User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Due to the size constraint of my backyard, I decided to modify the size of original and additional quadrats. I decided to decrease the size to 0.25m2 in order to prevent the chance of overlap between replicates and to hopefully receive more accurate data in the process. In my initial data collection, I sampled at five locations using 1m2 quadrats. The three locations that I observed for my ongoing field observations are each unique from one another in terms of sun exposure throughout the day, the presence of dead grass and soil moisture. I then decided that the best way to select my first five replicates was to use the Stratified Random Sampling technique. I took one replicate from Location 1, another replicate from Location 2, and three replicates from Location 3. Using these replicates, I measured the percent cover of Common Fern Moss (Thuidium delicatulum) relative to a 1m2 quadrat size and used this data as a measure of abundance for this type of moss. Then, I calculated the mean percent cover of Common Fern Moss in these quadrats to get an idea of the area of my yard occupied by moss. I collected data on five additional replicates and had to recollect data from the original five plots using 0.25m2 quadrats. I had to resample the first five replicates because by decreasing quadrat size, the percent cover was expected to increase relative to the quadrat. This prediction was for the most part correct, as all values for the percent cover increased with decreasing quadrat size except for quadrat 5, where the value remained the same.
At this point, I have noticed a general trend in my data (with a few outliers) that supports my prediction and I have not yet reconsidered my hypothesis. I am seeing that areas in my yard that would typically receive more sunlight throughout the day have a smaller percent cover of fern moss in comparison with quadrats that receive more shade. My second data collection was in my mind successful, however, I hope that I can find a way to measure pH in these 10 and additional quadrats in order to factor in the impact of soil acidity on moss growth- I am sure I will find a way to go about that before my next data collection.
