User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My project is investigating the gradient of increasing Populus alba density seen in a forested area and if that is associated with soil moisture content. There is an empty dyke near the west perimeter of the study area and P. alba density increases linearly westward, so I’m testing to see if the same gradient can be seen in the soil moisture content. My hypothesis is that P. alba density is associated with soil moisture. This is investigating a form of population ecology that is primarily concerned with the ecological process of how abiotic factors can affect a population. If no correlation is found between soil moisture and P. alba density, then I would consider other abiotic factors as explanatory factors such as soil pH, nitrogen content, sunlight exposure, etc. Biotic factors could also be considered to affect this population such as interspecies competition or the incidence of infectious disease.
Keywords: Populus alba, soil moisture, density gradient
These are great start and now you just need to find some papers related to these ideas for your introduction and discussion.