User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
I have completed my data collection. In total, I chose 15- 1 m squared replicates within each of my 16 transect lines. I intend to capture the spatial coverage of Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) in differing ecotone environments around my neighbourhood. I did this by measuring height and density (cover class).
My data collection went well, although it was hard to access some of my transect locations due to the bushes being un-passable. I had long pants on and big boots, then I paced one large step for every meter and would record relevant information. Areas where I could not access I would estimate height and location within the transect. I was hoping that by doing 15 – 1 m squared quadrats being slightly wrong on exact location would not influence my results too greatly, as I would still capture the general variability. I also did this in one day so growing patterns would not influence my results
I am starting to realize that Himalayan blackberry is opportunistic. I believe I am going to be able to disprove my hypothesis. Instead of preferring ecotone environments, the Himalayan Blackberry seems to be opportunistic appearing in most transitional locations.
