Document Type
Thesis
Publication Date
Fall 2013
Abstract
The quarry bottom is a novel ecosystem. It is currently home to a variety of invasive plant species thriving in the harsh rocky soil. It is important to consider options for rehabilitating the ecosystem in the quarry bottom. The quarry bottom contains soil and environmental conditions that are similar to limestone glades and alvars. Limestone glades and alvars contain plant species that are adapted to soil conditions similar to the conditions in the quarry bottom. Rehabilitating the quarry bottom to look similar to glades and alvars would have two major benefits. First, it would increase the educational value of the Nature Park by providing a more comprehensive view of native plant species found in unique ecosystems. Second, introducing plant species that are adapted specifically to environments like the quarry bottom may help curtail the presence and expansion of invasive species. Plant species that are well adapted to survive in the conditions of the quarry bottom may provide formidable competition for invasive species due to their high fitness in rocky dry environments.
The goal of this project was to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the quarry bottom with plant species native to glades and alvars. We studied the germination rates and overall fitness and survival of several native plant species in soil collected from the quarry bottom to determine if a glade-like environment can be created in the quarry.
We selected two plant species for detailed study: Sorhastrum nutans (Indian grass) and Dalea purpurea (purple prairie clover). We conducted germination trials for two weeks. We placed seeds on moist petri plates or in soil collected from the quarry bottom. We transplanted germinated seeds from the petri plates to soil from the quarry bottom.
Our results indicate that the soil from the quarry bottom was a less favorable environment for germination of seeds and survival of plants than the petri plates. However, our data also show that germination in the soil is possible despite being less successful than on the petri plates. Our study showed that there is a substantial possibility of success with introducing glade and alvar plant species into the quarry bottom.
Recommended Citation
Mulry, Kristina and Wiethoff, Cameron, "Feasibility of Introducing Limestone Glade/Alvar Plant Species to the Quarry Bottom" (2013). Student Research. 638, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/studentresearchother/638
Comments
Completed as part of Professor Dana Dudle BIO 345, Conservation Biology, Fall 2013