1. The Ecology of Clermont College Campus Andrew Brun Dan Doran Chris Heald Steven Noble Professor Janet Stein-Carter

2. Table of Contents PAGETITLE 2 Table of Contents 3List of Tables and Graphs 4Abstract 5Introduction 6Literature Review 7 Methods and Materials 8Nitrogen Levels 9Phosphorus Levels 10Potassium Levels 11pH Levels 12Conclusion 13Works Cited

3. List of Tables and Graphs 8Graph - Nitrogen Levels 9 Graph - Phosphorus Levels 10 Graph - Potassium Levels 11 Graph - pH Levels PAGE TITLE

4. Abstract Using past nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium tests and pH analysis the differences across five areas of Clermont College’s campus can be identified. The areas tested were Five Falls Creek, Future Wetlands, Maple Creek, Marshy Area, Morel Hill, and West Woods. The analyses of each area showed low levels of nitrogen in all areas except Morel Hil, potassium levels were relatively high in all areas, and the pH appeared stable at around neutral to mildly acidic.

5. Introduction By comparing the various elements found in the soil around campus various factors of the environment can be identified. The relative health of the soil can be found through the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH.

6. Literature Review The majority of the methods for performing this experiment were obtained from the UC Clermont Ecology website. Much of the experimental data collected from previous years was used to compliment the data we collected. We used the Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening to draw conclusions about the data collected.

7. Methods and Materials Soil samples were collected over the years at Clermont College from Five Falls Creek, Future Wetlands, Maple Creek, Marshy Area, Morel Hill, and West Woods. Then each component was tested by using a soil analysis test kit which was provided.

12. Conclusion Looking at the data collectively it seems there are a few common trends. The campus seems to posses very low nitrogen levels, and very high potassium levels all around while phosphorus averages about a medium level over all. Nitrogen commonly enters the soil by decomposing plants and animals, and therefore it is unusual to have low nitrogen levels in such areas (Carr et. al, 1985). Potassium is normally found due to surrounding minerals of the area, and this area is high in varying types of minerals which most likely results in the high potassium level in the data. It appears that the surrounding environment of Clermont College is thriving, but maybe more is going on than meets the eyes. The soil analysis shows that some nutrients aren’t as high as one would want them to be, but maybe for the type of plant life in these areas high levels aren’t entirely necessary.

13. Work Cited Carter, J. Stein. Cumulative Ecological Data for the Clermont College Campus [Internet]. Batavia (OH): Clermont College; c1995 [modified 2008 Jun 8; cited 2009 May 8]. Available from: http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio303/index.htm Carr, Anna. Mary Chauner, William Hylton, Steven W. Smyser, Carol Stoner, Michael Stoner, Roger B. Yepsen, Jr. The Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Emmaus (PA): Rodale Press; 1985.