Prairie reconstruction and soil nutrient analysis

Background/Question/Methods

For this research project, we are conducting qualitative soil nutrient analysis from a 60m x 60m prarie reconstruction site at Wright College. We are comparing the soil nutrient levels from this site to three other established prairie sites in Chicago area. Soil nutrient analysis help determine the relationship between soil composition, wild flowers, and other organisms found in the prairie. We are conducting quantitative analysis of soil nutrients using color reagents and ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer) for the purpose of measuring a relationship between nutrient levels and plant growth.

Results/Conclusions

Soil nutrient analysis revealed differential soil nutrient concentration between different sites. Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Calcium was highly concentrated in Wright College soil compared to wet ridge and sandy ridge prairies. Magnesium and Iron had highest concentration in wet ridge prairie, but low is on the other sites. Higher amount of Sulphur was found in sandy ridge prairie compared to the other areas. These are indications that our prairie reconstruction site has high nutrient level suitable for plant growth. With these nutrient levels, we hope to establish a reconstructed prairie with diverse species of grasses and wildflowers.