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An Investigation into the Production of Phytoliths in Yellow Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) Compared to Soil Activity
Olinger, Ben
Olinger, Ben
Abstract
Phytolith production by different species and in different growing conditions is important for archaeology, ecology, and carbon sequestration efforts. This study investigates the relationship between soil pH and phytolith production in a common introduced bamboo, Phyllostachys aurea. The hypothesis is that lower pH results in a higher concentration of phytoliths due to increased availability of monosilicic acid in the soil. To test this, soil and bamboo samples were sampled around Williamsburg, Virginia. The phytoliths were extracted with combustion of the bamboo and dissolution of the resulting ash. 3-5 sentences. No correlation was found between concentration of phytoliths and soil pH. The local soils were within the range of pH 5 to 7 and the concentrations of phytoliths were between .15 and .5 % mass. These concentrations are lower than many other bamboos and grasses and either indicate novel results or systematic error due to filtration. If these concentrations are not the result of error, they indicate Phyllostachys aurea phytoliths will be less frequent in ecological and archaeological reconstructions and less suited for carbon sequestration.
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2016-01-01
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Geology