Influence of Pond Cypress Tree Density on Surface Soil Organic Matter in UCF East Cypress Dome

Authors

• Chase Qurollo, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Emilee Agapay, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Laura Andrade Barron, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Varalika Chari, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Isabella Chiappini, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Mercedez Pinzón Delgado, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Lisa Chambers, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

PCB

Course Number

4301C

Faculty/Instructor

Lisa Chambers

Faculty/Instructor Email

lisa.chambers@ucf.edu

About the Author

A special thank you to Dr. Chambers and Graduate Teaching Associate Mercedes Marián Pinzón Delgado for your mentorship. We would also like to thank the Soil and Sediment Lab (SASL) and Aquatic and Biogeochemistry Lab (ABL)  for the ability to utilize equipment and laboratory space. This project would not have been possible without you!

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

Wetlands are characterized by anaerobic soil conditions that slow organic matter decomposition relative to accumulation, leading to the formation of organic soils. While these systems are recognized as critical carbon sinks, small-scale, place-specific relationships between vegetation density and soil organic matter (SOM) remain underexplored in the isolated cypress dome wetlands of central Florida. This study sought to evaluate how pond cypress density influences SOM within the University of Central Florida’s East Cypress Dome. Nine randomly distributed 10 m × 10 m plots were established, and three sampling points per plot were used to extract 10 cm soil cores. Cypress tree density within each plot was recorded, and the tree nearest each sampling point was measured for diameter at breast height (DBH) at 1.8 m to minimize buttressing effects. Soil cores were bagged, consolidated, dried, and analyzed using a Loss-on-Ignition (LOI) muffle furnace. Bulk density, moisture content, and SOM were calculated and spatially interpolated using ArcGIS. Results were inconclusive with a p-value of 0.0953 that indicates no statistically significant difference in organic matter among density groups. Summary statistics showed that the mean organic matter for low and high density plots are almost the same, suggesting no clear trend across groups. SOM serves as an indicator of ecosystem health, hydrological function, and carbon storage capacity, informing wetland conservation and management strategies. More research would be needed to understand how factors like herbaceous vegetation, light penetration, water level, etc. may have a larger influence on soil organic matter levels within this dome.

Keywords

Wetland, Soil Organic Matter, Cypress trees, Cypress Domes, UCF

Recommended Citation

Qurollo, Chase; Agapay, Emilee; Barron, Laura Andrade; Chari, Varalika; Chiappini, Isabella; Delgado, Mercedez Pinzón; and Chambers, Lisa, "Influence of Pond Cypress Tree Density on Surface Soil Organic Matter in UCF East Cypress Dome" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 87.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/87