Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
Fall 2024
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
Department
Biology, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Decomposition is a vital part of ecological regulation that goes hand in hand with nutrient recycling. In this study, an experiment was performed to research the leaf litter decomposition rates between two plants - a monocotyledon, Allium schoenoprasum (Chives), and a dicotyledon, Acalypha virginica var rhomboidei (Virginia Three-seed Mercury), on the Belmont green roofs. Eight litter bags of each plant species were placed on the green roof close to each other and strung together in four bag samples. For four three-week periods, the litter bags containing Chives and Virginia Three-seed Mercury were collected, two bags per species at a time, and then dried using a drying oven. Weights were measured at the beginning of the study and then one week after each collection. Results indicate that leaf litter from Allium schoenoprasum decayed more quickly than leaf litter of Acalypha virginica var rhomboidei. This study suggests that monocots decompose more rapidly then dicots, thus implying that plant composition of ecosystems can impact rates of decomposition.
Recommended Citation
Brassell, Roma C.; Davis, Sa'maira; Kiwan, Molly; Adams, Grace; and Panvini, Darlene, "Decomposition Rates Between Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon Plant Species in a Green Roof Setting" (2024). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 191.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/191
