CURRENT RESEARCH
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URBAN WETLANDS Our current research on urban wetlands is directed towards understanding the response of wetland soils and streams to surrounding urban and suburban land-use. In particular, Emilie Stander is examining the effects of hydrological disturbance on nitrogen cycling. She will also be using a dual isotope technique to examine the importance and fate of atmospheric N deposited into these wetlands
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PINELANDS - WATER AND NITROGEN In the New Jersey Pinelands, we are part of a team of scientists from The Pinelands Commission, the US Geological Survey Trenton District Office, and Rutgers investigating the effects of potential water withdrawals for urban development on wetlands. Jodi Messina is leading our effort to investigate the potential effects of water level changes on nitrogen cycling |
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EXOTIC SPECIES - FEEDBACK BETWEEN PLANTS & SOIL Research on the interactions of exotic plant species and soils is focussed on studying the feedbacks between two widespread exotics, Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) and soil communities and functions. In one project, Dr. Shen Yu and Kenneth Elgersma are determining whether plant influences on soil create feedbacks to planta growth, and whether feedback relationships are labile, responding rapidly to changes in plant identity. |
EXOTICS - RESTORING SOIL N CYCLES We are also exploring methods of restoring native vegetation to exotics-infested areas. Kristen Ross is using several methods to reduce nitrogen availability, and testing the growth responses of both the exotics and a suite of native species to these treatments. |
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TEANECK CREEK - URBAN WETLAND N AND PLANTS We are beginning work on a new project at Teaneck Creek, NJ - a very urban wetland at the junction of Route 80 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Our goal is to document patterns of nitrogen retention and loss, and relate these patterns to a site-wide model of hydrology in support of a plan to restore the wetland. The area is currently damaged by fill, dumping of construction debris, and extensive stands of exotic species. Monica Palta will be studying the nitrogen cycle, and Linda Rohleder will work on documenting patterns of species occurrence. |
STILT GRASS SPATIAL ECOLOGY Jonathan Schramm is studying the spatial distribution and dynamics of Microstegium vimineum, Japanese stilt grass, in the Sourland Mountains in central New Jersey. He is seeking to understand in the controls on patch size, patch density, and the large-scale distribution in the forest |
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