Biology Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/2749

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    The effect of salinity on species survival and carbon storage on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland due to saltwater intrusion
    (2019) de la Reguera, Elizabeth; Tully, Kate; Palmer, Margaret; Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    As sea levels continue to rise, coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to saltwater intrusion (SWI), the landward movement of sea salts. Specifically, in coastal farmlands, we expect SWI to drive changes in plant species composition and carbon (C) storage. As soils salinize, standard crops (i.e. corn, soybean, and wheat) can no longer survive and farmers must consider alternatives. Further, transitioning agricultural fields may become C sinks as SWI advances inland and farmlands begin to resemble tidal wetlands. My objectives were to determine: (1) the effect of SWI on the germination of standard and alternative crop species, and (2) the C storage potential of salt-intruded farmlands. Most standard and alternative crops were intolerant to high levels of osmotic and ionic stress at the germination stage. However, sorghum and salt-tolerant soybean showed promise in field experiments. I show that agricultural fields exposed to SWI have a high potential to store C in soils.
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    ARTHROPOD COMMUNITIES IN RIPARIAN GRASS BUFFERS AND ADJACENT CROPS
    (2008-05-31) Nelson, Jessica Lynn; Dively, Galen; Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    Riparian buffers composed of either native warm season or non-native cool season grasses are commonly planted alongside crop fields. Although their water quality function is well documented, few studies have examined grass buffers as habitat for arthropod communities. The aerial and epigeal arthropods were surveyed using pitfall traps and sticky cards to assess the effects of both grass types on community structure in the buffer and adjacent crop. I predicted that warm season grasses would provide favorable habitat for more diverse and abundant arthropod populations, particularly natural enemies. The weight of evidence did not support my prediction and suggests that cool season grass buffers provide equivalent, if not better habitat for arthropods than warm season grasses. Coupled with higher food quality, cool season species green-up much earlier than warm season grasses in the spring and provide food resources for many herbivores and natural enemies.