This project represents a three-part research effort. Most of the effort will be directed toward formulating a derivative of the CENTURY soil organic matter model that will run for tropical dry forest. The investigators will also examine several potential field sites in northeast Brazil to select the most appropriate site for later field experimental research. Finally, the research team will conduct preliminary field measurements that will enable them to parameterize CENTURY and decide upon and initialize a fire model. The research group is excellent as are the institutional accommodations at both Colorado State University and Oregon State University. International arrangements with Brazilian scientists are well taken care of. It is expected that this project will yield results important to fundamental ecology as well as to the management of dry tropical forests.
