User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My research is focused on studying the disturbance gradient of ecotones within anthropogenic and natural disturbance zones. Disturbances zones can be defined by the term ecotone and are typically found throughout residential areas. Ecotones will result in a transitional area between two communities where interspecies competition between early to mid-successional species can flourish. I am studying Himalayan Blackberry (rubus armeniacus) and its effects within the Pacific maritime ecozone, as this Invasive species has become problematic within the Pacific Northwest. Himalayan blackberry has the ability to quickly spread and due to its longevity, early to mid-successional species typical of ecotones have been heavily affected. Climax species are not affected by the plant, but environmental factors like arrested succession can occur where rubus armeniacus is allowed to proliferate.
By observing the density and average height over a transect I have been able to see the extent of disturbances and seen how succession has been affected. Structural attributes like biomass will not be included within my report, but I hope to be able to show how functional attributes like productivity, nutrient fluxes, and saturation can affect the growth of the clonal vine. The reduction in biodiversity that Himalayan blackberry has created within the Pacific Northwest has become a problem for land planners and understanding interspecies competition that exists between natives and non-native is paramount to restoring natural ecosystems.
