AlecGhazey
soiltest, 2013, Ghazey_A, Lab_3, bio482
a) Sand
b) Water flows right through it, its sand. Nutrients flow through it along with the water.
c) This was collected under eucalyptus trees which originate from Australia. There are vines which grow up the trees as well.
d) Eucalyptus trees shed a lot of leaf-litter which returns their nutrients to the soil. They also block out other plants from living underneath them.
e) Yes there is erosion occurring on site. This was collected at the top of a basin where the organic layer and A layer of the soil are often shallow. The displaced soil may nourish plants downhill from the site.
3) It is important as an ecologist to have an understanding of soil science and the soil composition of the site being studied as the soil determines what life will be supported their. While this sand would indicate that there is not very nutritious soil at this site there is clearly a lot of biotic life that it supports and feeds. This is because the large plants have roots which extend deep beneath the surface layer of the soil. If equipped with a soil auger and a mallet, the B and C layers of the soil structure could be examined. That would explain the geological history of the site which could provide insight to the history of the biotic life of Stern Grove Park.
soiltest, 2013, Ghazey_A, Lab_3, bio482
a) Sand
b) Water flows right through it, its sand. Nutrients flow through it along with the water.
c) This was collected under eucalyptus trees which originate from Australia. There are vines which grow up the trees as well.
d) Eucalyptus trees shed a lot of leaf-litter which returns their nutrients to the soil. They also block out other plants from living underneath them.
e) Yes there is erosion occurring on site. This was collected at the top of a basin where the organic layer and A layer of the soil are often shallow. The displaced soil may nourish plants downhill from the site.
3) It is important as an ecologist to have an understanding of soil science and the soil composition of the site being studied as the soil determines what life will be supported their. While this sand would indicate that there is not very nutritious soil at this site there is clearly a lot of biotic life that it supports and feeds. This is because the large plants have roots which extend deep beneath the surface layer of the soil. If equipped with a soil auger and a mallet, the B and C layers of the soil structure could be examined. That would explain the geological history of the site which could provide insight to the history of the biotic life of Stern Grove Park.