Kyle Smith

1B

Terrestrial Ecosystem Comparison

Question:

How does canopy cover affect soil moisture?

Variables:

Independent: canopy cover

Dependent: soil moisture

Constants: time of day, general weather

Background:

        Soil moisture in our lab is measured on a subjective scale of 0-2. 0 means dry, 1 means moist, 2 means wet. In Oregon it rains fairly often. We observed both sites after a few days without rain.

Data:

Conclusion:

        This data seems to indicate that less covering means that there is more moisture in the soil. We said there was 30% canopy cover and the soil was moist at site 1. At site 2 we decided it was about 95% covered and very dry. I do not believe that this would have been the expected result. I believe that less canopy cover would mean that the site would be much less dry because the sun would be on the site a lot more, as opposed to a site that has a very high percentage of canopy cover that would be in the shade for most of the day. So this data needs much more verification and a more in depth and accurate study.

Limitations and Future Studies:

        One major limitation of this study was the lack of a standardized scale or measuring device. Both of our variables were completely a subjective decision of our groups. There was no way to measure or verify our numbers. It was total guess work. So in the future, actually measuring the moisture of the soil would be a good thing to do. Also find some sort of standardized system for measuring canopy cover.

Another limitation of this lab was the time. We had a very limited time to gather data. If we had more time then could have taken more measurements. It would be better to take multiple measurements at the same site multiple times and on different days for the most accurate result of the areas.