PhD research in Carbon Uptake

October 2008 saw the start of an exciting OPAL-funded PhD at Moor Trees. Based at the University of Plymouth's School of Biological Sciences, it is researching the photosynthetic efficiency and carbon uptake of seedlings in the evergreen species Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) and the native deciduous species Pendunculate Oak (Quercus robur).

The project will measure a number of growth parameters such as seedling height and diameter and leaf measurements that will be converted into leaf area estimates. Equipment designed to measure chlorophyll fluorescence, a key element in photosynthesis, and also carbon dioxide (CO2) differences between the atmosphere and the leaf, will give indications of photosynthetic rates of each species at six different nursery sites around Plymouth and Dartmoor. These sites range from Plymouth's urban centre to Princetown (one of the highest points of Dartmoor) and other sites around the lower Dartmoor fringe (see end for list of sites). Therefore growth and carbon uptake at these sites will be monitored in relation to a number of different site conditions such as temperature, rainfall, soil conditions and atmospheric pollution levels.

Volunteers will be able to take part in the continued monitoring of the seedlings recording crucial growth measurements throughout the growing season. Other measurements include soil carbon and biomass estimates for carbon sequestration analysis. Trees hopefully to be planted before Christmas and initial measurements to be taken such as soil samples and seedling height and diameter.

Please contact Demelza Carne for more information.