Nakula, Maui environmental controls on plant growth and seedling recruitment in a cloud-affected restoration site, 2016-2019
Dates
Start Date
2016-03-05
End Date
2019-09-13
Publication Date
2021-09-02
Citation
Berio Fortini, L., Yelenik, S.G., Kagawa-Viviani, A.K., and Leopold, C.R., 2021, Nakula, Maui environmental controls on plant growth and seedling recruitment in a cloud-affected restoration site, 2016-2019: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9E4B7B5.
Summary
Fog has been demonstrated to support plant growth, survival and ecosystem maintenance spanning rainfall and elevation gradients across the world. Persistent fog and strong winds on high mountain slopes in Hawaiʻi create a unique ecological environment. We collected stem diameter measurements of three native plant species at Nakula Natural Area Reserve, Maui, during 2016-2019 and numerous environmental variables to examine how rain, fog and soil moisture influence plant water deficit and growth. We also collected seedling growth and survival data within plots where grass was removed, and control plots (no grass removal), to assess if and how grass removal influenced seedling growth and soil moisture.
Summary
Fog has been demonstrated to support plant growth, survival and ecosystem maintenance spanning rainfall and elevation gradients across the world. Persistent fog and strong winds on high mountain slopes in Hawaiʻi create a unique ecological environment. We collected stem diameter measurements of three native plant species at Nakula Natural Area Reserve, Maui, during 2016-2019 and numerous environmental variables to examine how rain, fog and soil moisture influence plant water deficit and growth. We also collected seedling growth and survival data within plots where grass was removed, and control plots (no grass removal), to assess if and how grass removal influenced seedling growth and soil moisture.
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Nakula_DR_photo.png “Dendrometer installation on a large koa tree. Photo credit: Stephanie Yelenik.”
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Related External Resources
Type: Related Primary Publication
Tseng, H., L. Berio Fortini, A. Mair, A. Kagawa-Viviani, S. K. Yelenik, Y. Miyazawa, M. Nullet, J. Kennedy, J. DeLay, C. R. Leopold, and T. Giambelluca. 2021. Cloud Water Interception in Hawai‘i: Developing Capacity to Characterize the Spatial Patterns and Effects on Water and Ecological Processes responses in Hawai‘i. Final Technical Report, 57 pp. Available online: https://cascprojects.org/#/project/4f8c650ae4b0546c0c397b48/559afca9e4b0b94a64016ff9.
The objective of this study was to identify the influence of fog on the growth of saplings and trees at a pasture to forest restoration site and assess the recruitment of native seedlings under restoration activities. We also related soil moisture to presence/absence of invasive grass in experimental grass removal plots and explored interactions between grass presence, soil moisture, and native seedling (Dodonaea viscosa) recruitment, survival and growth over time.
Preview Image
Dendrometer installation on a large koa tree. Photo credit: Stephanie Yelenik.