Abiotic and biotic influence (pH, total nitrogen, insect biomass, and light intensity) on northern pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) distribution at UMBS sites.

Abstract

In contrast to the current knowledge about physiology and morphology of the northern pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, very little is known about its habitat. In this study, we attempt to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the possibility of a significant relationship between S. purpurea fitness and abiotic and biotic factors including pH, light intensity, nitrogen content of groundwater and area-specific insect biomass. Measurements of the variables being studied were taken from two sites, Mud Lake Bog and Grass Bay Preserve, each located within 30 miles of UMBS. At each site, four arbitrary plots were chosen for a total of eight plots containing S. purpurea, at which we found a positive correlation between number of pitchers and diameter through a linear regression. This allowed us to use the diameter of each S. purpurea plant as a model for plant fitness. The mean number of pitchers for each site was determined to be significantly different by an independent t-test, but comparison of the dependent variable, diameter, with the independent variables, light intensity, pH, total nitrogen in groundwater, and area-specific insect biomass was insignificant. This study therefore accepts the null hypothesis; that there is not significant relationship between S. purpurea fitness and these abiotic and biotic factors.