Analyzing a Gradient of Artificial Saline Soils and Comparing Them to a Natural Gradient of Saline Coastal Soils
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Nina Goodey
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 2:15 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 3:15 PM
Description
High rates of soil microbial respiration and soil enzyme activity are the foundations of healthy soil. Salinization of soil decreases soil microbial functions and inhibits plant root and shoot growth. We are not aware of any studies that directly compare the effects of salinity on soil functions in artificially salinized soils and soil affected by a natural tidal flow. Thus, the goal of this experiment is to compare two experimental setups: a natural gradient of salinity at the edge of a tidal pond (Perrine Pond in Cheesequake State Park) and an artificially generated salinity gradient set up in pots in a greenhouse. To set up the artificial salinity gradient, we will add a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution prepared in distilled water to non-salinized soil. Six different NaCl solutions with concentrations ranging from 1.2 M to 0.0 M will be prepared to achieve a gradient of salinity. An electroconductivity measurement probe will be used to measure the level of salinity throughout the experiment. We will measure pH, phosphatase activity, and soil moisture for both soil gradients. The data will reveal how these parameters are affected by salinity, and will make it possible to compare the effects of salinity on soil function in artificially saline soil to the effects of salinity at a natural site. The results will help scientists understand what conclusions can be made based on artificially saline gradient experiments and whether these results qualitatively align with those collected on soils collected from an analogous natural salinity gradient.
Analyzing a Gradient of Artificial Saline Soils and Comparing Them to a Natural Gradient of Saline Coastal Soils
High rates of soil microbial respiration and soil enzyme activity are the foundations of healthy soil. Salinization of soil decreases soil microbial functions and inhibits plant root and shoot growth. We are not aware of any studies that directly compare the effects of salinity on soil functions in artificially salinized soils and soil affected by a natural tidal flow. Thus, the goal of this experiment is to compare two experimental setups: a natural gradient of salinity at the edge of a tidal pond (Perrine Pond in Cheesequake State Park) and an artificially generated salinity gradient set up in pots in a greenhouse. To set up the artificial salinity gradient, we will add a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution prepared in distilled water to non-salinized soil. Six different NaCl solutions with concentrations ranging from 1.2 M to 0.0 M will be prepared to achieve a gradient of salinity. An electroconductivity measurement probe will be used to measure the level of salinity throughout the experiment. We will measure pH, phosphatase activity, and soil moisture for both soil gradients. The data will reveal how these parameters are affected by salinity, and will make it possible to compare the effects of salinity on soil function in artificially saline soil to the effects of salinity at a natural site. The results will help scientists understand what conclusions can be made based on artificially saline gradient experiments and whether these results qualitatively align with those collected on soils collected from an analogous natural salinity gradient.