Journal article
Researcher effects on the biological structure and edaphic conditions of field sites and implications for management
ECOSPHERE, v 15(1), e4750
Jan 2024
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Field studies are necessary for understanding natural processes in spite of the human-induced disturbances they cause. While researchers acknowledge these effects, no studies have empirically tested the direct (e.g., harvesting plants) and indirect (i.e., trampling) effects of researcher activities on biological structure and edaphic conditions. We leveraged field studies in Alabama and California to monitor the recovery of tidal marshes following research activities. Researcher effects on animals, plants, and sediment conditions remained prevalent almost one year after the disturbance ended. For instance, trampled plots had 14%-97% lower plant cover than undisturbed plots after >10 months of recovery. Researcher effects also impacted plant composition, leading to increased subordinate species abundance. We encourage field researchers to adopt strategies that reduce their scientific footprints, including reducing field visits, limiting field team size, and considering ways to limit potential environmental impacts during study design.
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Details
- Title
- Researcher effects on the biological structure and edaphic conditions of field sites and implications for management
- Publication Details
- ECOSPHERE, v 15(1), e4750
- Publisher
- WILEY; HOBOKEN
- Grant note
- In gratitude for his contributions to this study, coauthors Shelby A. Rinehart, Janet B. Walker, Parker Richardson, James D. Peabody, and Julia A. Cherry dedicate this paper to coauthor Jacob M. Dybiec, who unexpectedly passed away on July 3, 2023. J.D. Long provided equipment. M. Sharbaugh, A. Pasierbowicz, H. Rutter, and A. Wiggins helped collect data in the lab and field. S.C. France provided insightful discussion and resources. F.J. Fodrie and two anonymous reviewers improved the manuscript. This work was performed (in part) at the University of California Natural Reserve System (Kendall-Frost Mission Bay Marsh Reserve), . Thanks to I. Kay for access to Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve. G. Crozier, G. McKean, B. Vittor, and S. Schroeter assisted with field site access at Fowl River and San Dieguito Lagoon. Funding was provided by the University of Alabama's Department of Biological Sciences. This is contribution #84 of San Diego State University's Coastal and Marine Institute Laboratory.
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Drexel University
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001153326000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85182842382
- Other Identifier
- 991021861290104721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Ecology