Relationship between plant biodiversity and soil type at the Texas A&M University – Central Texas campus

• In Event: Poster Presentation and Judging for: Anthropology; Botany; Conservation Ecology; Environmental Science; Freshwater Science; Geosciences; Mathematics & Computer Science; Neuroscience; Physics & Eng; Science Education; Terrestrial Ecology & Management.
  In Poster Session: Terrestrial Ecology Poster Session

Abstract

A comprehensive ecological survey of the Cross Timbers and the Blackland Prairie ecoregions was carried out at representative sites across the Texas A&M University - Central Texas (TAMUCT) campus. This survey was initiated to study aspects of the campus terrain and rural mix of prairie and woodland characteristics. In 2009, TAMUCT acquired approximately 272-hectares of undeveloped land from Fort Hood. Though TAMUCT has limited the amount of construction and development to the northernmost edge of the property in recent years, plans for development are underway. Biodiversity recovery following habitat change is often difficult to determine, therefore, we collected data on ground flora, soil, and geological information from 15 sites across the TAMUCT campus. Using random sampling, the results from the survey created a baseline study of the campus ecology and biodiversity. Data were recorded using the Shannon–Wiener diversity index, soil textural analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS) for hotspot identification. This study resulted in the identification of 13-plant families and four plant diversity hotspots. Soil analysis suggest that this campus lacks elevated amounts of fine silt and sand; however, increased aggregated soil and clay composition is likely essential to the role in water retention of the identified native plant communities throughout the TAMUCT campus. This study has provided a point of reference for future studies to be completed at the TAMUCT campus which could include, primary-growth succession, invasive species removal, metapopulation community structure, and habitat restoration and remediation.

Authors

• Tara Nawrocki, Texas A&M University - Central Texas

• Laura Weiser Erlandson, Texas A&M University - Central Texas