Biogeochemistry of a Forested Ecosystem

by Gene E. Likens, F. Herbert Bormann

When we originally published Biogeochemistry of a Forested Ecosystem in 1977, the Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study (HBES) had been in existence for 14 years, and we included data through 1974, or a biogeo­ chemical record of 11 years. Now our continuous, long-term biogeo­ chemical records cover more than 31 years, and there have been many changes. The most notable change, however, is that three of our coauthors on the original volume are now deceased. They are deeply missed in so many ways. In spite of the longer records, different trends, and new insights, we believe that the basic concepts and approaches we presented in 1977 represent the most valuable contribution of the original edition. They are still valid and useful, particularly for an introductory study of, or course in, biogeochemistry. Our goal in this revision is to preserve these fea­ tures, correct errors, and revise or eliminate misleading or ambiguous short-term data (11 years!), while maintaining approximately the original length and the modest cost.

Genres: Science, Ecology

159 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 1977

Reviews

[Mila Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Gene Likens, and his friends are the reason we know for a fact that acid rain exists. Their research in NH's White Mountains is world-famous, and this book is a piece of the bedrock of ecology science. If you can happily read the book, you can probably study science with a happy heart. I liked it, I learned, and I will never forget this book.

The proof of acid rain isn't the only thing that makes it a special piece of research. Likens made it clear that short-term studies are deficient compared to the value of long-term ecological data sets. Thanks to Likens and his cohort, we have a baseline of information in the White Mountains, and we know how acid rain has changed the face of the White Mountains, the roots and needles of our mountain-top red spruces, and the spodosols of New England forests.

This book gives us insight into best methods to study effects of atmospheric changes, soil fluxes, and water chemistry, which give us information about the changes on the entire ecology of the surface of the earth. My hope is Likens' legacy will continue in force at his Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.

Give it a read!

[Lauren Adams]

i really like the part on sulfur