School of Natural Resources Seminar\: Caro Córdova

Abstract

Wildfire is an important ecological process in the Nebraska Sandhills, but its effects on soil recovery depend strongly on vegetation type. Following the 2022 Bovee Fire, we tracked microbial communities, enzyme activity, respiration, and nitrogen mineralization across native grasslands, ponderosa pine, and eastern redcedar woodlands. Grassland soils recovered rapidly and retained greater carbon-cycling capacity, whereas eastern redcedar soils showed persistent reductions in microbial activity and slower recovery. These findings highlight the value of conserving intact grasslands and managing woody encroachment to strengthen soil health and resilience after fire.

Caro Córdova, an agroecologist who specializes in soil health and ecosystem processes, with experience working in the United States and Latin America. Recently moved from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains to work for and with Nebraska farmers. Teaming up with a diverse group of researchers, stakeholders and practitioners to build resilient farms and improve Nebraska soil health.