Matthew J Germino
I am a Supervisory Research Ecologist at the Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Boise, Idaho
I am interested in plant-soil-environment relationships, with a focus on forest and rangelands; post-fire rehabilitation and restoration, invasive species, integrating science and adaptive land management.
Professional Experience
2011 - Present: USGS, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Supervisory Research Ecologist, Boise, Idaho
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Botany, University of Wyoming. Laramie, WY (2000)
M.S., Botany, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (1996)
B.S., Environmental Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (1994)
Science and Products
FIREss: Fire, Invasives, and Rehabilitation of Shrub-Steppe Rangelands
The USGS FIREss team produces basic and applied scientific information needed to manage semiarid landscapes for resistance and resilience to wildfire, exotic plant invasions, and drought. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and pose costly risks to health, safety, and economic wellbeing in the vast rangelands, protected areas, and military installations of the Western United States. We...
Filter Total Items: 23
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 26
No Result Found
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 134
Landscape and organismal factors affecting sagebrush-seedling transplant survival after megafire restoration Landscape and organismal factors affecting sagebrush-seedling transplant survival after megafire restoration
Larger and more frequent disturbances are motivating efforts to accelerate recovery of foundational perennial species by focusing efforts into establishing island patches to sustain keystone species and facilitate recovery of the surrounding plant community. Evaluating the variability in abiotic and biotic factors that contribute to differences in survival and establishment can provide...
Authors
Bill Davidson, Matthew J. Germino, Bryce Richardson, David Barnard
Can’t see the random forest for the decision trees: Selecting predictive models for restoration ecology Can’t see the random forest for the decision trees: Selecting predictive models for restoration ecology
Improving predictions of restoration outcomes is increasingly important to resource managers for accountability and adaptive management, yet there is limited guidance for selecting a predictive model from the multitude available. The goal of this paper was to identify an optimal predictive framework for restoration ecology using eleven modeling frameworks (including, machine learning...
Authors
David Barnard, Matthew Germino, David Pilliod, Robert Arkle, Cara Applestein, Bill Davidson, Matthew Fisk
Appropriate sample sizes for monitoring burned pastures in sagebrush steppe: How many plots are enough, and can one size fit all? Appropriate sample sizes for monitoring burned pastures in sagebrush steppe: How many plots are enough, and can one size fit all?
Statistically defensible information on vegetation conditions is needed to guide rangeland management decisions following disturbances such as wildfire, often for heterogeneous pastures. Here we evaluate the number of plots needed to make informed adaptive management decisions using >2000 plots sampled on the 2015 Soda Fire that burned across 75 pastures and 113,000 ha in Idaho and...
Authors
Cara Applestein, Matthew J. Germino, David S. Pilliod, Matthew Fisk, Robert S. Arkle
Adapting management to a changing world: Warm temperatures, dry soil, and interannual variability limit restoration success of a dominant woody shrub in temperate drylands Adapting management to a changing world: Warm temperatures, dry soil, and interannual variability limit restoration success of a dominant woody shrub in temperate drylands
Restoration and rehabilitation of native vegetation in dryland ecosystems, which encompass over 40% of terrestrial ecosystems, is a common challenge that continues to grow as wildfire and biological invasions transform dryland plant communities. The difficulty in part stems from low and variable precipitation, combined with limited understanding about how weather conditions influence...
Authors
Robert K. Shriver, Caitlin M. Andrews, David S. Pilliod, Robert Arkle, Justin L. Welty, Matthew J. Germino, Michael C. Duniway, David A. Pyke, John B. Bradford
Vegetative community response to landscape-scale post-fire herbicide (imazapic) application Vegetative community response to landscape-scale post-fire herbicide (imazapic) application
Disturbances such as wildfire create time-sensitive windows of opportunity for invasive plant treatment, and the timing of herbicide application relative to the time course of plant community development following fire can strongly influence herbicide effectiveness. We evaluated the effect of herbicide (imazapic) applied in the first winter or second fall after the 113,000 ha Soda...
Authors
Cara Applestein, Matthew J. Germino, Matthew Fisk
Snowmelt timing regulates community composition, phenology, and physiological performance of alpine plants Snowmelt timing regulates community composition, phenology, and physiological performance of alpine plants
The spatial patterning of alpine plant communities is strongly influenced by the variation in physical factors such as temperature and moisture, which are strongly affected by snow depth and snowmelt patterns. Earlier snowmelt timing and greater soil-moisture limitations may favor wide-ranging species adapted to a broader set of ecohydrological conditions than alpine-restricted species...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Ramona J. Butz, Matthew J. Germino, Keith Reinhardt, Lara M. Kueppers
Thresholds and hotspots for shrub restoration following a heterogeneous megafire Thresholds and hotspots for shrub restoration following a heterogeneous megafire
Context Reestablishing foundational plant species through aerial seeding is an essential yet challenging step for restoring the vast semiarid landscapes impacted by plant invasions and wildfire-regime shifts. A key component of the challenge stems from landscape variability and its effects on plant recovery.Objectives We assessed landscape correlates, thresholds, and tipping points for...
Authors
Matthew Germino, David Barnard, Bill Davidson, Robert Arkle, David S. Pilliod, Matthew Fisk, Cara Applestein
Changes in structure and physiological functioning due to experimentally enhanced precipitation seasonality in a widespread shrub species Changes in structure and physiological functioning due to experimentally enhanced precipitation seasonality in a widespread shrub species
Semi-arid shrub steppe occupies a vast geographic range that is characterized in part by distinct seasonal patterns in precipitation. Few studies have evaluated how variability in both the amount and timing of precipitation affect the structure and physiology of shrubs in these systems. We quantified changes in foliar crown parameters, xylem anatomy, gas exchange, and hydraulic transport...
Authors
Keith Reinhardt, Kathryn McAbee, Matthew Germino
A conservation paradox in the Great Basin—Altering sagebrush landscapes with fuel breaks to reduce habitat loss from wildfire A conservation paradox in the Great Basin—Altering sagebrush landscapes with fuel breaks to reduce habitat loss from wildfire
Interactions between fire and nonnative, annual plant species (that is, “the grass/fire cycle”) represent one of the greatest threats to sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems and associated wildlife, including the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). In 2015, U.S. Department of the Interior called for a “science-based strategy to reduce the threat of large-scale rangeland...
Authors
Douglas J. Shinneman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Peter S. Coates, Matthew J. Germino, David S. Pilliod, Nicole M. Vaillant
Methodological considerations regarding online extraction of water from soils for stable isotope determination Methodological considerations regarding online extraction of water from soils for stable isotope determination
No abstract available.
Authors
Brynne E. Lazarus, Matthew J. Germino
Weather-centric rangeland revegetation planning Weather-centric rangeland revegetation planning
Invasive annual weeds negatively impact ecosystem services and pose a major conservation threat on semiarid rangelands throughout the western United States. Rehabilitation of these rangelands is challenging due to interannual climate and subseasonal weather variability that impacts seed germination, seedling survival and establishment, annual weed dynamics, wildfire frequency, and soil...
Authors
Stuart P. Hardegree, John T. Abatzoglou, Mark W. Brunson, Matthew J. Germino, Katherine C. Hegewisch, Corey A. Moffet, David S. Pilliod, Bruce A. Roundy, Alex R. Boehm, Gwendwr R. Meredith
Spectrophotometry of Artemisia tridentata to quantitatively determine subspecies Spectrophotometry of Artemisia tridentata to quantitatively determine subspecies
Ecological restoration is predicated on our abilities to discern plant taxa. Taxonomic identification is a first step in ensuring that plants are appropriately adapted to the site. An example of the need to identify taxonomic differences comes from big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). This species is composed of three predominant subspecies occupying distinct environmental niches, but...
Authors
Bryce Richardson, Alicia Boyd, Tanner Tobiasson, Matthew J. Germino
Non-USGS Publications**
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2012, Dust supply varies with sagebrush microsites and time since burning in experimental erosion events: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 117, no. G01013, p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JG001724.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Sankey, T.T., Hoover, A.N., 2012, Fire effects on the spatial patterning of soil properties in sagebrush steppe, USA - a meta-analysis: International Journal of Wildland Fire, v. 21, no. 5, p. 545-556, https://doi.org/10.1071/WF11092.
Wilcox, B.P., Turnbull, L., Young, M.H., Williams, C.J., Ravi, S., Seyfried, M.S., Bowling, D.R., Scott, R.L., Germino, M.J., Caldwell, T.G., Wainwright, J., 2012, Invasion of shrublands by exotic grasses- ecohydrological consequences in cold versus warm deserts: Ecohydrology, v. 5, p. 160-173, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.247.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., Sankey, J.B., Ingram, L.J., Glenn, N.F., 2011, Aeolian nutrient fluxes following wildfire in sagebrush steppe- implications for soil carbon storage: Biogeosciences, v. 8, p. 3649-3659, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3649-2011.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Alongi, D.A., 2011, Carbon-use efficiency in green sinks is increased when a blend of apoplastic fructose and glucose is available for uptake: Journal of Experimental Biology, v. 62, no. 6, p. 2013-2022, https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq407.
Reinhardt, K., Castanha, C., Germino, M.J., Kueppers, L.M., 2011, Ecophysiological variation in two provenances of Pinus flexilis seedlings across an elevation gradient from forest to alpine: Tree Physiology, v. 31, p. 615-625, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpr055.
Sankey, J.B., Eitel, J.U., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Vierling, L.A., 2011, Quantifying relationships of burning, roughness, and potential dust emission with laser altimetry of soil surfaces at submeter scales: Geomorphology, v. 135, p. 181-190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.08.016.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., Inouye, R.S., 2010, Exotic plants increase and native plants decrease with loss of foundation species in sagebrush steppe: Plant Ecology, v. 207, no. 1, p. 39-51.
Bansal, S., Reinhardt, K., Germino, M.J., 2010, Linking carbon balance to establishment patterns - comparison of whitebark pine and Engelmann spruce seedlings along an herb cover exposure gradient at treeline: Plant Ecology, v. 212, no. 2, p. 219-228.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., 2010, Loss of foundation species increases population growth of exotic forbs in sagebrush steppe: Ecological Applications, v. 20, no. 7, p. 1890-1902.
Debinski, D.M., Wickham, H., Kindscher, K., Caruthers, J.C., Germino, M.J., 2010, Montaine meadow change during drought varies with background hydrologic regime and plant functional group: Ecology, v. 91, no. 6, p. 1672-1681.
Sankey, J.B., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Gironella, A.N., Thackray, G.D., 2010, Relationships of aeolian erosion and deposition with LiDAR-derived landscape surface roughness following wildfire: Geomorphology, v. 119, no. 1-2, p. 135-154.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Unique responses of respiration, growth, and non-structural carbohydrate storage in sink tissue of conifer seedlings to an elevation gradient at timberline: Environmental and Experimental Biology, v. 69, no. 3, p. 313-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2010.05.002.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Variation in ecophysiological properties among conifers at an ecotonal boundary- Comparison of establishing seedlings and established adults at timberline: Journal of Vegetation Science, v. 21, p. 133-142.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Aeolian sediment transport following wildfire in sagebrush steppe: Journal of Arid Environments, v. 73, p. 912-919.
Alongi, D.A., Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2009, Opportunistic heterotrophy in gametophytes of the homosporous fern Ceratopteris richardii: Botany, v. 87, p. 799-806.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Relationships of post-fire aeolian transport to soil and atmospheric conditions: Aeolian Research, v. 1, no. 1-2, p. 75-85.
Norton, J., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Weber, K., Seefeldt, S., 2009, Relative suitability of indices derived from Landsat ETM+ and SPOT 5 for detecting fire severity in sagebrush steppe: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 11, p. 360-367.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2009, Temporal variation of nonstructural carbohydrates in montane conifers- Similarities and differences among developmental stages, species and environmental conditions: Tree Physiology, v. 29, p. 559-568.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Johnson, D.K., Reinhardt, K., 2009, The altitude of alpine treeline - A bellwether of climate change effects: Botanical Review, v. 75, p. 163-190.
Sankey, T.T., Germino, M.J., 2008, Assessment of juniper encroachment with the use of satellite imagery and geospatial data: Rangeland Ecology and Management, v. 61, no. 4, p. 412-418.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2008, Carbon balance of conifer seedlings at timberline - Relative changes in uptake, storage, and utilization: Oecologia, v. 158, p. 217-227.
Janzen, B.C., Germino, M.J., Anderson, J.E., 2007, PCBE Revisited- Long-Term Performance of Alternative Evapotranspiration Caps for Protecting Shallowly Buried Wastes Under Variable Precipitation: U.S. Department of Energy - Idaho Operations Office STOLLER-ESER-101, p. 1-37.
Seefeldt, S.S., Germino, M.J., DiCristina, K., 2007, Prescribed fires in Artemisia tridentata ssp. Vaseyanasteppe have minor and transient effects on vegetation cover and composition: Applied Vegetation Science, v. 10, no. 2, p. 249-256.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., Olson, B.E., Swan, M.B., 2006, Advantages in water relations contribute to greater photosynthesis in Centaurea maculosa compared with established grasses: International Journal of Plant Sciences, v. 167, no. 2, p. 269-277.
DiCristina, K., Germino, M.J., 2006, Correlation of neighborhood relationships, carbon assimilation, and water status of sagebrush seedlings establishing after fire: Western North American Naturalist, v. 66, no. 4, p. 441-449.
Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., Sheridan, P.P., 2006, Landscape- and age-based factors affecting fungal colonization of conifer seedling roots at the alpine tree line: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 36, p. 901-909.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., 2006, Microsite differentiation among conifer species during seedling establishment at alpine treeline: Ecoscience, v. 13, no. 3, p. 334-341.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa andPicea engelmanniiacross an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii across an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2005, Coordinated variation in ecophysiological properties among life stages and tissue types in an invasive perennial forb of semiarid shrub steppe: Canadian Journal of Botany, v. 83, p. 1488-1495.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., 2005, Interactive effects of tree and herb cover on survivorship, physiology, and microclimate of conifer seedlings at the alpine tree-line ecotone: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 35, p. 567-574.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., 2005, Variability of Cenococcum colonization and its ecophysiological significance for young conifers at alpine-treeline: New Phytologist, v. 165, no. 3, p. 867-873, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01275.x.
Johnson, D.M., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2004, Abiotic factors limiting photosynthesis in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii seedlings below and above the alpine timberline: Tree Physiology, v. 24, p. 377-386.
Smith, S.D., Naumburg, E., Niinemets, U., Germino, M.J., 2004, Leaf to Landscape In Smith, W.K., Vogelmann, T.C., Critchley, C., eds., Photosynthetic Adaptation: Chloroplast to Landscape: New York City, NY, Springer, p. 262-294.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Hancock, T.E., Johnson, D.M., 2003, Another perspective on altitudinal limits of alpine timberlines: Tree Physiology, v. 23, p. 1101-1113.
Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., 2003, Plant water relations influence carbon gain in a grass occurring along sharp gradients of soil temperature: New Phytologist, v. 157, no. 2, p. 241-250, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00663.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., Resor, A.C., 2002, Conifer seedling distribution and survival in an alpine-treeline ecotone: Plant Ecology, v. 162, no. 2, p. 157-168.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Environmental amenities and agricultural land values- a hedonic model using geographic information systems data: Ecological Economics, v. 40, no. 3, p. 337-349, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(01)00278-6.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Exploring the potential for using GIS to measure environmental and visual amenities when valuing agricultural lands: Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, v. 65, no. 1, p. 43-52.
Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., McLeod, D.M., Bastian, C.T., 2001, Estimating visual properties of Rocky Mountain landscapes using GIS: Landscape and Urban Planning, v. 53, no. 1-4, p. 71-83.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2001, Relative importance of microhabitat, plant form and photosynthetic physiology to carbon gain in two alpine herbs: Functional Ecology, v. 15, p. 243-251.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, Differences in microsite, plant form, and low-temperature photo inhibition in alpine plants: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 32, no. 4, p. 388-396.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, High resistance to low-temperature photoinhibition in two alpine, snowbank species: Physiologia Plantarum, v. 110, no. 1, p. 89-95, https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3054.2000.110112.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 1999, Sky exposure, crown architecture, and low-temperature photo inhibition in conifer seedlings at alpine treeline: Plant, Cell and Environment, v. 22, no. 4, p. 407-415.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
To request an interview, contact fresc_outreach@usgs.gov or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 37
Science and Products
FIREss: Fire, Invasives, and Rehabilitation of Shrub-Steppe Rangelands
The USGS FIREss team produces basic and applied scientific information needed to manage semiarid landscapes for resistance and resilience to wildfire, exotic plant invasions, and drought. These stressors impact ecosystem productivity and pose costly risks to health, safety, and economic wellbeing in the vast rangelands, protected areas, and military installations of the Western United States. We...
Filter Total Items: 23
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 26
No Result Found
If you are unable to access or download a product, email fresc_outreach@usgs.gov a request, including the full citation, or call (541) 750-1030.
Filter Total Items: 134
Landscape and organismal factors affecting sagebrush-seedling transplant survival after megafire restoration Landscape and organismal factors affecting sagebrush-seedling transplant survival after megafire restoration
Larger and more frequent disturbances are motivating efforts to accelerate recovery of foundational perennial species by focusing efforts into establishing island patches to sustain keystone species and facilitate recovery of the surrounding plant community. Evaluating the variability in abiotic and biotic factors that contribute to differences in survival and establishment can provide...
Authors
Bill Davidson, Matthew J. Germino, Bryce Richardson, David Barnard
Can’t see the random forest for the decision trees: Selecting predictive models for restoration ecology Can’t see the random forest for the decision trees: Selecting predictive models for restoration ecology
Improving predictions of restoration outcomes is increasingly important to resource managers for accountability and adaptive management, yet there is limited guidance for selecting a predictive model from the multitude available. The goal of this paper was to identify an optimal predictive framework for restoration ecology using eleven modeling frameworks (including, machine learning...
Authors
David Barnard, Matthew Germino, David Pilliod, Robert Arkle, Cara Applestein, Bill Davidson, Matthew Fisk
Appropriate sample sizes for monitoring burned pastures in sagebrush steppe: How many plots are enough, and can one size fit all? Appropriate sample sizes for monitoring burned pastures in sagebrush steppe: How many plots are enough, and can one size fit all?
Statistically defensible information on vegetation conditions is needed to guide rangeland management decisions following disturbances such as wildfire, often for heterogeneous pastures. Here we evaluate the number of plots needed to make informed adaptive management decisions using >2000 plots sampled on the 2015 Soda Fire that burned across 75 pastures and 113,000 ha in Idaho and...
Authors
Cara Applestein, Matthew J. Germino, David S. Pilliod, Matthew Fisk, Robert S. Arkle
Adapting management to a changing world: Warm temperatures, dry soil, and interannual variability limit restoration success of a dominant woody shrub in temperate drylands Adapting management to a changing world: Warm temperatures, dry soil, and interannual variability limit restoration success of a dominant woody shrub in temperate drylands
Restoration and rehabilitation of native vegetation in dryland ecosystems, which encompass over 40% of terrestrial ecosystems, is a common challenge that continues to grow as wildfire and biological invasions transform dryland plant communities. The difficulty in part stems from low and variable precipitation, combined with limited understanding about how weather conditions influence...
Authors
Robert K. Shriver, Caitlin M. Andrews, David S. Pilliod, Robert Arkle, Justin L. Welty, Matthew J. Germino, Michael C. Duniway, David A. Pyke, John B. Bradford
Vegetative community response to landscape-scale post-fire herbicide (imazapic) application Vegetative community response to landscape-scale post-fire herbicide (imazapic) application
Disturbances such as wildfire create time-sensitive windows of opportunity for invasive plant treatment, and the timing of herbicide application relative to the time course of plant community development following fire can strongly influence herbicide effectiveness. We evaluated the effect of herbicide (imazapic) applied in the first winter or second fall after the 113,000 ha Soda...
Authors
Cara Applestein, Matthew J. Germino, Matthew Fisk
Snowmelt timing regulates community composition, phenology, and physiological performance of alpine plants Snowmelt timing regulates community composition, phenology, and physiological performance of alpine plants
The spatial patterning of alpine plant communities is strongly influenced by the variation in physical factors such as temperature and moisture, which are strongly affected by snow depth and snowmelt patterns. Earlier snowmelt timing and greater soil-moisture limitations may favor wide-ranging species adapted to a broader set of ecohydrological conditions than alpine-restricted species...
Authors
Daniel E. Winkler, Ramona J. Butz, Matthew J. Germino, Keith Reinhardt, Lara M. Kueppers
Thresholds and hotspots for shrub restoration following a heterogeneous megafire Thresholds and hotspots for shrub restoration following a heterogeneous megafire
Context Reestablishing foundational plant species through aerial seeding is an essential yet challenging step for restoring the vast semiarid landscapes impacted by plant invasions and wildfire-regime shifts. A key component of the challenge stems from landscape variability and its effects on plant recovery.Objectives We assessed landscape correlates, thresholds, and tipping points for...
Authors
Matthew Germino, David Barnard, Bill Davidson, Robert Arkle, David S. Pilliod, Matthew Fisk, Cara Applestein
Changes in structure and physiological functioning due to experimentally enhanced precipitation seasonality in a widespread shrub species Changes in structure and physiological functioning due to experimentally enhanced precipitation seasonality in a widespread shrub species
Semi-arid shrub steppe occupies a vast geographic range that is characterized in part by distinct seasonal patterns in precipitation. Few studies have evaluated how variability in both the amount and timing of precipitation affect the structure and physiology of shrubs in these systems. We quantified changes in foliar crown parameters, xylem anatomy, gas exchange, and hydraulic transport...
Authors
Keith Reinhardt, Kathryn McAbee, Matthew Germino
A conservation paradox in the Great Basin—Altering sagebrush landscapes with fuel breaks to reduce habitat loss from wildfire A conservation paradox in the Great Basin—Altering sagebrush landscapes with fuel breaks to reduce habitat loss from wildfire
Interactions between fire and nonnative, annual plant species (that is, “the grass/fire cycle”) represent one of the greatest threats to sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems and associated wildlife, including the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). In 2015, U.S. Department of the Interior called for a “science-based strategy to reduce the threat of large-scale rangeland...
Authors
Douglas J. Shinneman, Cameron L. Aldridge, Peter S. Coates, Matthew J. Germino, David S. Pilliod, Nicole M. Vaillant
Methodological considerations regarding online extraction of water from soils for stable isotope determination Methodological considerations regarding online extraction of water from soils for stable isotope determination
No abstract available.
Authors
Brynne E. Lazarus, Matthew J. Germino
Weather-centric rangeland revegetation planning Weather-centric rangeland revegetation planning
Invasive annual weeds negatively impact ecosystem services and pose a major conservation threat on semiarid rangelands throughout the western United States. Rehabilitation of these rangelands is challenging due to interannual climate and subseasonal weather variability that impacts seed germination, seedling survival and establishment, annual weed dynamics, wildfire frequency, and soil...
Authors
Stuart P. Hardegree, John T. Abatzoglou, Mark W. Brunson, Matthew J. Germino, Katherine C. Hegewisch, Corey A. Moffet, David S. Pilliod, Bruce A. Roundy, Alex R. Boehm, Gwendwr R. Meredith
Spectrophotometry of Artemisia tridentata to quantitatively determine subspecies Spectrophotometry of Artemisia tridentata to quantitatively determine subspecies
Ecological restoration is predicated on our abilities to discern plant taxa. Taxonomic identification is a first step in ensuring that plants are appropriately adapted to the site. An example of the need to identify taxonomic differences comes from big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata). This species is composed of three predominant subspecies occupying distinct environmental niches, but...
Authors
Bryce Richardson, Alicia Boyd, Tanner Tobiasson, Matthew J. Germino
Non-USGS Publications**
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2012, Dust supply varies with sagebrush microsites and time since burning in experimental erosion events: Journal of Geophysical Research, v. 117, no. G01013, p. 1-13, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JG001724.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Sankey, T.T., Hoover, A.N., 2012, Fire effects on the spatial patterning of soil properties in sagebrush steppe, USA - a meta-analysis: International Journal of Wildland Fire, v. 21, no. 5, p. 545-556, https://doi.org/10.1071/WF11092.
Wilcox, B.P., Turnbull, L., Young, M.H., Williams, C.J., Ravi, S., Seyfried, M.S., Bowling, D.R., Scott, R.L., Germino, M.J., Caldwell, T.G., Wainwright, J., 2012, Invasion of shrublands by exotic grasses- ecohydrological consequences in cold versus warm deserts: Ecohydrology, v. 5, p. 160-173, https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.247.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., Sankey, J.B., Ingram, L.J., Glenn, N.F., 2011, Aeolian nutrient fluxes following wildfire in sagebrush steppe- implications for soil carbon storage: Biogeosciences, v. 8, p. 3649-3659, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-8-3649-2011.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Alongi, D.A., 2011, Carbon-use efficiency in green sinks is increased when a blend of apoplastic fructose and glucose is available for uptake: Journal of Experimental Biology, v. 62, no. 6, p. 2013-2022, https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erq407.
Reinhardt, K., Castanha, C., Germino, M.J., Kueppers, L.M., 2011, Ecophysiological variation in two provenances of Pinus flexilis seedlings across an elevation gradient from forest to alpine: Tree Physiology, v. 31, p. 615-625, https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpr055.
Sankey, J.B., Eitel, J.U., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Vierling, L.A., 2011, Quantifying relationships of burning, roughness, and potential dust emission with laser altimetry of soil surfaces at submeter scales: Geomorphology, v. 135, p. 181-190, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.08.016.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., Inouye, R.S., 2010, Exotic plants increase and native plants decrease with loss of foundation species in sagebrush steppe: Plant Ecology, v. 207, no. 1, p. 39-51.
Bansal, S., Reinhardt, K., Germino, M.J., 2010, Linking carbon balance to establishment patterns - comparison of whitebark pine and Engelmann spruce seedlings along an herb cover exposure gradient at treeline: Plant Ecology, v. 212, no. 2, p. 219-228.
Prevey, J.S., Germino, M.J., Huntly, N.J., 2010, Loss of foundation species increases population growth of exotic forbs in sagebrush steppe: Ecological Applications, v. 20, no. 7, p. 1890-1902.
Debinski, D.M., Wickham, H., Kindscher, K., Caruthers, J.C., Germino, M.J., 2010, Montaine meadow change during drought varies with background hydrologic regime and plant functional group: Ecology, v. 91, no. 6, p. 1672-1681.
Sankey, J.B., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Gironella, A.N., Thackray, G.D., 2010, Relationships of aeolian erosion and deposition with LiDAR-derived landscape surface roughness following wildfire: Geomorphology, v. 119, no. 1-2, p. 135-154.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Unique responses of respiration, growth, and non-structural carbohydrate storage in sink tissue of conifer seedlings to an elevation gradient at timberline: Environmental and Experimental Biology, v. 69, no. 3, p. 313-319, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2010.05.002.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2010, Variation in ecophysiological properties among conifers at an ecotonal boundary- Comparison of establishing seedlings and established adults at timberline: Journal of Vegetation Science, v. 21, p. 133-142.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Aeolian sediment transport following wildfire in sagebrush steppe: Journal of Arid Environments, v. 73, p. 912-919.
Alongi, D.A., Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2009, Opportunistic heterotrophy in gametophytes of the homosporous fern Ceratopteris richardii: Botany, v. 87, p. 799-806.
Sankey, J.B., Germino, M.J., Glenn, N.F., 2009, Relationships of post-fire aeolian transport to soil and atmospheric conditions: Aeolian Research, v. 1, no. 1-2, p. 75-85.
Norton, J., Glenn, N.F., Germino, M.J., Weber, K., Seefeldt, S., 2009, Relative suitability of indices derived from Landsat ETM+ and SPOT 5 for detecting fire severity in sagebrush steppe: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 11, p. 360-367.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2009, Temporal variation of nonstructural carbohydrates in montane conifers- Similarities and differences among developmental stages, species and environmental conditions: Tree Physiology, v. 29, p. 559-568.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Johnson, D.K., Reinhardt, K., 2009, The altitude of alpine treeline - A bellwether of climate change effects: Botanical Review, v. 75, p. 163-190.
Sankey, T.T., Germino, M.J., 2008, Assessment of juniper encroachment with the use of satellite imagery and geospatial data: Rangeland Ecology and Management, v. 61, no. 4, p. 412-418.
Bansal, S., Germino, M.J., 2008, Carbon balance of conifer seedlings at timberline - Relative changes in uptake, storage, and utilization: Oecologia, v. 158, p. 217-227.
Janzen, B.C., Germino, M.J., Anderson, J.E., 2007, PCBE Revisited- Long-Term Performance of Alternative Evapotranspiration Caps for Protecting Shallowly Buried Wastes Under Variable Precipitation: U.S. Department of Energy - Idaho Operations Office STOLLER-ESER-101, p. 1-37.
Seefeldt, S.S., Germino, M.J., DiCristina, K., 2007, Prescribed fires in Artemisia tridentata ssp. Vaseyanasteppe have minor and transient effects on vegetation cover and composition: Applied Vegetation Science, v. 10, no. 2, p. 249-256.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., Olson, B.E., Swan, M.B., 2006, Advantages in water relations contribute to greater photosynthesis in Centaurea maculosa compared with established grasses: International Journal of Plant Sciences, v. 167, no. 2, p. 269-277.
DiCristina, K., Germino, M.J., 2006, Correlation of neighborhood relationships, carbon assimilation, and water status of sagebrush seedlings establishing after fire: Western North American Naturalist, v. 66, no. 4, p. 441-449.
Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., Sheridan, P.P., 2006, Landscape- and age-based factors affecting fungal colonization of conifer seedling roots at the alpine tree line: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 36, p. 901-909.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., 2006, Microsite differentiation among conifer species during seedling establishment at alpine treeline: Ecoscience, v. 13, no. 3, p. 334-341.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa andPicea engelmanniiacross an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Brodersen, C.R., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2006, Photosynthesis during an episodic drought in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii across an alpine treeline: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 38, no. 1, p. 34-41.
Hill, J.P., Germino, M.J., 2005, Coordinated variation in ecophysiological properties among life stages and tissue types in an invasive perennial forb of semiarid shrub steppe: Canadian Journal of Botany, v. 83, p. 1488-1495.
Maher, E.L., Germino, M.J., Hasselquist, N.J., 2005, Interactive effects of tree and herb cover on survivorship, physiology, and microclimate of conifer seedlings at the alpine tree-line ecotone: Canadian Journal of Forest Research, v. 35, p. 567-574.
Hasselquist, N.J., Germino, M.J., McGonigle, T., Smith, W.K., 2005, Variability of Cenococcum colonization and its ecophysiological significance for young conifers at alpine-treeline: New Phytologist, v. 165, no. 3, p. 867-873, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01275.x.
Johnson, D.M., Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2004, Abiotic factors limiting photosynthesis in Abies lasiocarpa and Picea engelmannii seedlings below and above the alpine timberline: Tree Physiology, v. 24, p. 377-386.
Smith, S.D., Naumburg, E., Niinemets, U., Germino, M.J., 2004, Leaf to Landscape In Smith, W.K., Vogelmann, T.C., Critchley, C., eds., Photosynthetic Adaptation: Chloroplast to Landscape: New York City, NY, Springer, p. 262-294.
Smith, W.K., Germino, M.J., Hancock, T.E., Johnson, D.M., 2003, Another perspective on altitudinal limits of alpine timberlines: Tree Physiology, v. 23, p. 1101-1113.
Germino, M.J., Wraith, J.M., 2003, Plant water relations influence carbon gain in a grass occurring along sharp gradients of soil temperature: New Phytologist, v. 157, no. 2, p. 241-250, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00663.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., Resor, A.C., 2002, Conifer seedling distribution and survival in an alpine-treeline ecotone: Plant Ecology, v. 162, no. 2, p. 157-168.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Environmental amenities and agricultural land values- a hedonic model using geographic information systems data: Ecological Economics, v. 40, no. 3, p. 337-349, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-8009(01)00278-6.
Bastian, C.T., McLeod, D.M., Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., 2002, Exploring the potential for using GIS to measure environmental and visual amenities when valuing agricultural lands: Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, v. 65, no. 1, p. 43-52.
Germino, M.J., Reiners, W.A., Blasko, B.J., McLeod, D.M., Bastian, C.T., 2001, Estimating visual properties of Rocky Mountain landscapes using GIS: Landscape and Urban Planning, v. 53, no. 1-4, p. 71-83.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2001, Relative importance of microhabitat, plant form and photosynthetic physiology to carbon gain in two alpine herbs: Functional Ecology, v. 15, p. 243-251.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, Differences in microsite, plant form, and low-temperature photo inhibition in alpine plants: Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, v. 32, no. 4, p. 388-396.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 2000, High resistance to low-temperature photoinhibition in two alpine, snowbank species: Physiologia Plantarum, v. 110, no. 1, p. 89-95, https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1399-3054.2000.110112.x.
Germino, M.J., Smith, W.K., 1999, Sky exposure, crown architecture, and low-temperature photo inhibition in conifer seedlings at alpine treeline: Plant, Cell and Environment, v. 22, no. 4, p. 407-415.
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