Changes in canopy cover alter surface air and forest floor temperature in a high-elevation red spruce ( Picea rubens Sarg.) forest

The objective of this study is to describe winter and summer surface air and forest floor temperature patterns and diurnal fluctuations in high-elevation red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) forests with different levels of canopy cover. In 1988, a series of 10- x 10-meter plots (control, low nitrogen [N] addition, and high nitrogen addition) were established on Mount Ascutney, VT, to examine the influence of N fertilization on red spruce and balsam fir (Abies balsamea Mill.) forest N cycling, tree mortality, and forest growth. As a result of N addition to the plots, species mortality has occurred on the low N and high N plots with the control plots experiencing very little mortality. Consequently, the mortality experienced on the low N and high N plots reduced forest cover and created both patchy and open forest canopies.