In ecology, interspecific competition occurs between two different species that compete for the same resources (Connell, 1983). These resources include sunlight, water, nutrients, space and mates (Connell, 1983). Interspecific competition can lead to reduced fitness of one or both of the species, as resources of the ecosystem become limited (Connell, 1983). In this study, the effects of interspecific competition were compared between Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) and Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy). It should be done to determine the growing effects of an invasive species vs. a native species. C. dactylon is an invasive species that is mainly found in southeastern United States and can survive in adverse environmental conditions
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This experiment will last for duration of 5 months lasting from march- july of 2016. The seeds for both the C. dactylon and C. vialis will be purchased and planted in the area of high nitrates. A 12x12 plot will be created to grow the seeds. This plot will also be fenced off to keep away predators that could harm the plants. Both the plants will receive the same amount of resources and similar growth conditions. This includes the same amount of sunlight and water and nutrients. The plots will be in an area that is not blocked off by a tree so they can receive proper sunlight. The seeds will be manually watered twice a week. The C. dactylon will receive water 5 inches in depth as well as the C. vialis. A soil measuring kit will be used to run various tests on the two different plants. A tape measure will also be used to determine the height of the surviving plant. The experimental group will receive the water with the fertilizer that includes nitrates, plotting soil and light from the sun. The control group will receive regular water, with no fertilizer, plotting soil and sunlight. The two plants will compete for the same resources to see which one will thrive the best. I expect the C. dactylon to thrive the best the best in these conditions. A chi squared test and a statistical test will be run for the analysis. This will compare the two plants and examine the hypothesis to see if it will be rejected or
This experiment will last for duration of 5 months lasting from march- july of 2016. The seeds for both the C. dactylon and C. vialis will be purchased and planted in the area of high nitrates. A 12x12 plot will be created to grow the seeds. This plot will also be fenced off to keep away predators that could harm the plants. Both the plants will receive the same amount of resources and similar growth conditions. This includes the same amount of sunlight and water and nutrients. The plots will be in an area that is not blocked off by a tree so they can receive proper sunlight. The seeds will be manually watered twice a week. The C. dactylon will receive water 5 inches in depth as well as the C. vialis. A soil measuring kit will be used to run various tests on the two different plants. A tape measure will also be used to determine the height of the surviving plant. The experimental group will receive the water with the fertilizer that includes nitrates, plotting soil and light from the sun. The control group will receive regular water, with no fertilizer, plotting soil and sunlight. The two plants will compete for the same resources to see which one will thrive the best. I expect the C. dactylon to thrive the best the best in these conditions. A chi squared test and a statistical test will be run for the analysis. This will compare the two plants and examine the hypothesis to see if it will be rejected or