The Effect of Lichen on Nitrate Levels
Dublin Core
Title
The Effect of Lichen on Nitrate Levels
Description
"Nitrogen is often a limiting factor in plant growth and development. This investigation is meant to
discern, in a broad scope, the contribution of lichen to nitrate levels in the immediate vicinity of lichen covered trees. More specifically, this investigation was meant to determine two objectives. The first was to see if various epiphytic lichen coverages affect the concentration of nitrate in stem flow of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The second objective was to determine what variables other than lichen coverage affect nitrate concentrations. Variables include tree species, tree size, and lichen species. This study took place in Algonquin Ski Trail. Three areas were randomly chosen, and nine, ten, and eight test trees were selected from each respective site. Each site had equal numbers of each tree species, with one extra balsam fir in the first site. One and one-quarter inch clear vinyl tubing was sliced in half lengthwise and wrapped in a helical pattern around each tree. The lower edge of the tubing was sealed with silicone caulk. A container was attached to the end of the tubing to collect rainwater. This was then taken to the LSSU Aquatic Lab for analysis. The nitrate concentrations were compared to lichen coverage, tree species, and lichen species in a forward-stepwise multiple regression. This test indicated tree size, with an r-squared value equal to .2973 was a significant variable contributing to nitrate levels. The other variables were
not shown to be significant. Trees of the smallest size class had the highest nitrate concentrations. This is due to the rainwater having less surface area to flow over on the small trees, and as such was not as diluted as rain flowing over the greater surface area of larger trees. "
discern, in a broad scope, the contribution of lichen to nitrate levels in the immediate vicinity of lichen covered trees. More specifically, this investigation was meant to determine two objectives. The first was to see if various epiphytic lichen coverages affect the concentration of nitrate in stem flow of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The second objective was to determine what variables other than lichen coverage affect nitrate concentrations. Variables include tree species, tree size, and lichen species. This study took place in Algonquin Ski Trail. Three areas were randomly chosen, and nine, ten, and eight test trees were selected from each respective site. Each site had equal numbers of each tree species, with one extra balsam fir in the first site. One and one-quarter inch clear vinyl tubing was sliced in half lengthwise and wrapped in a helical pattern around each tree. The lower edge of the tubing was sealed with silicone caulk. A container was attached to the end of the tubing to collect rainwater. This was then taken to the LSSU Aquatic Lab for analysis. The nitrate concentrations were compared to lichen coverage, tree species, and lichen species in a forward-stepwise multiple regression. This test indicated tree size, with an r-squared value equal to .2973 was a significant variable contributing to nitrate levels. The other variables were
not shown to be significant. Trees of the smallest size class had the highest nitrate concentrations. This is due to the rainwater having less surface area to flow over on the small trees, and as such was not as diluted as rain flowing over the greater surface area of larger trees. "
Creator
Zorn, Rachel A.
Source
Biology
Publisher
Lake Superior State University
Date
1997
Contributor
Dr. John Roese
Rights
Copyright Rachel Zorn all rights reserved. LSSU use only.
Format
application/pdf
Language
English
Type
text.monograph
Identifier
S20210913002
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
8.5" x 11", 11pp
Files
Citation
Zorn, Rachel A., “The Effect of Lichen on Nitrate Levels,” LSSU Student Research Projects, accessed May 17, 2024, https://seniorprojects.omeka.net/items/show/138.