.62 cm each treatment which includes three levels retention: removed, control, doubled two mixing with soil: mixed unmixed. Ectomycorrhizal evaluated ester-linked fatty acid methyl ester analysis microbial community functionality acid-phosphatase activity measurement. Aggregate using mean weight diameter approach. Results indicate that had no significant impact abundance. However, positive identified. Removing resulted bulk density increase 0.18 g cm?3 compared doubling floor. Our results demonstrate some recover relatively quickly manipulations. informs managers interested how responds manipulation interaction