Hb2013 biche decomp
Transcript of Hb2013 biche decomp
Connecting
Kids to Local
Science
LEAF LITTER
DECOMPOSITION IN THE
MELNHE STANDS
Rick Biche
RET
A. Crosby Kennett Middle School
Teacher
Tangible data (mass
loss)
Nutrient limitation age
appropriate concept
Species id and litter
bag construction
Researcher
N -> Higher N increases litter mass loss (Fog 1988) but not always (Knorr et al 2005)
Little information on P
Arthropods -> Varied effects (Schmitz 2010)
Litter from young stand species should decompose faster based individual species rate data from Melillo et al 1982
WHAT CONTROLS LITTER MASS LOSS?
Teacher
Authentic science
Local science
Real Scientists
Researcher
Hypotheses
Co-limitation of litter mass loss
Arthropods will increase litter mass loss
Young stand species mix will lose mass faster than mature stand mix
WHAT CONTROLS LITTER MASS LOSS?
4 stands
N, P, N&P, and Control
2 mesh sizes 2 mm
63 µm
2 litter mixes Young: American Beech,
Red Maple, Pin Cherry, White Birch
Mature: American Beech, Sugar Maple, Yellow Birch
Collections June 12, 2013
Fall 2013
Summer 2014
METHODS
MIX AND MESH
Nutrients p=0.02
Mesh p<0.001
Nutrient X Mesh p=0.05
Nutrients p=0.02
Mesh p<0.001
Nutrient X Mesh p=0.05
Con vs. P p=0.01
Teacher
Middle school students
can do science!
Researcher
Beginning to see a P effect on litter mass loss
Microarthropodsslowing initial litter mass loss
Initial litter mass loss more rapid for young stand litter (Pin Cherry?)
CONCLUSIONS
The 100 students of Team 2 at A. Crosby Kennett Middle
School and Sean Littlefield for f ield help
Ruth Yanai, Craig See, Adam Wild and the many members of
the Shoestring crew
NSF Grant Proposal # DEB 0949324
Supplement by RET 2013 (1314909)
Hubbard Brook Research Foundation RET 2012
Photosh t t p : / / h b r. l te rn et .ed u/ even ts/ p a s t _event s . h t m
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS