Coast Forest Region Research Section - Pedology (Soils)


About

Soil science is the science dealing with soil as a natural resource. It includes: soil formation, classification, and mapping; the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; and the management of soils for various purposes such as the production of agricultural products and forest crops, the construction of roads, and others. The overall objective of the programme is to conduct research to ensure that forest management practices do not compromise soil sustainability. The research pedologist works collaboratively with other members of the RCO research team and provincial counterparts to provide a scientific basis for forest management in the Region.

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Staff

Marty Kranabetter M.Sc., P.Ag. Soil Scientist Tel:(250) 952-4438
Marty.Kranabetter@gov.bc.ca

Marty's areas of interest are soil ecology (especially ectomycorrhiza), biodiversity conservation, and forest nutrition/productivity. He has published a number of papers on ectomycorrhiza fungal diversity, species distribution and succession following disturbance. Marty is a member of the provincial soil science group undertaking studies on compaction and site organic matter removal (the Long-term Soil Productivity Study). He has also been examining the interaction of light availability and tree nutrition on juvenile tree growth, and effect of phosphorus deficiencies on hypermaritime forests. Marty has been involved with regional efforts to manage pine mushroom and golden chanterelle habitat and teaches workshops on mushroom identification for the public. 
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