M.S. Environment and Natural Resources
Research
Invasive plant species pose a threat to forest ecosystems and are responsible for disrupting the structure and function of these systems, outcompeting native plant species, and disrupting soil health. This study takes place in an invaded eastern hardwood forest in Coshocton, OH, and investigates:
​
-
invasive plant management effects on forest plant community structure
-
decomposition rates of litter from native and invasive species in managed and unmanaged research plots
​
​
Thesis Defense
In the first chapter of this research, we utilize disturbance-based management practices in invaded forests plots, including mechanical clearing and multiple levels of targeted goat browsing. Our research objectives are to:
​​
-
investigate how woody plant communities shift with time from treatment
-
determine whether treatment effect is contingent upon the passage of time
​
In the second chapter we investigate decomposition of native and invasive plant litter in managed and unmanaged plots of invaded woodland, comparing decomposition rates between treatment groups and amongst litter of differing origin and nutritional composition.
​
​
Click here to view exit seminar presentation slides.
​
