Measuring and Comparing Soil Microbial Decomposition of Oenothera biennis Leaves vs. Stems

Authors

• Aaron Espinoza
• Gabby Hays
• Siver Mussa
• Timothy Oluwole
• Darlene Panvini

Publication Date

11-8-2026

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Biology, Department of

SURS Faculty Advisor

Darlene Panvini

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

Measuring and Comparing Soil Microbial Decomposition of Oenothera biennis Leaves vs. Stems

Authors: Aaron Espinoza, Gabby Hays, Siver Mussa, Timothy Oluwole, and Dr. Darlene Panvini

Our project focuses on the decomposition rates of Morning Primrose (Oenothera biennis) leaves vs. stems. Studying decomposition provides insight into the health of an ecosystem by considering how microbial interactions and nutrient cycling impact soil quality. Our main question was whether soil microbes preferred leaves of Oenothera biennis over stems due to leaves being easier for microbes to digest. To test this, we gathered Oenothera biennis and split the plants into groups of leaves and stems. We then dried the plant matter for 48 hours and placed them in 4 groups of 4 litterbags each. Two groups contained only leaves and 2 groups contained only stems. Before placing them on the ground for 2-3 weeks, we determined initial plant biomass. After the 2-3 week period, we collected and dried each litterbag for 48 hours. Once dried, we weighed the litterbags to determine how much biomass was lost. Our results will help us gauge how rates of decomposition of different plant parts can affect nutrient cycling in an ecosystem.

Recommended Citation

Espinoza, Aaron; Hays, Gabby; Mussa, Siver; Oluwole, Timothy; and Panvini, Darlene, "Measuring and Comparing Soil Microbial Decomposition of Oenothera biennis Leaves vs. Stems" (2026). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 393.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/393