Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Spring 4-14-2021
Abstract
Soil microbes are microorganisms found in soil that serve various critical roles and functions in the environment, such as decomposition and the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Natural and human-caused factors can have positive and/or negative impacts on soil microbes. The objective of this study is to examine the abundance of soil microbes in relationship to proximity to the urban area of Lancer Park in Farmville, Virginia. Soil samples were taken from four locations within Lancer Park: the upper and lower floodplain of Buffalo Creek, the bottom of a large stormwater detention pond, and adjacent to an ephemeral channel connecting two stormwater retention areas. Soil samples were extracted with a soil corer, air-dried for 48 hours, and placed in airtight jars. Sensors recorded carbon dioxide concentrations every 3 seconds for at least four hours, which were then used to compute microbial biomass. The hypothesis of this study is that locations that are closer to Lancer Park will have a lower abundance of soil microbes compared to locations that are further away from Lancer Park.
Recommended Citation
Michael, Christian; Cutrell, Callie; and Diaz-Montealegre, Miguel, "The Abundance of Soil Microbes in Relationship to Proximity to the Urban Area of Lancer Park in Farmville, Virginia" (2021). Spring Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. 148.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rci_spring/148
Comments
ENSC 201