Taylor, Jessica. 2008. Effects of Riparian Buffers on Soil Nitrogen Mineralization and Stream Nitrogen Concentrations in Headwater Streams of Western Washington. M.S.
Read the full thesis here (776KB pdf)
Understanding the connectivity between terrestrial and aquatic systems is important when attempting to address current and future forest management issues. Little is known about the effects of forest harvesting on the chemistry of non-fishbearing headwater streams in lowland Western Washington and how this harvesting affects downstream salmonids.
The near-stream/saturated zone, where hillslope hydrologic flow paths and saturated soil meet, has vital biogeochemical nitrogen cycles. This study will address this biogeochemical cycle, specifically the rate of nitrogen mineralization in the headwater stream riparian zones.