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Big Walnut Creek Forest A study of soil and tree species

Big Walnut Creek Forest A study of soil and tree species. Brett Bohlander Brittany Mohrman Tory Pavlovich. Introduction. How does human land use affect a forest ecosystem? Specifically, how has the DePauw Nature Park been affected by its history of degradation?

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Big Walnut Creek Forest A study of soil and tree species

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  1. Big Walnut Creek ForestA study of soil and tree species Brett Bohlander Brittany Mohrman Tory Pavlovich

  2. Introduction • How does human land use affect a forest ecosystem? • Specifically, how has the DePauw Nature Park been affected by its history of degradation? • Mining, clear-cutting, contamination, recreational abuse, etc.

  3. Objectives • Measure any differences in soil quality and vegetation composition in forested areas along Big Walnut Creek • Provide baseline data for future research in the Nature Park concerning forest health and stability

  4. Location along Big Walnut Creek • GIS map imposed on an aerial photograph

  5. Plots • Set up transect along Big Walnut Creek • 50m between the centers of each plot • 15m from the creek • 11.3m radius per plot • Recorded GPS point at center of plot • Total of 18 plots • Divided into 3 sectors due to natural divisions • Sectors labeled North to South as A, B, and C 15m 50m 11.3m

  6. Soil Testing • Nutrient Testing of Phosphorus and Nitrogen with Hanna Soil Kit • Percent water • pH using pH meter from Hanna Soil Kit

  7. Tree Sampling • Based size on three diameter categories Small: 8-23 cm diameter Medium: 23-38 cm diameter Large: > 38 cm diameter • Identified species

  8. Comparison of Nutrient Levels

  9. pH Comparison • Averages and errors calculated by an ANOVA • Difference between sectors is significant (p= 0.004)

  10. Percent Water Comparison • Averages and errors as calculated by an ANOVA • Variance between groups is not significant

  11. Tree Species Diversity Sector A Sector B Sector C

  12. Comparison of Tree Densities

  13. Discussion • Results show no conclusive data • The forest does exhibit signs of degradation and low overall health • Sector C shows the most similarity to Eastern Deciduous Forests in tree species composition • Soil quality may be low as indicated by low nutrient levels and high pH levels

  14. Soil pH • pH plays major role in availability of minerals and nutrients • Phosphorus only readily available in soil with pH around 6.5 • Nitrogen is affected by influence of pH on activity of microorganisms necessary for plant growth, specifically bacteria involved in decomposition of organic matter

  15. Most Common Species: American Beech Sugar Maple Lady Fern Northern Arrowwood Pecan Shagbark Hickory White Birch White Oak In DePauw’s Nature Park: American Beech Shagbark Hickory White Oak Eastern Deciduous Forests

  16. Future Research • Include research on the understory vegetation, shrubs, and saplings • Conduct longitudinal study to monitor improvement or stagnation of the riparian forest • Compare data gathered in the DePauw Nature Park to an area of low human impact such as the Big Walnut Nature Preserve

  17. References • State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. www.usf.edu/PUBPROG/brochure/soilph/soilph.htm • www.nearctica.com/biomes/edf/edfintro.htm • Helm, B. and L. Howard. 2005. Presentation to SAB. Acknowledgments • Prof. Dudle • Prof. Artman • Park Ranger Brian Holsapple

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