The Effect of Temperature on the Growth of Canopy Cover

1. The Effect of Temperature on the Growth of Canopy Cover Abstract The Cove River is a 7km river located just 1.4 miles from West Haven, CT. It originates in New Haven’s Maltby Lakes and empties into the Long Island Sound. It is well known for having historic significance to the city of West Haven and has been a busy research area. The river is mostly narrow, and its banks are filled with tall trees, Phragmitis, Japanese knot weed and other wild flowers. For the GLOBE project, we investigated the effects of temperature from September through March’ 12 to show the diverse impact of changing temperature on plant life cycle. The purpose of this project was to examine if the early summer and high temperatures of this year triggered the early growth of foliage, which is consequently linked with other forms of life. Vernier sensors and probes were used to measure data once a month over the 7 months. Results – The Effects of Temperature Conclusions The purpose of this experiment was to get a first hand account of whether or not changes in local temperature effects the growth of canopy cover in the Cove River. Temperatures and canopy cover have been monitored from September through April. The research conducted of these environmental factors have lead to this conclusion. The experiment did not support; if the temperature in the environment is lower than normal levels, then the growth of the canopy cover will decelerate. When referencing the data, in October the temperature was at of 14.5 degrees Celsius. Assuming that this is fall, it can be expected the canopy coverage would be a low percentage. As research was conducted over this six-month period, it has been evident that the change in temperature didn’t decrease the canopy cover in the colder months. Data from the experiment showed that the canopy cover in the month of March was 71.9 % which is greater than that of the month of October. In March it was much colder with a temperature reading of 1*C than October’s temperature of 14.5*C. We would think the canopy cover would be roughly about the same considering October is a month we expect leaves to fall, and as in March where the weather isn’t quite that warm. Through this experiment, we can conclude that although temperature fluctuated over the six months, a decrease in the temperature did not hinder the canopy cover growth. Also, it’s important to note that spring came earlier this year. Hypothesis This project will analyze the effects of temperature on plant life cycle over a period of 7 months ( September to March, 11-12) IV: Air temperature surrounding the plants ( degree Celsius) DV: canopy cover % Hypothesis: If the air temperature of the particular location changes unusually over time (increases/ decreases faster than previous years), then we will observe a change in the canopy cover patterns. Future Directions This opportunity to perform research year round has given interesting data and a better appreciation for our the local environment in order to make a difference in the community and for communities like ours. To gain a steady understanding for the research conducted, we must continue our studies with the numerous factors that can be studied, such as temperature and canopy cover growth. It would also be in the best interest of the Cover River if we start to compare it with other watersheds and even other watersheds in the GLOBE program. It would also be beneficial to study other environmental factors that can affect temperatures (ex. Global warming) or even begin to look into factors that have a negative effect on plant growth. For example in the future, studies should be conducted regarding pH readings at the site and see if there is any correlations between the levels of pH and the rate of growth. It would be interesting to see what factors that can be influencing plant growth at Cove River. • Procedure: • Mark the 30x30 meters area with tape for sampling. • Use Densiometer to observe canopy cover. • calculate % canopy cover from data • Measured temperature using both a traditional thermometer • (mercury) and digital thermometer. • Take random canopy observation within 30x30 meters. • Create tables, graphs to analyze data • Draw conclusion References Bacher, Diane. "How to Measure a Tree Canopy Cover."EHow. Demand Media, 29 Nov. 2009.Web. 08 May 2012. <http://www.ehow.com/how_5701903_measure-tree-canopy-cover.html "Canopy Temperature." Canopy Temperature. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://www.plantstress.com/methods/IRT_protocol.htm>. "Forest Resource Glossary and Definition of Terms - C." Forest Resource Glossary and Definition of Terms - C. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://forestry.about.com/library/glossary/blforglc.htm>. "Forestry." The Influence of Canopy Cover and Other Factors upon the Regeneration of Scots Pine and Its Associated Ground Flora within Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://forestry.oxfordjournals.org/content/73/1/37.abstract>. "Civicengagement - Scottmichaelgraves." Civicengagement - Scottmichaelgraves. Web. 08 May 2012. <http://sites.google.com/site/scottmichaelgraves/civicengagement>. Observations Acknowledgements We would like to give a special thanks to our ap biology teacher, Mr. Kevin Dickson, and our mentor Professor Graves for putting in the time and effort to help make GLOBE a huge success. Thank you for all the suggestions and offering helpful advice. Lastly we would like to thank our classmates for all the assistance and support; making GLOBE a team effort.