| Timber regeneration rates on the Shoshone National Forest in northwest Wyoming are slow, partially due to climatic factors. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are symbiotic organisms that are associated with seedling establishment and forest productivity. It was hypothesized that low ectomycorrhizal fungi densities could be partially responsible for slow regeneration rates. However, no data of this type are available for the Shoshone Forest. The objectives of this study were to: (i) establish ectomycorrhizal fungi densities for the Shoshone Forest, using sites stratified by elevation and parent material; (ii) evaluate soil properties and site characteristics of the sites used to study ectomycorrhizal densities; and (~) identity relationships between soil properties, site characteristics, and ectomycorrhizal densities. Ectomycorrhizal samples (40 samples/site) were obtained at each of 4 sites with a coring device (10 x 30 cm). Ectomycorrhizal short tips were counted using a binocular microscope (20x) after being separated from the soil. Soils were characterized and analyzed using standard methods developed by the Soil Survey Staff and the Soil Conservation Service. Differences in ectomyconhizal densities are related to elevation rather than parent material. Highest densities are found at 2450 to 2550 meters (lower elevation), with lower densities found at 2650 to 2850 meters (higher elevation). Most soil properties and site characteristics also stratify by elevation, rather than parent material. Soil moisture is higher at higher elevation sites where ectomycorrhizal densities are lower, illustrating the inhibitory effect of high moisture content. Soil pH at lower elevation sites ranges from 4.5 to 6, within the optimum range for ectomycorrhizal fungi. Available phosphorus at low elevation sites is low, where higher ectomycorrhizal densities were found, illustrating the stimulatory response low nutrients have on ectomycorrhizal fungi. In conclusion ectomycorrhizal densities are low compared with other coring studies. Low ectomycorrhizal densities could have an influence on slow regeneration rates found on the Shoshone National Forest. Ectomycorrhizal densities on the Shoshone Forest seem to be related to elevational differences in site and soil characteristics. Lithology of soil parent material has little influence on soil properties. |