North Dakota State University

AREAS OF EXPERTISE/PHILOSOPHY:

I incorporate both fundamental and applied approaches to my research and extension activities, addressing the theory behind ecosystem processes as well as management practices to repair ecosystem processes following disturbance. I am specifically trained in soil organic matter dynamics/nutrient cycling, soil structural development and microbial ecology.  Each property is a sensitive indicator of soil health, especially in lands that have been disturbed or impacted by salinity and/or sodicity.

All systems, whether it be agricultural or resource extraction scenarios, require a holistic approach; where the interactions of climate, landscape position, hydrology, geology, vegetation communities/crop systems, and fundamental soil processes are considered during the selection of an appropriate management practice or strategy.  I utilize and encourage this approach when working with landowners, industry, government agencies, etc. to best preserve the natural resources in North Dakota.

PROJECTS

Soil Health

Soil Health YouTube Channel

EDUCATION:

Ph.D. Soil Science, University of Wyoming (2007)
Dissertation: Soil Aggregate and Organic Matter Dynamics in Reclaimed Mineland Soils, Advisor: Pete Stahl

M.A. Geography, University of Denver (2004)
Thesis: The Effects of Soil Depth and Soil Characteristics on Plant Community Development in North Dakota, Advisor: Terry Toy

B.A. Geography, University of Denver (2001)
Major: Geography, Minor: Environmental Science, Anthropology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Collaborator, 2003-current, Mandan, ND.  www.mandan.ars.usda.gov

Virginia Tech, Post-doctoral Research Associate/Senior Research Associate (2008-2012), Blacksburg, VA.  Marginal Soils Research Group:  www.landrehab.org

University of Wyoming, Post-doctoral Research Associate (2007-2008), Laramie, WY.  Tinker Forest and Fire Ecology Lab: https://www.uwyo.edu/tinkerlab/default.htm and Stahl Soil Ecology Lab: http://www.uwyo.edu/esm/faculty-and-staff/peter-stahl.html

*for an extended history, please see CV

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS/TRAINING/COMMITTEES:

Soil Ecology Society (2006-present)
American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR, 2003-present)
Soil Science Society of America (2003-present)
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) trained (2002-2007)
Women Geoscientists of America (2001-2007)

ASMR National Executive Committee (NEC) 2008-2011 - elected to this position
ASMR Web Development Committee 2009-2010 – co-chair
ASMR Early Career Members Committee 2009 to present – chair
ASMR National Meeting Planning Committee 2005, 2007, 2008

PUBLICATIONS:

Wick, A.F., R.L. Phillips, M.A. Liebig, M. West and W.L. Daniels.  2012.  Linkages between Soil Micro-site Properties and CO₂ and N₂O Emissions during a Simulated Thaw for a Northern Prairie Mollisol.  Soil Biology and Biochemistry 50:118-125.

Dangi, S.R., P.D. Stahl, A.F. Wick, L.J. Ingram and J.S. Buyer.  2012.  Soil Microbial Community Recovery in Reclaimed Soil on a Surface Coal Mine Site.  Soil Science Society of America Journal 76: 915-924.

Phillips, R.L., A.F. Wick, M.A. Liebig, M. West and W.L. Daniels. 2012.  Biogenic Emissions of CO₂ and N₂O at Multiple Depths Increase Exponentially during a Simulated Soil Thaw for a Northern Prairie Mollisol.  Soil Biology and Biochemistry 45:14-22.

Wick, A.F., S.D. Merrill, T.J. Toy and M. A. Liebig.  2011.  Effect of Soil Depth and Land Structure on Plant Productivity and Community Development on 28-Year Old Reclaimed Mine Lands.  Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 66: 201-211.

Wick, A.F., P.D. Stahl, L.J. Ingram and L. Vicklund.  2009.  Soil Aggregation and Organic Carbon in Short-term Stockpiles.  Soil Use and Management 25: 311-319.

Wick, A.F., P.D. Stahl, and L.J. Ingram.  2009.  Aggregate Associated Carbon and Nitrogen in Reclaimed Sandy Loam Soils.  Soil Science Society of America Journal 73: 1852-1860.

Wick, A.F., S. Huzurbazar, and P.D. Stahl.   2009. Use of Bayesian Methods to Model Soil Aggregation in Undisturbed Semiarid Grasslands.  Soil Science Society of America Journal 73: 1707-1714.

Ganjugunte, G.K., A.F. Wick, P.D. Stahl and G.F. Vance.  2009.  Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration in Reclaimed Coal Mine Lands.  Land Degradation and Development 20:156-175.

Wick, A.F., P.D. Stahl, L.J. Ingram.  2009.  Aggregate and Organic Matter Dynamics in Reclaimed Soils as Indicated by Stable Carbon Isotopes.  Soil Biology and Biochemistry 41:201-209.

Ingram, L.J., P.D. Stahl, A.F. Wick, and J.A. Anderson.  2009.  Organic Carbon Accumulation in Reclaimed Mine Soils of the Western U.S.A.  pp. 311-319.  In: R. Lal and R. Follett (Eds.) Soil Carbon Sequestration and the Greenhouse Effect, 2^nd Edition, SSSA Special Publication 57, Madison, WI. 

REPORTS:

Day, S.D.  2012.  Soil Profile Rebuilding Specification. Guidelines for soil restoration techniques to be used at urban sites.  Adopted for practice by landscape architects, planners, designers and municipalities. Contributors: S. Day, R. Layman, Y. Chen, K. Rolf, R. Harris, W. Daniels, P. Wiseman, K. McGuire, B. Strahm, A. Wick and B. Mauzy.  www.urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/SRES/specification.html

Wick, A.F., N.W. Haus, B.F. Sukkariyah, K.C. Haering, and W.L. Daniels.  2011.  Remediation of PAH-Contaminated Soils and Sediments: A Literature Review.  Available online: http://landrehab.org/publications

P.D. Stahl, L.J. Ingram, and A.F. Wick.  2008.  Influence of Plant Community Structure and Topsoil Handling Method on Soil Structure Development and Microbial Community Recovery in Reclaimed Soil: Annual Research Report.  Office of Surface Mining, Technology Transfer.

FUNDING:

Eastern North Dakota Soil Salinity Specialist – Years Three Four and Five.  EPA-319, $191,921 (Franzen and Wick).

Equipment Grant, Shimadzu GC-2014 Greenhouse Gas analyzer with an AOC-5000 autosampler.  Virginia Tech, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Equipment Trust Fund, 2010, $66,760.00 (Wick and Daniels).

Vegetation Establishment on Amended Saline Dredge Materials.  Weanack Land LLP, 2009-2011, $90,000.00.  (Wick, Daniels and Haus).

Influence of Plant Community Structure and Topsoil Handling Methods on Soil Structure Development and Microbial Community Recovery in Reclaimed Soil, Office of Surface Mining, 2007-2008, $114,874.00 (Stahl, Ingram and Wick).

*for complete list of conference proceedings and abstracts, please see full CV.