Pacific Southwest Research Station

Education

B.S., Forest Management, 1964, University of Missouri

M.S., Fire Ecology, 1965, University of Missouri

Advanced Studies, Forest Science, 1979-82, Oregon State University

Research Interests/Duties

Identify and develop mitigations for factors that limit artificial and natural regeneration of mixed-species native forests in degraded, high-elevation landscapes of Hawaii, including positive and negative plant interactions with climatic and edaphic factors and facilitative and competitive interactions among alien and native species.

Determine structural and functional characteristics of remnant forest ecosystems to serve as targets for restoration efforts.

Assess the impacts of silvicultural and harvesting practices on ecosystem services.

Current Emphases, Studies, Projects

Effects of thinning, phosphorus fertilization, and grass control on growth of Acacia koa and associated native understory species in a secondary 25-year-old wet montane forest on Mauna Loa.

Understanding the impacts of soil acidity and associated toxicities of aluminum and manganese on Acacia koa root symbioses and tree growth.

Growth and survival of natural and planted Acacia koa in secondary forest on Mauna Loa.

Substrate rooting habits of native plants in relatively undisturbed wet montane Acacia koa-Metrosideros polymorpha forest in Hawaii.

Tropical ash (Fraxinus uhdei) invasiveness in wet koa-ohia forest on windward Mauna Kea: rate, impact on native biodiversity, and environmental control.

Effect of decaying logs and seed source proximity on native plant colonization, survival, and growth in abandoned montane pasture.

Efficacy of planting and site scarification to re-establish Acacia koa in abandoned high-altitude pasture in Hawaii.

Selected Publications

Scowcroft, P.G., J.E. Haraguchi, and N.V. Hue. 2004. Reforestation and topography affect soil properties, nitrogen pools, and nitrogen transformations in Hawaii. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 68: 959-968.

Scowcroft, P.G., D.R. Turner, and P.M. Vitousek. 2000. Decomposition of Metrosideros polymorpha leaf litter along elevational gradients in Hawaii. Global Change Biology. 6: 73-85.

Scowcroft, P.G., Meinzer, F.C., G. Goldstein, P.J. Melcher, and J. Jeffrey. 2000. Moderating night radiative cooling reduces frost damage to Metrosideros polymorpha seedlings used in forest restoration in Hawaii. Restoration Ecology. 8: 161-169.

Melcher, P.J., S. Cordell, T.J. Jones, P.G. Scowcroft, W. Niemczura, T.W. Giambelluca, and G. Goldstein. 2000. Supercooling capacity increases from sea level to tree line in the Hawaiian tree species Metrosideros polymorpha. International Journal of Plant Science. 161: 369-379.

Scowcroft, P.G., and J. Jeffrey. 1999. Potential significance of frost, topographic relief, and Acacia koa stands to restoration of mesic Hawaiian forests on abandoned rangeland. Forest Ecology and Management. 114: 447-458.