2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Irina Skinner
Mentor: Emilio
Bruna
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
"I applied to the Scholars program in order to advance my undergraduate research experience by working closely with an experienced field ecologist and networking with other students involved in undergraduate research. I hope to learn the ins and outs of designing, implementing, and presenting a research project and to gain a better understanding of the methods and analyses used in field ecology"
Courses of Study
Major
Biology-natural science
Minor
Wildlife ecology and Conservation
Research Interests
Patterns of diversity and the abundance and distribution of species along with the consequences of nutrient limitation on biomass allocation and community structure
Awards
- Citigroup Employees Scholar
- Doris Lowe and Earl and Verna Lowe Scholar
- Jennings Scholar, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- Dean’s List
- President’s List
- Alachua County Migrant Education volunteer
Hobbies/Activities
Rock climbing; piano
Research Description
Effect of Nitrogen Addition on Ecosystem Function in Florida Long Leaf Pine Savannas
Nitrogen and phosphorous limit primary production and control the dynamics of many terrestrial ecosystems. I hypothesize that (1) above ground net primary production (NPP) will increase while (2) below ground NPP will stay the same or decrease as a result of increased nutrient availability in soils and soil microbe decomposition.
I believe that below ground competition for nutrients will decrease in the presence of an abundant nutrient supply consequently decreasing below ground biomass allocation. In turn, I predict that plants will allocate their resources to above ground biomass production in order to compete for other limiting factors such as light. Savannas often have higher species diversity than many forests. In consideration with the current rapid loss of species, savannas will play a major role in the conservation of biodiversity. Alterations in nitrogen and phosphorous cycles shape global carbon cycles by changing the amount of carbon stored as plant vegetation and altering soil microbe communities. Increased growth rates in terrestrial vegetation may be a missing “sink” for the excess 1,000 Tg of carbon emitted into the atmosphere from deforestation and fossil fuel burning.
This experiment will be conducted at the University of Florida Ordway-Swisher Biological Reserve in conjunction with the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation under the supervision of Dr. Emilio Bruna. Sixty 2x2 m plots will be divided up into control and experimental treatments. Experimental treatments received 7.15 grams of an equal composition 14-14-14 controlled release NPK mixture per square through the growing season. At the end of the growing season, wiregrass individuals within 1x1 m subplots will be harvested from each plot. Plant material will be analyzed for differences in above and below ground biomass, foliar tissue content. In addition, soil samples will be taken throughout the experiment to monitor available nutrient content.
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