An analysis of tree distribution and spatial variation of soil respiration in a mid-Atlantic, temperate deciduous forest

Examining soil respiration (R_S) provides a window into the complex processes occurring underground within the forest ecosystem. Because respiring tree roots contribute to R_S, it is important to quantify how trees influence the local soil-to-atmosphere CO₂ flux. We investigate a potential correlation between tree distribution and R_S in a mid-Atlantic, temperate deciduous forest, measuring soil respiration along salinity and elevation gradients at three coastal locations 1 km apart. In addition, we collected tree spatial distribution data at all sites. We use mixed-effects models to examine the effect of tree proximity on R_S in both the growing and dormant seasons, quantifying differences between tree species and under different climatic conditions.