Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
Fall 11-2025
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Biology, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Darlene Panvini
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBS) mimic the functions of natural environments to promote ecosystem services beneficial to society and biodiversity, which is especially crucial to urban environments. On a college campus in an urban landscape, how do NBSs affect soil microbial diversity? Three soil samples were collected from seven locations across Belmont University’s campus in Nashville, TN: a community garden, rose garden, indigenous-people’s garden, manufactured creek, two green roofs, and an alley-berm as the control. To characterize each site, the pH, nitrogen and phosphorus level, percent moisture, and soil type were determined. Plant diversity and percent coverage were assessed using a 1 m2 quadrat. Each soil sample dilution (10-3) was plated on a Biolog EcoPlate™, incubated at 25ºC, and optical density (OD) was measured at 72 hours. The OD values were used to calculate average well color development (AWCD) to determine soil microbial community diversity and the Shannon-Weaver Index to assess diversity. Results showed that all locations with NBSs, except the indigenous garden, had lower soil microbial diversity than the control. This provides little evidence that NBSs provide a positive impact to their environment, meaning that implementation at a larger scale would not be beneficial in regards to soil health.
Recommended Citation
Brassell, Roma C.; Wrenne, Lili M.; and Panvini, Darlene, "Assessment of Nature Based Solutions Through Soil Microbial Community Diversity Using Biolog EcoPlates™" (2025). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 294.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/294
