Project:

Examination of the Biodiversity of Earthworms in New Jersey Effect on Potassium Concentrations of Soil

Students:

Itamar Oelsner, Derek Kim

School:

Tenafly High School, Other

Mentors:

Grace Woleslagle

Abstract:

In the Urban Barcoding Project, we seek to assess the correlation between earthworms biodiversity and potassium concentrations. Earthworms digest organic material and can release potassium into the soil by biodegradation, therefore causing soil potassium levels in the soil to increase. Perhaps potassium levels in soil also affect the frequency of certain species of earthworms. We will collect samples of earthworms along with samples of soil, which we will test for potassium concentration. Based on other experiments that have assessed the biodiversity of earthworms in NJ, we expect to find species native to New Jersey that include Lumbricus terrestris (common earthworm), Dendrobaena octaedra, Octolasion lacteum, and Eisenoides lonnberg. However, we will not limit our results to these species only (Hendrix Bohlen 2002).

Poster:

Team samples: