I seek a MS student to research the effects of prescribed burn frequency on nitrogen dynamics in the litter and soil of upland oak forests. The forests, savannas and grasslands have been subjected to anthropogenic burning for thousands of years. Changes in the fire regime may have important consequences for nitrogen dynamics of these relatively nutrient poor sites. Because fire volatilizes N frequent burning could lead to reduced site N. Conversely, fire exclusion and infrequent fire could result in increased site N. Nitrogen dynamics and pools can have important consequences for competitive interactions among native and invasive species such as eastern redcedar. There is growing interest using prescribed burning to manage forests, savannas and grasslands. To insure effective and intelligent use of prescribed burning more information is needed about its effects on ecosystem processes such as nitrogen dynamics. The MS Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) stipend will be $15,500 per year. The GRA will begin in January 2012 and will be renewed for two years provided satisfactory progress in the project. GRAs are offered with tuition waivers. Please contact: Steve Hallgren, Oklahoma State University, 405-744-6805, steve.hallg...@okstate.edu
