Robert L. Ficklin
Assistant Professor
http://www.ficklinsoils.net/; E-Mail: Ficklin@uamont.edu
Phone: 870-460-1692
I. Education:
Ph.D. Soil and Atmospheric
MS- Forestry- Forest Soils
MS Minor in Statistics
II. Professional Objectives:
Instruction: To foster an appreciation of the complexities of natural systems, particularly biotic and abiotic interactions that influence soil and water chemistry and plant physiology. I enjoy teaching courses that are integral to the development of well-rounded and competent natural resource professionals. My philosophy of teaching is that experiential learning is the best approach for reinforcing key concepts that students will need in their professional careers.
Research: To
expand scientific understanding of the influence of anthropogenic activities on
soil fertility, soil carbon, water quality and pedogenic processes. I want to continue research on changes in
soil and water chemistry under various forms of watershed management, and I
also want to gain a better understanding of how and why microbiotic communities
vary across landforms and landscapes.
Additionally, I am interested in understanding how biotic and abiotic
soil properties affect th
III. Publications and Presentations:
A. Peer-Reviewed Publications:
Ficklin, R.L., R.I. Dresbach and J.D. Richardson. 2006. A
reliable, inexpensiv
creating samples of known carbon and nitrogen concentrations for use in dry combustion C-N analyzers. American Laboratory News 38(17): 26-27.
Ficklin, R.L., S.R. Mehmood and P.F. Doruska. 2006. Integrating science into public
policy: challenges and opportunities for improved forest carbon accounting. Journal of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (ISSN 1934-7235). Available at
http://www.scientificjournals.org/articles/1026.htm (verified 2 Oct. 2006).
Ficklin, R.L.; Dwyer, J.P. and R.D. Hammer. 2004. Changes in soil organic carbon concentration
and quantity following selection
harvesting. Proceedings of the 14th
Ficklin, R.L.; Dwyer, J.P.; Cutter, B.E. and Draper, T. 1997. Residual tree damage during
selection cuts using two skidding
systems in the Missouri Ozarks. Proceedings of the 11th
[This paper also is summarized in a publication of the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, COFO Committee on
Forestry, Thirteenth Session, March 10-13, 1997,
Ficklin, R.L.; Dunn, E. and Dwyer, J.P. 1996. Ecosystem management on public lands: an
application of optimal externality to timber production. Journal of Environmental Management 46(4): 395-402.
Agricultural Experiment Station Impact Statements
Ficklin, R.L. 2005. Skidding logs with draft animals: still a viable option? Faculty Impact
Statements; Romund, Holland & Medders, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 528. pp. 78.
Ficklin, R.L., M.G. Shelton. 2004. Effects of fertilization on root-to-shoot biomass allocations in
loblolly pine seedlings. Faculty Impact Statements; Medders, Romund & Holland, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 516. pp. 26.
Ficklin, R.L. and R.D. Hammer 2003. Measuring soil organic carbon in forest landscapes with
diverse landforms. Faculty Impact Statements; Medders & Romund, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 503. pp 48-49.
Ficklin, R.L. 2003. Using a web-based chat interface for learning and examination preparation.
Faculty Impact Statements; Medders & Romund, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 503. pp 64.
Ph.D. Dissertation:
Ficklin, Robert L. 2002. An Empirical Approach for Better Estimating Soil Organic Carbon and
Bulk Density Using a Fixed-Volume
Sampling Method. Doctoral Dissertation- University of
M.S. Thesis:
Ficklin, Robert L. 1997. Reduction of Timber Production Externalities by Using an Alternative
Harvesting Technique to Minimize
Soil and Stand Damage.
B. Manuscripts in Revision or Preparation:
Ficklin, R.L., M. Fang and R.J. Kremer. In preparation. Variation in enzymatic activities and
microbial genotypes in an upland Ozark forest soil.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. Draft from dissertation. Estimation of Ozark forest
soil bulk density using an empirical approach for correcting sample volume errors.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. Draft from dissertation. Association of soil organic
carbon concentration with coarse fragments across three Ozark forest landforms.
Kissell, R.E., Jr., R. Hines, S. Foley and R.L. Ficklin. In Review. Declining
size of deer over time on the White River National Wildlife Refuge. SEAFWA. pp. 17.
C. Other Professional Papers, Abstracts and Presentations:
Ficklin, R.L. 2006. Factors for forest landowners to consider when marketing the value of
carbon sequestration by their
loblolly pine stands.
Foley, S.M., R.L. Ficklin and R.E. Kissell, Jr. 2006. Relationships among soils,
forage plant quality, and
White-tailed deer reproduction in the Ozark highlands.
Richardson,
J.D., H.O. Liechty, R.L.
Ficklin, R.L. 2006. Loblolly Pine, Global Climate Change and the Carbon
Cycle- How Are
These Related?
Foley, S., Kissell, R.E., and Ficklin, R.L. 2006. Relationships Between Soil and Forage Plant
Quality Related to White-Tailed
Deer in the Ozark Highlands. The Wildlife Society Conference.
Kissell, R.E., Hines, R., Foley, S., and Ficklin, R.L. 2006. Changes in Deer Weights Over Time
on the
Kissell, R.E., Jr., R.L. Ficklin and M. Gilbert. 2006. Effect of hardwood canopy
coverage on accuracy of recreational global positioning system units. Report to NASA- Arkansas Space Grant Consortium, March 2006.
Ficklin, R.L., J.D. Richardson and H.O. Liechty. 2005. Carbon and nitrogen status of forest and
pasture soils nin
Ficklin, R.L. 2005. Soil carbon enrichment by loblolly pine rhizodeposition. Abstract. Southern
Regional Branch ASA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L. 2005. Loblolly pine biomass corollaries of soil organic carbon content. In:
Ficklin, R.L., M.G. Shelton and A.M. Carter. 2005. Carbon sequestration with loblolly pine-
storage both aboveground and belowground. In: Proceedings
of the 2004
Liechty, H.O.,
J. Richardson, R. Colvin,
chemistry following poultry litter application
to pastures and a loblolly pine plantation. Abstract No. 299-10. International
ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
Richardson, J.D., R.L. Ficklin and H.O. Liechty. 2005. Effects of land-use and poultry litter
application on water quality and soil
nitrogen mineralization. Abstract No. 34-1. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA
meetings.
Richardson, J.D., H.O. Liechty and R.L. Ficklin. 2005. Effects of land-use and poultry litter
application on soil nitrogen mineralization.
Abstract. Southern Regional Branch ASA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L. and H.O. Liechty. 2004. C-N status of gulf coastal plain forest and pasture soils
prior to poultry litter amendments.
Abstract No. 4482. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L. 2004.
minutes, November 9, 2004. Timber Talk; host: Ted Reynolds. Stations: KZHE, KWRF, KMTB, KWXE, KWXI. Archive: www.timbertalk.com.
Ficklin, R.L. and R. Dresbach. 2004. Custom quality control/calibration standards for analyzing
soil C and N using dry combustion
analyzers. Abstract No. 4469. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L., B. Zeide and R. Colvin. 2004. Fertilization of agroforests- a double-edged sword?
In: Book of Abstracts. The 1st
World Congress of Agroforestry. Chair: P. K. R. Nair.
Ficklin, R.L., M.G. Shelton. 2004. Effects of fertilization on root-to-shoot biomass allocations in
loblolly pine seedlings. Faculty Impact Statements; Medders, Romund & Holland, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 516. pp. 26.
Ficklin, R.L. and M.G. Shelton. 2003. Preliminary results on the contribution of loblolly pine
seedlings to soil organic carbon
via rhizodeposition. Abstract No. S07-ficklin846017. International
ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L., R.J. Kremer and M. Fang. 2003. Variability of microbial activity and populations
across landforms based on select
enzymatic assays and PCR analyses. Abstract No. S07-ficklin-555695.
International ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
cherrybark oak, white oak,
persimmon, and sweetgum seedlings. Final Report to the
Ficklin, R.L., S.R. Mehmood and P.F. Doruska. 2003. Integrating science into public
policy: challenges and
opportunities for improved forest carbon accounting. The10th North American
Forest Soils Conference- Forest soils research theory, reality and its role in
technology transfer. Sault Ste. Marie,
Ficklin, R.L. 2003. Geology, soils, landforms and forest productivity in the Gulf Coastal Plain.
Presentation to future Forest
Service Silviculturalists at
Ficklin, R.L. and R.D. Hammer 2003. Measuring soil organic carbon in forest landscapes with
diverse landforms. Faculty Impact Statements; Medders & Romund, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 503. pp 48-49.
Ficklin, R.L. 2003. Using a web-based chat interface for learning and examination preparation.
Faculty Impact Statements; Medders & Romund, Eds. Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Research Series 503. pp 64.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. 2002. Th
upland Ozark forest soil, with
consideration of temporal and spatial variability. Abstract No.
S07-ficklin163759. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. 2002. The importance of experimental
stratification when measuring soil
organic carbon pools- implications for applying marketable permits to Ozark
forest systems. Abstract No. S07-ficklin164726. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA
meetings.
water oak seedlings. Report to the
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. 2001. Modeling bulk density in rocky Ozark forest
soils. International ASA-CSSA-SSSA
meetings.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. 2000. Bulk density estimation in rocky Ozark
forest soils. Report to Missouri
Department of Conservation.
Ficklin, R.L., R.D. Hammer and J.P. Dwyer. 1999. Bulk density and carbon relationships in the
Multiple presentations to elementary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students during
my tenure as the Research and Education Coordinator for the Prairie Fork Conservation Area. I also provided tours of the research projects on-site to professional researchers and professors (1999 to 2001).
Presentation to a national group of Forest Service principal investigators involved with the Long
Term Soil Productivity Project [LTSP] (1997). Presented first quantitative evidence of compaction associated with fixed-volume sampling.
IV. Grants and Proposals:
Relationships among soils, forage plant quality and white-tailed deer reproduction in the Ozark
highlands. The University of
Monitoring of water quality at
Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). USGS-NADP (2005-2010); $32,340. PI: Robert L. Ficklin.
Effect of hardwood canopy coverage on accuracy of recreational GPS units. NASA- Arkansas
Space Grant Consortium and the
Changes in phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon in forest plantation and pasture soils and runoff
following poultry litter applications. USDA-CSREES (2005-2007); $13,641 & two-year graduate research assistantship. PI: Robert L. Ficklin; Cooperator: Hal O. Liechty.
Identifying soil/plant chemical and remote sensing proxies for assessing white-tailed deer herd
health in the Ozark highlands. The
University of
Silvicultural methods to rehabilitate oak forests following salvage logging. Special Technology
Development Program (2004); $27,405 {not
funded}. Co-PIs:
Monitoring of water quality at
Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP). USGS-NADP (2004-2005); $6,152. PI: Robert L. Ficklin.
An environmental and economic evaluation of pine plantations as an alternative to pastures for
disposal of poultry litter in the
Greenhouse and field studies of loblolly pine rhizodeposition. USDA-CSREES (2003- 2005);
$14,377. PI: Robert L. Ficklin; Collaborator: Michael G. Shelton.
Competitive grant for a two year graduate research assistantship (one of only two available). The
University of
Surface water quality, soil chemistry, and tree growth response from application of poultry litter
to pasture and forest landscapes.
The University of
Quantification of soil core sampling compaction and soil organic carbon spatial and temporal
variability in the Missouri Ozarks.
The
The effects of alternative harvest methods on soil productivity and forest health in the Ozark
A comparison of conventional and alternative skidding techniques used for selection harvests in
the
V. University Teaching Experience:
Assistant Professor of Forest Soils (with web-based lecture option), Advanced Forest Soils
(graduate), Tree Ecophysiology, Forest Operations, and Contemporary
Issues- Field Studies (November
2002 to Present) - University of
Instructor of Forest Soils, Tree Ecophysiology and
November 2002) - University of
Instructor of Watershed Management/ Forest Hydrology- the
Topics included hillslope hydrology, hydro-physics, streambank management, and erosional processes.
Instructor (contracted) of Agricultural Economics- Ecological Economics, the University of
Teaching Assistant for Soils and Atmospheric Sciences- Soil Science Laboratory, the University
of
Substitute for Forest Ecosystem Management, the
Presented and evaluated the
following topics: economic derivation of optimized externalities and sampling
to determine regeneration sufficiency.
Directed the initial design and implementation of a forest inventory of
stands at the Prairie Fork Conservation Area to support th
Teaching Assistant for Natural Resources Policy and
Administration, the
(1994). Assisted students with writing assignments and graded and administered tests. Also attended a workshop for Teaching Assistants in "writing intensive" courses at the University.
Thesis Committees- Completed Theses1:
Hurd, Matthew B. 2006. Individual-tree, merchandized stem, green weight equations for
hardwood sawtimber trees in
southern
McKnight, Ryan W. 2005. The effects of fertilization on the vegetation dynamics of
young loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Master’s
Thesis.
1Richardson, Joshua D. 2006. Effects of poultry litter applied to pine plantations and
pastures on water quality and soil
nitrogen mineralization. Master’s Thesis.
Thesis Committees- Theses Pending1:
1Foley, Shane M. Relationships among soils, forage plant quality and white-tailed deer
reproduction in the Ozark highlands.
Hartley, Jonathan I. Individual Tree Weight Equations for Total Green Biomass and Total
Merchantable Pulpwood for
1 Thesis supervisor
VI. Extension,
Service and Outreach Projects:
Secretary-Treasurer for the
Foresters. (January 2004 to Present)
State of
Education Display. (April 2003 to Present)
Co-Organizer for the 3rd
Session Moderator at International ASA-CSSA-SSSA meetings in
Watershed scale approaches and processes. (November 4, 2003)
Chairman of Teller’s Committee for Arkansas Society of American Foresters (2006)
Reviewer for Professional Journals: Soil Science Society of
Forest Science, Forest Ecology and Management, Journal of Environmental Management, Southern Journal of Applied Forestry, Northern Journal of Applied Forestry, and others.
use.
Consultant- Invited as an expert participant in the Forest Service “Program of Advanced
Silviculture Studies” {PASS} - Region 8, Coastal Plain Pine Module. I instructed Silviculturalists on the geology, soils, landforms and productivity of the region. I provided both classroom materials and hands-on field experience for this module. (May 2003)
Advisor of the forestry honor society, Xi Sigma Pi- Alpha Chi Chapter, at the University of
Arkansas- Monticello. (August, 2002 to Present)
Committee Service on the following
Appeals (2 years), Faculty Research Committee, American Democracy Project, Library committee (school and campus- 2 years), Program Review Committee (2006) and various ad hoc committees (January 2002 to Present)
Participant in educational programs for certified forester and registered forester training and
evaluation. Conducted youth education programs designed to foster future forestry, soils, and general environmental scientists and managers. (January 2001 to Present)
Consultant- Contracted by the City of Columbia, Mo., Power Company to perform landscape
audits of volunteer participants in an energy conservation plan using free sapling trees to provide shade to new homes. This shading reduced both homeowner cooling fees and city power production needs. Reduced energy demand also benefited the power company by minimizing the amount of energy that must be purchased from other companies on the power-grid. (December 1993 through December 2001)
VII. Additional Professional Experience:
Research & Education Coordinator for the Prairie Fork Conservation Area. Coordinator of all
research, education, and management activities for the Prairie Fork Conservation Area (PFCA). The PFCA is an outdoor laboratory for research and education activities. The University of Missouri School of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation co-direct the use of the PFCA. Coordinated and worked with others to develop and maintain electronic network resources. (July 1999 to December 31, 2001)
Graduate Research Assistant as Doctoral candidate in soil science. Evaluated seasonal variability
of soil organic carbon in the
Missouri Ozark mountains, and developed models to permit accurat
Graduate Research Assistant as Master's candidate. Examined the biological and economic
implications of soil disturbance and tree damage resulting from conventional and alternative harvesting methods-- Advisor: Dr. John P. Dwyer. (August 1993 to August 1997)
Consultant for the City of
recommendations to participants in the Tree Power energy conservation program. Contracted to perform landscape audits/ surveys and to make landscaping recommendations for improving energy efficiency. The program averaged approximately 600 to 800 clients per year. (1993 through 2001)
VIII. Current Research Projects:
A. Remote Sensing of Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility: Principal Investigator
(Co-Investigator: Robert E. Kissell, Jr.)
Title: Relationships Among Soils, Forage Plant Quality and White-tailed Deer Reproduction in
the Ozark Highlands
Goals &
Objectives:
1. To relate specific spectral characteristics of selected forages with forage
quality and soil chemical properties (both macro and micronutrients).
2. To assess the reproduction of white-tailed deer populations in the Ozark Highlands of
B. Rhizodeposition and Carbon Sequestration: Principal Investigator
Title: Greenhouse Study of Loblolly Pine Rhizodeposition
Goals & Objectives:
1. To measure the increase of soil organic carbon (minus live roots) from loblolly pine during two years of growth.
2. To determine if the ratio of soil carbon to nitrogen changes during the growth of young loblolly pine seedlings.
C. Effects of Poultry Litter Applications on Soil and Water Nitrogen Dynamics: Co-PI (Soils & Water Quality)
(
Title: Surface
Water Quality, Soil Chemistry, and Tree Growth Response from Application of
Poultry Litter to Pasture and
Goals & Objectives:
1. To determine the level and rate of change in forest and pasture soil and water chemistry with long-term applications of poultry litter.
2. To evaluate the ability of forests to mitigate impacts of poultry litter applications on
water quality.
3. To quantify the potential timber growth enhancements associated with applications of
poultry litter to managed forests.
4. To evaluate economic feasibility of poultry litter applications in a managed forest.
D. National Atmospheric Deposition Project- USGS: Principal Investigator
Title: Same as Description Above
Goals &
Objectives:
To monitor changes in pH and chemistry
of precipitation at a USGS satellit
E. The Influence
of Soil Fertility on Insect Damage in Loblolly/ Shortleaf Pine Agroforests:
(Collaborator with Dr.
Title: Same as Description Above
Goals &
Objectives:
1. To determine if soil fertility predisposes pines grown in agroforests to insect damage
following fertilization.
2. To determine if amendments of soil calcium can reduce the rate of insect infestation of cones and foliage in agroforests.
IX. Professional/Honorary Organizations and
Awards:
Soil Science Society of
Society of American Foresters
Certified Forester® #1206 (Society of American Foresters)
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Charles Edmund Marshall Merit Scholarship- outstanding graduate student in soil or environmental sciences
Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society
Xi Sigma Pi
National Honor Society
Superior Graduate Achievement Award (MU, CY 2002-2003)
Who’s Who in