Sedgwick Reserve

17 May, 05 PM - 22 May, 05 PM

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationships between plant productivity and composition (diversity, native/exotic species, functional groups) and abiotic factors (soil nutrients, slope, aspect, shade). We have established at 260 permanent 2m x 2m plots, randomly located in untilled and ungrazed grassland habitats of Sedgwick. These plots were established in 1998 and sampled in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003 for percent cover by species, total biomass, maximum plant height, light penetration, slope, aspect, gps utm coordinates, and soil nutrients (2000 and 2001). They will be sampled again this year for percent cover and soil moisture using TDR. Data analysis will include PCA, canonical correspondence, and multiple regression. Three of the plots are being used by the reserve for photo sites. Because the plots are permanent, we continue to collect data for time series analysis. This will allow us to study changes in abundance of native and exotic species over time and to study climate change effects on the vegetation.

Visit #18315 @Sedgwick Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 1755 | Research

Long term patterns of plant diversity and composition

faculty - Iowa State University

Reservation Members(s)

Stan Harpole May 17 - 22, 2009 (6 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice