FUTURE, CURRENT, AND PAST RESEARCH
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Quantification of redox feature expression in seasonally saturated soils<-- Schematic of the soil and environmental parameters that may influence the development of redoximorphic features in hydromorphic soils. Actual factors analyzed will vary and could also include a mineralogy, microbiological community, and/or a vegetation component among others.
Funded by USDA-NRCS Soil and Plant Sciences Division |
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Atypical hydric soils form in serpentine parent materialsThe objective of this study was to examine the morphology of hydromorphic soils forming in serpentine colluvium and residuum and determine wetland status by employing a combination of biogeochemical, hydrological, and vegetative assessments. These serpentinite-derived soils forming on slump block geomorphic surfaces meet the technical standard of hydric soils using Indicator of Reduction in Soil tubes as a proxy, despite the lack of traditional observable redoximorphic features. In addition, both wetland hydrology and hydrophytic vegetation communities were documented, therefore meeting the 3 requirements of wetlands. Ultimately, the importance lies in properly identifying and delineating ecosystems in need of conservation and as such, we propose an alternate field indicator for use in serpentine soils forming in landslide-susceptible terrain.
link to article here |
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Development of immersive virtual reality experiences in the ecosystem sciences<-- Employing the current hierarchical approach to provide context and a framework for users to learn how landscapes, soil geomorphology, erosional processes, hydrology, etc. influence Ecological Sites and soils that form in specific locations. Ecosystem modules will be developed to encourage users to move through spatial scales to understand the evolution of site-level ecological sites and soils.
Funded by USDA-NRCS Soil and Plant Sciences Division - in collaboration with the UWYO Shell 3D Visualization Center. |
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Women in soil science: Growing participation, emerging gaps, and the opportunities for advancement in the USVaughan, K., H. Van Miegrot, A. Pennino, C. Duball, Y. Pressler, C. Olson, A.A. Berhe, E. Brevik. 2019 Women soil scientists in the US: Growing participation, emerging gaps, and the opportunities for advancement.
Link to open access article HERE. |
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S Biogeochemistry in arid-land wetland ecosystemsBiogeochemical cycling of sulfur is of particular concern in wetland ecosystems. Under anaerobic conditions, ferrous iron reacts with sulfide ions to form insoluble, black iron monosulfides (FeS) within the soil. While insoluble FeS concentrations are commonly observed in coastal and estuarine systems, few studies have investigated the formation and effects of FeS in freshwater or saline wetland environments. Because FeS primarily forms under saturated conditions, these soil properties hold significant implications for hydric soil identification and could potentially be used as an indicator of anaerobic conditions.
POSTER presented at SSSA 2019 Poster presented at 2018 SWS cduball@uwyo.edu |
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Climatic controls on wetland biogeochemistry, hydrology, and function in the Snowy Range MountainsWe will use elevation as a proxy for climate with wetland sites at 9, 10, and 11,000 ft. We will learn how vernal pool ecosystems differ in distribution, hydrology, periods of inundation (hydroperiod), redox chemistry, and carbon storage, flux, and accounting. One of the goals is to develop morphometric indices of hydroperiod within vernal pools.
The objective of this study is to elucidate hydrological, morphological, and biogeochemical processes across climatic and temporal gradients in montane vernal pool ecosystems. |
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Development of spatially explicit riparian classification maps using structure from motion photogrammetry Acquired in 2015 as part of the National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP), high-resolution (1 m) digital surface models (DSM) developed from (0.5 m) structure from motion photogrammetry (SfM) over the State of Wyoming have recently become publicly available. We will evaluate the applicability and utility of high-resolution SfM DSM fused with traditional satellite-based multi-temporal Landsat data for the development of spatially explicit wetland and riparian area classification maps within the Sweetwater River Basin in Central Wyoming.
The objective is to leverage newly available, state-wide high resolution SfM photogrammetry coupled with NASA-supported data products (e.g. Landsat) to generate spatially explicit models useful in enhancing management in terrestrial ecosystems. |
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Spatial gradients of ecosystem health indicators across a human-impacted semi-arid savannaDrivers of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics involve a combination of edaphic, human, and climatic factors that influence and determine SOC distribution across the landscape. High resolution maps of key indicators of ecosystem health can enable assessments of these drivers and aid in critical management decisions. This study employed a systematic field-based approach, coupled with statistical modeling and remote sensing to develop accurate, high-resolution maps of key indicators of ecosystem health across savanna ecosystems in South Africa.
Link to open-access manuscript here: Spatial Gradients of Ecosystem Health Indicators across a Human-Impacted Semiarid Savanna |
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Assessment of wetlands within the National Trails Management Corridor, Sweetwater River BasinGrazing exclosures and lightly grazed riparian pastures provide the best available reference sites for rating current wetland conditions against their potential for providing habitat, forage, water conservation, and native vegetation diversity and productivity. We will use the detailed plant and soil assessments to identify key, field-based parameters that can be rapidly assessed at larger scales in a research-based approach.
Poster presented at SRM 2018 |
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Alpine permafrost - are we too late?High alpine areas provide a unique environment within which to examine complex biological, chemical, and physical processes on the fringe of extreme climatic conditions. These fragile environments exist in cold, harsh climates and in some cases, provide conditions for the formation and/or occurrence of permanently frozen ground, or permafrost. Although not well documented, it is predicted that permafrost exists above 3,300 m in the Snowy Range Mountains of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest in Wyoming. The ideal environmental conditions exist to maintain permafrost, including mean annual air temperature less than 0 C and sheltered, north-facing aspects.
Presentation delivered at CSU March 2017 Poster presented at ESA 2017 Poster presented at SSSA 2017 |
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Geomorphic reclamation and landscape heterogeneityAn efficacy assessment of vegetation heterogeneity, geomorphic stability, wildlife habitat, and economics on abandoned coal and Ur mines reclaimed using novel geomorphic reclamation techniques. In collaboration with Wyoming DEQ Abandoned Mine Lands.
Gas Hills geomorphic reclamation site in February 2016 shown here. Poster presented at ASMR 2018 Poster presented at HAR 2017 Presentation at SSSA 2017 |
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Anomalous calcareous hydromorphic soilsThese problematic soils are extensive in MLRA 34A (cool central desertic basins and plateaus) of Wyoming and classified along river valleys as fine-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, calcareous, frigid Fluvaquentic Endoaquepts and stream terraces as fine-loamy over sandy or sandy-skeletal, mixed, superactive, calcareous Typic Cryaquepts. In addition to field analyses, we will perform a mesocosm experiment to improve our understanding of high pH soils and the resultant lack of redoximorphic features in these presumably very wet problematic soils in Wyoming.
Link to 2019 manuscript: Limitations to Redoximorphic Feature Development in Highly Calcareous Hydric Soils Poster presented at SWS 2018 Poster presented at SSSA 2017 |
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S reduction
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Soil evolution along a chronosequence of basaltic cinder conesCoupled with traditional soil field and laboratory analyses, a mass balance approach provides a means of relating secondary mineral formation, weathering, and elemental dynamics.
Soil evolution and mass flux of basaltic cinder cones in a cool, arid climate open access manuscript Episodic soil succession manuscript Organic soils on basaltic lava manuscript XAFS study of Fe mineralogy manuscript |
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Quantification of outcomes generated using multi-scale geomorphic classification systems in predictive and update modes of digital soil mappingDevelopment of methods to generate improved soil property maps.
SSSA poster presentation (left) Final report available here |
Sandbox concept and technology developed by Oliver Kreylos at UC Davis. Our AR Sandbox is housed in the Introductory Soil Science Lab in STEM 235 but is semi-mobile. If you'd like to use it elsewhere on campus, please contact karen.vaughan@uwyo.edu. The upper right photo shows UW-ESM graduate students Zoe Ash-Kropf, Erin Rooney, Mike Kasten, and Amanda Pennino with the sandbox at the 2016 SSSA conference in Phoenix.
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Augmented reality sandboxThanks to a pilot-grant from the UWYO ECTL, we built our very own ARS. An augmented reality sandbox is an outstanding tool that will enables students to interpret and understand 3-dimensional concepts in 3 dimensions rather than in the typical 2 dimensions observed on paper and computer simulations. A 3-D camera records the movement of sand that allows the user to build landscapes (mountains, valleys, rivers, etc.). Users create topography models by shaping sand, which is then modified in real time by an elevation color map, topographic contour lines, and simulated water.
Link to open-access manuscript here: Experiential learning in soil science: use of an augmented reality sandbox |
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Soil climateInfluence of edaphic factors on soil climate and vegetation communities.
Relationship between soil and climate at SCAN and SNOTEL sites link |
Additional publications
Verma, P., K. Vaughan, K. Martin, E. Pulitano, J. Garrett, and D. Piirto. 2016. Integrating indigenous knowledge and western science into forestry, natural resources, and environmental programs. J. For. 114:648-655.
Vaughan, K.L., M.C. Rabenhorst, and B.A. Needelman. 2009. Saturation and temperature effects on the development of reducing conditions in soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73:663-667.
Castenson*, K.L., and M.C. Rabenhorst. 2006. Indicator of reduction in soil (IRIS): Evaluation of a new approach for assessing reduced conditions in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 70:1222-1226.
Rabenhorst, M.C., and K.L. Castenson*. 2005. Temperature effects on iron reduction in a hydric soil. Soil Sci.170:734-744.
* maiden name
Vaughan, K.L., M.C. Rabenhorst, and B.A. Needelman. 2009. Saturation and temperature effects on the development of reducing conditions in soils. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 73:663-667.
Castenson*, K.L., and M.C. Rabenhorst. 2006. Indicator of reduction in soil (IRIS): Evaluation of a new approach for assessing reduced conditions in soil. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 70:1222-1226.
Rabenhorst, M.C., and K.L. Castenson*. 2005. Temperature effects on iron reduction in a hydric soil. Soil Sci.170:734-744.
* maiden name