I. Introduction
The purpose of this experiment is to test the distribution of Lonicera. maackii (Amur Honeysuckle) in the outskirts of the forest. From the conclusions drawn by previous researchers, our research group hypothesizes that the area of land covered by L. maackii will diminish as we test plots of land located at varying depths into the forest. The distribution of L. maackii in and around forests is significant because it is a non-indigenous plant which is invading the natural environment of Southwestern Ohio.
II. Background
L. maackii is an Asian exotic shrub, which was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental plant. However, it has since invaded and currently dominates many forests in the Eastern U.S. and Southwestern Ohio (Hutchinson et al., p. 1118). It was recently introduced to Oxford, Ohio in the 1960’s and has repeated its invasion here as well (Hutchinson et al., p. 1119). Since the invasion of L. maackii, numerous studies have been conducted with the purpose of determining the factors that may contribute to its invasibility. This invasion of the L. maacki is worrisome since it tends to suffocate the native plants by reducing the light, nutrients, and moisture that reaches them. In large quantities, it also has negative affects on tree seedlings and herbs.
Our research group's purpose for research relating to the distribution of L. maackii in the outskirts of the forest is to deliberately test an area where the plant is supposed to thrive. Several studies have been conducted on other tree’s canopy cover and the effects of light on the abundance and health of the L. maackii. This species seems to thrive in an open environment, in opposition to more thickly forested areas (Luken, p. 264). In fact, it has been determined that as the canopy cover from other surrounding trees increase, the canopy of the L. maackii tends to decrease (Hutchinson et al., p. 1120). However, as soon as the thick canopy is disrupted, the L. maackii is able to thrive. This observation exhibits that as the amount of light in the forest increases, the health of the L. maackii improves. (Luken et al., p. 1959). In fact, Luken et al. found in their research that the new leaves that are exposed to 100% light show increased thickness, higher stomatal density, and increased carbon fixation ability than the new leaves exposed to less light do (p. 1959). The studies that they have conducted also found that L. maackii seedlings that are grown in the shade grow very slowly and may even show negative growth patterns (p. 1960). After reading the reports on the studies conducted by other researchers, our group has decided to test the factors of thick canopy and light quantity by measuring the distribution of L. maackii in the outskirts of the forest, where the canopy is thin and the light quantity is high. In our studies, we also plan to consider the other factors that may play a role in the abundance of L. maackii in the forest. If the research that was done before us is correct, the quantity of L. maackii should decrease as we get farther into the forest.
III. Materials and Methods
In order to obtain data accurately for the purpose of determining the distribution of L. maackii in a forest, we must determine the area which is covered by L. maackii. This will be accomplished by developing and superimposing a grid over the selected forest area. Since each square in the grid will be of equal size, a means of comparison is formed to measure the distribution of the L. maackii. Each square will then be analyzed for the purpose of determining the area of L. maackii that covers it. Breaking the area covered by the L. maackii into geometric shapes and then superimposing them onto the square will enable us to calculate area of the forest ground that is populated by L. maackii. By conducting our research in this manner, we hope to make the data collection as identical as possible. We will use this process to gather data from two different forests, so that error might be avoided. After gathering data from both of the forests our data will be entered into Statview, a statistical analysis program for the computer, to discern the distribution of the plant, and visually explain our findings and discern if our data is statistically significant.
The materials that must be used in order to gather data for this experiment include a tape measure, in order to accurately develop equal square plots in the grid, and StatView, the statistical analysis computer program. We must also develop a data sheet so that we may record the data in an orderly fashion. The data sheet will be composed of the superimposed grid of the forest, upon which we will enter our calculations of the area of each square that is populated by L. maackii.
The class may participate in our research by participating with the collection of our data. First, they will receive the dimensions and the location of the plot(s) from which they will gather data. After they have completed calculating the area of each square that is populated by L. maackii, the class will be instructed to follow the procedure outlined above to fill out the data sheets.
Our research group will begin to conduct our research on October 5, 1998 by selecting a plot of land in two different forests. Then, by October 12, 1998, we plan to have the lab packets completed, so that the class will be able to participate by helping us gather the data for us. By November 23, 1998, the collection of all of our data will be completed. After this point of our group’s research, we will be concentrating on writing and recording the results our reports. The report of our research will be finished and posted on the internet by December 7, 1998.
IV. Discussion
After we have collected all of our data, our research group will analyze it by developing graphs that we feel will best exhibit the results of our research. The results of our research will exhibit the two sections of forest tested, how far into the forest we tested, and the data regarding the distribution of L. maackii on the outskirts of forests.
Our research group has become aware and discussed the many factors that we are not able to test at this time that could affect the growth of L. maackii shrubs along a forest’s edge. We would suggest to anyone continuing the research that we have conducted and testing further on this lab to consider incorporating these factors into their experiments. The two forest sections that we have selected to test are located upon the edge of an open field. The location of this field could be an important factor when it comes to the growth and health of L. maackii. The field might be treated with fertilizers, insecticides, or other chemicals that could either harm or encourage the growth of L. maackii. The field beside the forest that we are testing may be located on an uphill slope and is draining water into the forest. Perhaps, on the contrary, the field may be located on a downhill slope and water is being drained from the forest. It is possible that the amount of water at the edge of the forest might contribute to the growth of L. maackii as well. Other factors that might affect the growth of L. maackii may include the direction which the forest side faces , the length of time it receives direct sunlight, and the age and development of the forest, since older forests have larger trees which block out more sunlight. These are important factors to consider when conducting research, since L. maackii’s growth and propagation increases with the abundance of direct sunlight. We must also take into account the deliberate destruction of L. maackii in the forest. Human beings, hired by landscaping and cite beautification projects are instructed to destroy L. maackii along the outskirts of the forest, since the plant is alien to the forests of Southwestern Ohio. It is probable that there could be dynamic differences between a forest where L. maackii is purposefully being destroyed and a forest that remains relatively untouched.
V. Bibliography
1. Gould, Andrew Martin Alter. (1996). Effects of the exotic invasive shrub Lonicera maackii, Amur Honeysuckle, on native forest annual herbs. Thesis.
2. Henry, Lillian E. (1997). Restoration Ecology Field Trip Journal. 14ans.html at www.cals.cornell.edu.
3. Hutchinson, Todd F. and Vankat, John L. (1997). Invasibility and Effects of Amur Honeysuckle in Southwestern Ohio Forests. Conservation Biology, vol. 11 (5), p. 1117-1124.
4. Luken, J. O. (1988). Population structure and biomass allocation of the naturalized shrub Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Maxim. In forest and open habitats. American Midland Naturalist, vol. 119, p. 258-267.
5. Luken, J. O., T. C. Tholemeier, L. M. Kuddes, and B. A. Kunkel (1995). Performance, plasticity, and acclimation of the nonindigenous shrub Lonicera maackii (Caprifoliaceae) in contrasting light environments. Canadian Journal of Botany, vol. 73, p. 1953-1961.
6. Regehr, David L. and Frey, David R. (1988). Selective Control of Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Weed Technology, vol. 2, p. 139-143.
7. Williams, Dr. Charles E. (1998). Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg). http://www.state.va.us/~dvc/dhh/ inv.oni.htm.
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