Embarking on a journey to decode the intricate dance between topography, environmental variables, and plant life, my recent study at Knox Mountain Park in Kelowna was as follows:
Intrigued by the absence of winter snow, I went to park on a cloudy December day. Then, I went there for two more consecutive days, luckily those two days were sunny, I followed a systematic sampling approach for my exploration across three distinct locations – the base, mid-slope, and mountain top – sought to unravel the impact of topography on plant density.
Initial observations with six replicates hinted at the pivotal role of mid-slope, where the topography orchestrates a harmonious balance of sunlight, water, and nutrients. As I meticulously collected data on soil nutrient levels, erosion rates, sunlight exposure, and more, a pattern emerged affirming the crucial influence of the mountain’s slopes on the abundance of Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, and other plant species.
In a bid to align my findings with existing research, I drew inspiration from an academic journal article on riparian bryophyte communities, enhancing the credibility of my study. The systematic sampling technique and inclusion of replicates bolstered the reliability of my results.
As I charted the final data on the basis of ten replicates, I plotted my final tables and line graphs, a compelling story unfolded – mid-slope emerged as the ecological sweet spot, validating my hypothesis. The intricate interplay of topography, soil-plant interactions, and environmental variability at Knox Mountain Park invites a deeper understanding of nature’s symphony in this pristine natural haven.
I did not face any challenges from weather except the first day, other challenges were understanding the terms replicates, variables, where I got confused between understanding plants as replicates, then I understood that choosing similar sample areas was replicates, plants were my response variables, and rest environmental factors were my predictor variables. I struggled to find sources, finally I have finished observations, now I am heading onto towards my final report.