In June of 2000, we established a transect study to investigate N cycling microorganisms along natural transitions in vegetation. Our objectives were to: (i) Determine links between vegetation type and microbial communities and processes, (ii) examine the spatial variability along meadow-to-forest transects, (iii) correlate microbial community structure and ecosystem functioning, and (iv) identify key and potentially novel nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. The study was carried out at two high-elevation sites in the Andrews with adjacent grassland and coniferous forest vegetation (Carpenter site and Lookout site, elevation 1500 m). Three transects were established perpendicular to and spanning the boundary between meadow and forest at each site. Each transect consisted of three points in the meadow, three points in the forest, and two transitional points near the boundary between the vegetation types, one in the meadow and one in the forest. We measured a wide range of chemical and microbial properties in soils sampled from these points.
Carpenter meadow vs. forest
Lookout meadow vs. forest