Big Walnut Creek Forest A study of soil and tree species Brett Bohlander Brittany Mohrman Tory Pavlovich

Introduction How does human land use affect a forest ecosystem? Specifically, how has the DePauw Nature Park been affected by its history of degradation? –Mining, clear-cutting, contamination, recreational abuse, etc.

Objectives Measure any differences in soil quality and vegetation composition in forested areas along Big Walnut Creek Provide baseline data for future research in the Nature Park concerning forest health and stability

Location along Big Walnut Creek GIS map imposed on an aerial photograph

Plots Set up transect along Big Walnut Creek 50m between the centers of each plot 15m from the creek 11.3m radius per plot Recorded GPS point at center of plot Total of 18 plots Divided into 3 sectors due to natural divisions Sectors labeled North to South as A, B, and C 15m 50m 11.3m

Soil Testing Nutrient Testing of Phosphorus and Nitrogen with Hanna Soil Kit Percent water pH using pH meter from Hanna Soil Kit

Tree Sampling Based size on three diameter categories Small: 8-23 cm diameter Medium: cm diameter Large: > 38 cm diameter Identified species

Comparison of Nutrient Levels

pH Comparison  Averages and errors calculated by an ANOVA  Difference between sectors is significant (p= 0.004)

Percent Water Comparison  Averages and errors as calculated by an ANOVA  Variance between groups is not significant

Tree Species Diversity Sector A Sector BSector C

Comparison of Tree Densities

Discussion Results show no conclusive data The forest does exhibit signs of degradation and low overall health Sector C shows the most similarity to Eastern Deciduous Forests in tree species composition Soil quality may be low as indicated by low nutrient levels and high pH levels

Soil pH pH plays major role in availability of minerals and nutrients –Phosphorus only readily available in soil with pH around 6.5 –Nitrogen is affected by influence of pH on activity of microorganisms necessary for plant growth, specifically bacteria involved in decomposition of organic matter

Eastern Deciduous Forests Most Common Species: –American Beech –Sugar Maple –Lady Fern –Northern Arrowwood –Pecan –Shagbark Hickory –White Birch –White Oak In DePauw’s Nature Park: –American Beech –Shagbark Hickory –White Oak

Future Research Include research on the understory vegetation, shrubs, and saplings Conduct longitudinal study to monitor improvement or stagnation of the riparian forest Compare data gathered in the DePauw Nature Park to an area of low human impact such as the Big Walnut Nature Preserve

References State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry Helm, B. and L. Howard Presentation to SAB. Acknowledgments Prof. Dudle Prof. Artman Park Ranger Brian Holsapple