Analyzing pitcher plant redness in association with a nutrient gradient at Mud Lake Bog.

Abstract

Often times, scientists simplify the nutrient cycles and availability in bogs as being “nutrient-poor.” However, as more research emerges, the nutrient cycling in bogs appears to be more complicated than originally thought. The purpose of the study was to observe nutrient gradients within Mud-Lake bog and to examine the influence of available nutrients on species living in the harsh conditions. We sampled a 2800 m2 plot at Mud-Lake bog in northern Michigan by creating transects, taking water samples at each site, and analyzing each sample for nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate concentrations. Additionally, we recorded pitcher plant (Sarracenia spp.) redness in order to determine if nutrient concentration has an influence on their color. The results revealed that there was no phosphate or ammonium gradient within our plot, but there was a nitrate gradient. This may be due to the presence of trees, like Larix laricina and Picea mariana, which contribute to nitrogen mineralization. The pitcher plant results indicated that there was no relationship between pitcher plant redness and any of the nutrients, suggesting that redness of pitcher plants is not a good indicator for nutrient poor areas within the bog. Wetlands have an important role in ecology, serving as a carbon sink, flood barrier, and habitat for organisms. Understanding nutrient cycles is essential to conserving and preserving bogs and other wetlands.