Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Measuring Organic Matter Storage in a Bottomland Hardwood Wetland of Western Kentucky
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Environmental Science
Minor
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Moon
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
With rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere accelerating climate change, it is important to identify and protect natural ecosystems that have the potential to sequester carbon. Wetlands are one such ecosystem, storing an estimated 20 to 30 % of soil carbon across the globe. This is partially due to their anoxic soil conditions, which slow down decomposition of organic matter. In a survey of 967 wetlands in 2011 across the contiguous United States, the National Wetland Condition Assessment highlighted that previous estimates of carbon storage in wetlands have missed deep carbon pools, especially in mineral soil wetlands. Additionally, ecosystem engineers, such as beavers, can modify freshwater ecosystems, including their biogeochemical processes. Carbon sequestration can be affected by increased flooding and, thus, slower decomposition. The goal of my study was to capture deep soil organic matter of a bottomland hardwood wetland that has been affected by beaver activity. Taking soil cores is one method of measuring organic matter in wetlands. A soil core with a depth of 102cm was taken at Travis Tract of Obion Wildlife Management Area in Western Kentucky, a known beaver impoundment. The core was divided into 2 cm increments. Organic matter was then measured through the process of loss of ignition and compared throughout the depths. Results and implications of this study will be discussed.
Spring Scholars Week 2023 Event
Conservation Biology Service Learning Poster Session
Measuring Organic Matter Storage in a Bottomland Hardwood Wetland of Western Kentucky
With rising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere accelerating climate change, it is important to identify and protect natural ecosystems that have the potential to sequester carbon. Wetlands are one such ecosystem, storing an estimated 20 to 30 % of soil carbon across the globe. This is partially due to their anoxic soil conditions, which slow down decomposition of organic matter. In a survey of 967 wetlands in 2011 across the contiguous United States, the National Wetland Condition Assessment highlighted that previous estimates of carbon storage in wetlands have missed deep carbon pools, especially in mineral soil wetlands. Additionally, ecosystem engineers, such as beavers, can modify freshwater ecosystems, including their biogeochemical processes. Carbon sequestration can be affected by increased flooding and, thus, slower decomposition. The goal of my study was to capture deep soil organic matter of a bottomland hardwood wetland that has been affected by beaver activity. Taking soil cores is one method of measuring organic matter in wetlands. A soil core with a depth of 102cm was taken at Travis Tract of Obion Wildlife Management Area in Western Kentucky, a known beaver impoundment. The core was divided into 2 cm increments. Organic matter was then measured through the process of loss of ignition and compared throughout the depths. Results and implications of this study will be discussed.