Kim+Senior+Exit+Project

Possible research questions:

How soil nitrogen content (or a similar factor) affects the size and distribution of invasive species in the greater Teatown area (shown though the use of GIS maps/data)

Effect of burning on stilt grass growth?

Soil quality/minerals/composition on amount of grass/likeliness of spread?

Is it possible to control stilt grass with their natural predator that will not affect native plants? Kim-have you discussed any of these areas with Mike or Beth? I think you can go in any direction. You could also combine a couple of the questions in one study if you like. I think the first question is very good, and the third would be an interesting study as well.. Mrs. Ashley

Project summary: Several measurements of soil nitrogen content will be taken from Wildflower Woods (where stilt grass is predominant) and from an area not yet invaded with stilt grass. The sample sights will be recorded and entered into GIS software along with location/density of the patches of stilt grass and concentrations of N in the soil. A land cover layer will be overlaid onto the points and N measurements in order to determine relative vegetation cover and if it has any effect on growth. It is hypothesized that stilt grass will grow more densely in areas with high levels of nitrogen and will grow in forested areas more than in shrub areas because browsing by over-abundant deer diminishes understory cover and allows the grass to infiltrate quicker due to a lack of competitors. Kim This looks good. I think it would be reasonable to do PKN because then you will have the standard soil nutrients and a bit more information. Please use the soil moisture meter to check difference in soil moisture as well. I think that would be standard in any study even if you are only focusing on nitrogen in your study.