Melissa was a Senior in Biology (Ecology option) and working on a project linking above-ground and below-ground phenology in temperate tree species.
As part of her project in 2012, Melissa used a minirhizotron camera images to monitor belowground root production and mortality as well as the Licor-LAI2200 to monitor aboveground leaf area index. With this information, Melissa was able to answer questions regarding when new root production occurs in relation to spring leaf production. This information will help us to better understand how different tree species allocate resources during the dynamic period of late spring when leaf emergence results in rapidly increased demand for soil nutrient and water resources.
