Diversity effects on decomposition

Here’s a big post illustrating a decomposition assay I recently set out in the wetland.  I created bundles of dead, dried macrophytes in various mixtures, attached them to 3-m of nylon rope and tied the rope to posts in the wetland.   I’ll be collecting a sample soon and may post another sequence.

Diversity effects on decomposition bundles and methods - 07.01.2010 - 15.20.04
The overall weighing set-up
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Bundles of different plant mixtures were separated and stored in these mesh bags until use.
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A pile of cattail waiting to be weighed.

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Some bundles were placed in a bucket

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Data entry
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Accumulating bundles

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A poor photo, but this shows the raw material - large bags of dried plant.

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A few small piles of water lily, water hyacinth and Neptunia.
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A tag and ziptie.
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Piles

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Finished bundles
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An array of 21 different combinations of organic matter
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Each bundle was attached to a nylon rope
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Imagine 3 m of this!

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Post placement in the wetland.
A view of the posts
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A sinking bundle

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Number 70

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Another bundle
Views from the fence - 07.03.2010 - 14.47.34
The wetland is deeper and more lush this year