Final 1 The Effect of Draught on Two Species of Trees on Western Campus

This topic submitted by Raseem Parker, Kim Carvey, Dave Wellspring, Jeremy Faulkner (parkerrr@muohio.edu, carveykn@muohio.edu, wellspdc@muohio.edu, faulknjr@muohio.edu) at 4:42 PM on 9/19/02. Additions were last made on Friday, September 27, 2002. Section: Nicholson

Natural Systems 1 Fall, 2002 -Interdisciplinary Studies-Miami University

1. Introduction
a.The purpose of this study is to discover the effects of draught on the seasonal cycle of two species of trees on Western Campus. We believe that the dry summer has increased the rate at which the leaves die and fall off of the trees. We hope to answer the question "Will more leaves fall, as a result of the draught, than in previous years?" We predict that the difference in rates from previous years as compared to this one will differ drastically.
b. We plan to produce an accurate account of the effects of draught on two tree species here on Western Campus so that the information will be available to future classes for their research. Essentially. we hope to set up a base year for future classes to reference from.
c. the abundance of trees on Western, as well as Miami's reputation for having a beatiful fall season due to the amount of trees, make the effects of the draught on this seasonal show an intersting project. Discovering why this summer is already bringing about the falling of the leaves, completely skipping the usualy beatiful color change, should prove to be an intersting study.

2.Relevance
a.Previous groups have studied what knds of factors effect leaf fall, incorporating factors such as pH levels, soil content, weather, and temperature in the study. Our study will focus specifically on the relationship between leaf fall and draught.
b. Our research relates to the larger question of how the shift in weather patterns is detrimental to the ecosystem, specifically deciduous trees in Ohio.

3. Materials and Methods
a. Our proposed plan is to take pictures of two different types of trees to record visual evidence as to how fast the trees are losing their leaves. Besides collecting visual evidence, we also plan on collecting statistical evidence by counting the amount of leaves that fall each week over a predetermined four day period. By combining both forms of evidence, we hope to create a statistically sound experiment that will give us accurate and insightful data as to the effect of draught on leaf fall.
b. We really only plan on needing two different materials, two very fine nets, and a digital camera. Each net will be placed under a different tree on a Thursday, where it will remain until Tuesday of the next week. On Tuesday, the nets will be collected and the leaves will be counted. The cameras will be used to take pictures of the trees on both Tuesday and Thursday, in case any visible difference can be observed during the testing period.
c. There really are no other realistic ways of running our lab, other than altering the length and time of the testing periods, or incasing the trees in giant protective bubbles. However, we can include the class by having them assist in the process of leaf counting.

4.Resources
a.Leaf Litter Production by Lianes and Trees in a Sub-Tropical Australian Rain Forest
Elwyn E. Hegarty
Journal of Tropical Ecology, Vol. 7, No. 2. (May, 1991), pp. 201-214.

b. Litter Fall in a New South Wales Conifer Forest: A Multivariate Comparison of Plant Nutrient Element Status and Return in Four Species
A. V. Spain
Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 10, No. 2. (Aug., 1973), pp. 527-556.

c. Vegetation Gradients in Relation to Environment and Phenology in a Southern Blue Ridge Gorge
Thomas B. Mowbray, Henry J. Oosting
Ecological Monographs, Vol. 38, No. 4. (Autumn, 1968), pp. 309-344.

d. Litterfall and Decomposition Processes in the Coastal Fynbos Vegetation, South-Western Cape, South Africa
D. T. Mitchell, P. G. F. Coley, S. Webb, N. Allsopp
Journal of Ecology, Vol. 74, No. 4. (Dec., 1986), pp. 977-993.

e. Why Do Temperate Deciduous Trees Leaf Out at Different Times? Adaptation and Ecology of Forest Communities
Martin J. Lechowicz
American Naturalist, Vol. 124, No. 6. (Dec., 1984), pp. 821-842.

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