Comparing the characteristics of two coppiced areas in Nower Wood Essay Example

plants to receive an equal amount of light. Consequently, plants beneath the canopy adapt by climbing on other trees and plants to access light.

These plants are referred to as climbers. Additionally, there are other plants called shade tolerant plants, like Bluebells, which grow and flower in the early spring before the canopy completes its formation. The level of light plays a crucial role in influencing a plant's growth by determining the extent of photosynthesis and consequently the quantity of food manufactured.

The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2. The plant's transpiration rate partially contributes to an increase in temperature accelerating the combination of Carbon Dioxide with hydrogen to create Carbohydrate.

The pH level of soil plays a crucial role in plant growth, as different plants have varying preferences for acidity. While some plants thrive in alkaline or neutral conditions, others prefer acidic environments. Consequently, plants that flourish in acidic soils may struggle to grow in alkaline ones. Furthermore, the composition of the soil also affects a plant's growth potential since certain soils retain water better than others.

The moisture of the soil is crucial for plants' photosynthesis as it determines water availability. Additionally, humidity affects leaf transpiration and consequently influences water diffusion in plants. Furthermore, human activities such as coppicing directly impact plant growth by affecting their age and developmental stage.

Coppicing involves regular cutting of trees near ground level, which stimulates the growth of multiple shoots from the old stumps or "stools". The harvested wood is utilized in construction, as fuel, and for manufacturing purposes. The required equipment for this process includes a quadrat and a soil auger.

2 tape measures, a pencil, a data-recording

sheet, an environmental meter, a pH testing kit, and a compass are all items included in the set.

Method: We used a grid made by two tape measures to measure 7 factors. These factors include:

• Diversity: We randomly generated co-ordinates and placed quadrats on them. Using a key, we counted the number of different plants within each quadrat and measured the percentage of space occupied by each plant.

Each quadrat, measuring 0.5m2, is divided into 100 small squares for easier percentage cover assessment.
ii. Soil pH: To measure soil pH, we used a soil auger to drill approximately 50 cm deep into the soil. We collected soil from the bottom of the auger and placed a spatula of it into a clean test tube.

Then, we mixed a spatula's worth of Barium Sulphate (which aids in the release of hydrogen ions from the soil) with distilled water. After shaking the mixture, we introduced Universal Indicator solution. Next, we compared the color of the mixture to a reference chart and conducted this test five times at each location. Additionally, we collected soil samples using an auger for soil moisture analysis. Subsequently, we sealed the soil in a container and transported it back to school.

At school, we conducted an experiment involving soil. First, we measured 1g of soil and placed it into an evaporating dish. Then, we heated the dish until the mass of the soil stopped changing. For identifying the type of soil, we took a sample from the bottom of the auger and performed several actions on it using a key. To measure light, temperature, and humidity, we utilized an Environmental meter.

The experiment was conducted in a fair

manner using random co-ordinates for placing the quadrats. Additionally, to ensure fairness, the same auger, pH chart, indicator solution, Barium Sulphate, and distilled water were used.

iii. The soil was consistently dug to the same depth and taken from the bottom of the auger each time.

iv. To ensure a fair test, the soil was placed in a sealed container. The soil moisture method was repeated until there was no further change in mass. This process was also repeated five times per site.

Before visiting Nower Wood, our class conducted a preliminary investigation at school. We examined two areas of land on the school grounds, namely a cricket pitch and a rugby pitch. However, we only focused on measuring the plant diversity at school in comparison to the soil moisture, light humidity, and other factors at Nower Wood. Although our results were presented as a genuine experiment, we were only able to gather readings for the rugby pitch due to time limitations during our school lesson.

Upon examination, we observed that the rugby pitch had a larger number of plants. This discrepancy is a result of the cricket pitch requiring weed killers, pesticides, and more frequent mowing compared to the rugby pitch.