Impact of Salinity on Soil in Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Nina Goodey
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2023 1:44 PM
End Date
26-4-2023 2:45 PM
Description
Rising sea water poses a threat to coastal environments, as the increase in soil salinity can impact healthy soil function and reduce seed germination and plant vigor. Previous studies used artificial root exudates to revitalize barren, heavy metal contaminated soils and provide essential nutrients for soil microbes. This project investigates the effects of artificial root exudates on offsetting the negative effects of soil salinity to restore soil function and plant growth. We hypothesize that increasing salt concentrations will have negative impacts on soil function and plant growth and the addition of exudates will offset the negative effects of saline soils. Soil samples were treated with different concentrations of artificial root exudates and salt (NaCl) solutions. The soil samples received a combination of these two and a control of milli-Q water for pots not needing exudates and/or salts. pH, soil salinity, soil respiration rate and moisture readings were recorded throughout for the first month of the experiment. Afterwards, Atlantic white cedars (Chamaecyparis thyoides) saplings were planted into the pots and monitored for poor plant health. Current observations show that increasing salt concentrations have an impact on pH, soil salinity and plant health. Potted soil that contained high salt concentrations had higher soil salinity, as well as lower pH and dying cedars. In comparison, samples with low/no salt present had lower salt salinity, higher pH, and healthier plants. These early results showcase salts have an impact on soil health and they can assist with park managers trying to protect coastal plant species.
Impact of Salinity on Soil in Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ
Rising sea water poses a threat to coastal environments, as the increase in soil salinity can impact healthy soil function and reduce seed germination and plant vigor. Previous studies used artificial root exudates to revitalize barren, heavy metal contaminated soils and provide essential nutrients for soil microbes. This project investigates the effects of artificial root exudates on offsetting the negative effects of soil salinity to restore soil function and plant growth. We hypothesize that increasing salt concentrations will have negative impacts on soil function and plant growth and the addition of exudates will offset the negative effects of saline soils. Soil samples were treated with different concentrations of artificial root exudates and salt (NaCl) solutions. The soil samples received a combination of these two and a control of milli-Q water for pots not needing exudates and/or salts. pH, soil salinity, soil respiration rate and moisture readings were recorded throughout for the first month of the experiment. Afterwards, Atlantic white cedars (Chamaecyparis thyoides) saplings were planted into the pots and monitored for poor plant health. Current observations show that increasing salt concentrations have an impact on pH, soil salinity and plant health. Potted soil that contained high salt concentrations had higher soil salinity, as well as lower pH and dying cedars. In comparison, samples with low/no salt present had lower salt salinity, higher pH, and healthier plants. These early results showcase salts have an impact on soil health and they can assist with park managers trying to protect coastal plant species.