Faculty: Jared L. DeForest

Jared L. DeForest
Assistant Professor

Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2004
Forest Soil Ecology

Phone: 740.593.0742
Fax: 740.593.1130
Email: deforest@ohio.edu

Research Websites

Forest Soil Ecology Lab
Ohio Soil Ecology Collaboratory

Courses

PBIO 103: Plants & People (Spring)
PBIO 4/514: Soil Ecology (Spring)
PBIO 3/533: Restoration Ecology (Winter)

Research Program Summary

My research goals are to understand how human activities have altered the structure and function of forested ecosystems, with an emphasis on soil biota and nutrient cycling processes. Specifically, my research investigates how anthropogenic stressor (e.g., acid deposition and invasive species) affect the composition of soil microbial communities and how they processes and cycle C, N, and P. My research draws from soil science, microbial ecology, ecosystem ecology, and forestry. Current research topics include:

Influence of invasive plant species on soil quality, function, and nutrient availability.
The impact of acid deposition on soil biota, function, nutrient cycles (i.e., N & P), and plant productivity along an acid deposition gradient.

Professional Service

Subject Editor, Soil Biology & Biochemistry

Departmental Service

Graduate Committee
Curriculum Committee
Colloquium Coordinator

Selected References

DeForest, J.L., Noormets A., Chen J., McNulty M., Sun G., Tenney G. 2006. Phenophases in an oak-dominated forest alter the soil respiration-temperature relationship. Int. J. Biometeorol. 51: 135-144.

DeForest, J.L., Zak D.R., Pregitzer K.S., Burton A.J. 2005. Atmospheric nitrate deposition and enhanced dissolved organic carbon leaching: Test of a potential mechanism. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 69: 1233-1237.

DeForest, J.L., Zak D.R., Pregitzer K.S., Burton A.J. 2004. Atmospheric nitrate deposition and the microbial degradation of cellobiose and vanillin in a northern hardwood forest. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 36: 965-971.

DeForest, J.L., Zak D.R., Pregitzer K.S., Burton A.J. 2004. Atmospheric nitrate deposition, microbial community composition, and enzyme activity in northern hardwood forests. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 68: 132-138.

Pregitzer K.S., DeForest J.L., Burton A.J., Allen M.F., Ruess R.W., Hendrick R.L. 2002. Fine root length, diameter, specific root length and nitrogen concentrations of nine tree species across four North America biomes. Ecological Monographs 72: 293-309.

Pregitzer K.S., Zak D.R., Maziasz J., DeForest J., Curtis P.S., Lussenhop J. 2000. The interactive effects of atmospheric CO₂ and soil nitrogen on the fine root of Populus tremulodies Michx. Ecological Applications 10: 18-33.

Faculty Research Focus Area