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My research is looking at the growth rates of Kinnikinnick in presence and absence of a canopy (or forest cover). Some ecological processes that may be involved is the difference in soil type in these locations as well as other competition in vegetation. As seen in several studies, different vegetation will grow in different locations. There may be other vegetation Kinnikinnick is competing with in these locations that is affecting the growth rate. In some of the areas I was completing my research in there was other species growing between the branches of Kinnikinnick. There could be potential that these plants root systems have effects on the root system of Kinnikinnick.
Keywords: Kinnikinnick, soil type, sunlight, exposure, vegetation
You will need to expand on this theoretical basis for the introduction and discussion of your paper. Is kinnickinick most strongly influenced by competition with other shrubs or with forbs or is light the main limiting factor. Does the species tend to have favorable growing conditions related to moisture regime of a site and perhaps that is more of a key factor than either light or competition