Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) influence on decomposition rates in Cass County, Michigan.
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
Todd Aschenbach, aschenbt@gvsu.edu
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
13-4-2011 9:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2011 9:30 AM
Abstract
Invasive species have become a problem in West Michigan Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive species that is known to have allelopathic impacts on plant communities I hypothesize that the allelochemicals released by Garlic Mustard alter nutrient cycling which ultimately affects decomposition rates. A scientific report will be developed by conducting a field experiment that measures the decomposition rate of Oak (Quercus alba) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) leaves, Garlic Mustard leaves and stems, as well as a wooden stick and filter paper, in Cass County, Michigan. Results will demonstrate whether Garlic Mustard influences nutrient cycling.
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) influence on decomposition rates in Cass County, Michigan.
Kirkhof Center 1142
Invasive species have become a problem in West Michigan Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive species that is known to have allelopathic impacts on plant communities I hypothesize that the allelochemicals released by Garlic Mustard alter nutrient cycling which ultimately affects decomposition rates. A scientific report will be developed by conducting a field experiment that measures the decomposition rate of Oak (Quercus alba) and Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) leaves, Garlic Mustard leaves and stems, as well as a wooden stick and filter paper, in Cass County, Michigan. Results will demonstrate whether Garlic Mustard influences nutrient cycling.