Major
Biology
Anticipated Graduation Year
2024
Access Type
Open Access
Abstract
Native species in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands (GLCWs) are threatened by rampant invasion of aggressive species such as Typha spp. and Phragmites australis. Anthropogenic activity alters GLCW ecosystems through nutrient runoff that results in eutrophication, creating favorable conditions for aggressive plant invaders. An emerging mitigation strategy to address invasion via pollutant and macronutrient capture is the application of the soil amendment product, biochar. Research suggests that biochar has the potential to remove nutrients and pollutants from soils and thus mitigate invasive growth. However, little research has been done on GLCW native response to the addition of biochar. This project addresses how 2 common GLCW native species respond under the stress of biochar in comparison to the invasive cattail, Typha angustifolia, at a feasible application rate. Experimental conditions would replicate GLCW ecosystems in which biochar is utilized to inhibit the spread of invasive Great Lakes species in order to assess whether or not native growth and survival is impacted. Project results can subsequently be used to inform land managers about the survivorship of native wetland plants, allowing them to mitigate invasion without harming native species.
Faculty Mentors & Instructors
Brian Ohsowski, professor, school of environmental sustainability;Shane Lishawa, research advisor, school of sustainability;Sam Schurkamp, research advisor, school of sustainability
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Assessing Biochar’s Influence on Soil Nutrients and Native Plants in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands
Native species in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands (GLCWs) are threatened by rampant invasion of aggressive species such as Typha spp. and Phragmites australis. Anthropogenic activity alters GLCW ecosystems through nutrient runoff that results in eutrophication, creating favorable conditions for aggressive plant invaders. An emerging mitigation strategy to address invasion via pollutant and macronutrient capture is the application of the soil amendment product, biochar. Research suggests that biochar has the potential to remove nutrients and pollutants from soils and thus mitigate invasive growth. However, little research has been done on GLCW native response to the addition of biochar. This project addresses how 2 common GLCW native species respond under the stress of biochar in comparison to the invasive cattail, Typha angustifolia, at a feasible application rate. Experimental conditions would replicate GLCW ecosystems in which biochar is utilized to inhibit the spread of invasive Great Lakes species in order to assess whether or not native growth and survival is impacted. Project results can subsequently be used to inform land managers about the survivorship of native wetland plants, allowing them to mitigate invasion without harming native species.