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Lindsey-Robbins_Thesis_2.pdf (1.04 MB)

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Effects of Detritivores on Nutrient Dynamics and Corn Biomass in Agroecosystems

Lindsey-Robbins, Josephine C
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1561588059374285

Abstract Details

2019, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
There is a critical need to reduce nutrient losses from agricultural systems in order to protect freshwater ecosystems from nutrient loading. While the main cause of eutrophication of Lake Erie has been shown to be runoff of phosphorus and nitrogen, freshwater eutrophication management should be based on practices that consider complex habitat feedbacks, climatic changes, and nutrient cycling. I conducted a study that manipulated soil macroinvertebrate abundance and rainfall amount in an agricultural mesocosm system. I evaluated the effectiveness of increasing detritivore abundance as a strategy for nutrient management in an agroecosystem by assessing the phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon levels within the soil, corn, invertebrates, and soil solution (i.e. the water and soluble nutrients held within soil that can leach out when soil reaches its water holding capacity). Overall, I found that increasing detritivore abundance in our soil significantly increased corn biomass by 2.49 g (p<0.001), reduced weed growth by 18.2% (p<0.001), and decreased soil solution volume by 31.03 mL (p<0.001) and nutrients (p<0.05). Depending on rainfall treatment, detritivore abundance also significantly influenced soil total P (p=0.0019), total N (p<0.001), and total C (p=0.0146). Our study provides further support that soil detritivores play a crucial role in soil nutrient cycling and soil health. This study served as one of the first to show that incorporating soil macroinvertebrate abundance into management strategies for agricultural soil will increase soil health of agroecosystems, preserve freshwater ecosystems, and protect the valuable services they both provide for humans.
Shannon Pelini, PhD. (Advisor)
Kevin McCluney, PhD. (Committee Member)
Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, PhD. (Committee Member)
73 p.
Biology; Ecology
detritivore; agriculture; soil; ecology; health; nutrient; leachate

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lindsey-Robbins, J. C. (2019). Effects of Detritivores on Nutrient Dynamics and Corn Biomass in Agroecosystems [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1561588059374285

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lindsey-Robbins, Josephine. Effects of Detritivores on Nutrient Dynamics and Corn Biomass in Agroecosystems. 2019. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1561588059374285.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lindsey-Robbins, Josephine. "Effects of Detritivores on Nutrient Dynamics and Corn Biomass in Agroecosystems." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1561588059374285

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1561588059374285
477
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.