| Affiliations: | STEM Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Brooke Dominici bd1052@tamu.edu Ecology and Conservation Biology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Bradford Wilcox, Ph.D. |
|
Meeting Times:
|
TBA |
|
Team Size:
|
3
|
| Open Spots: | 0 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
Exploring and learning new skills within ecohydrology research field. Research credit opportunities.
|
|
Team Needs:
|
Ability to work in outdoor conditions (Texas climate), ability to lift more than 50 pounds, ability to follow written and verbal instructions, basic understanding of ecological functions, and a willingness to learn. |
|
Description:
|
Grasslands and savannas worldwide are undergoing transitions from grasslands to shrublands due to woody plant encroachment, altering ecological and hydrological dynamics. Shrubs such as Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), Eastern Redcedar (Juniper virginiana), and Bluejack Oak (Quercus incana) are known to thicketize, impacting ecosystem functions. The Post Oak Savannah is a large part of the Carrizo- Wilcox aquifer recharge zone, where the woody plant encroachment is believed to impede aquifer recharge rates. This investigation assesses the changes in transpiration dynamics resulting from thicketization within the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion, focusing on interspecies and intersite water differences. In this study, thermal dissipation sensors are employed to measure sap flux, complemented by soil moisture and leaf specific area analysis. Two encroached woodland sites were delineated with variation in shrub species composition. Thermal dissipation sensors were installed into trees of different sizes and species to collect sap flux data, with soil access tubes installed for soil moisture analysis. Additionally, a non-encroached Post Oak Savannah site was established to compare transpiration dynamics between thicketized and non-thicketized areas. The hydrological impact of I. vomitoria, J. virginiana, and Q. incana remain poorly understood. This research aims to understand the roles of these woody shrubs in altering hydrological function, providing incite on the transpiration dynamics of woody shrubs in encroached areas. |