Harvard Forest >

Harvard Forest REU Symposium Abstract 2005

• Title: Effects of Land Use and Soil Characteristics on Nonnative Plant Diversity
• Author: Kristin D Ivy (Grambling State University)
• Abstract:

  Weed invasion is considered the second most serious threat to natural habitats, after habitat fragmentation and loss. To study the possible impact of land-use history on nonnative species, plant surveys were conducted on Martha’s Vineyard, MA within seven different categories of land-use histories. Sites were categorized as either burned oak, scrub oak, tree oak, recently plowed, previously plowed, not plowed or sandplain grassland. Plant censuses were conducted using a 20m x 20m plot at each site in July 2005. Percent cover was recorded for all plant species found. Each species was classified into cover classes as either <1%, 1-3%, 3-5%, 6-15%, 16-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, or >75.
  
  Mean richness and percent cover of exotic and native plant species were calculated for each land-use type. Exotic richness and cover data was also analyzed by tilling history as either tilled for non-tilled and for canopy cover as either open or closed canopy. Exotic species richness was significantly different across land-use histories. The richness and cover of exotic species increased with tilling disturbance and canopy openness. Exotic richness was x% higher in tilled communities and x% higher in open canopy forests. Similarly, exotic species abundance was x% higher in tilled communities and x% higher in open canopy forests.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Research Category: