Relationship between soil moisture and plant abundance at the Saywell woodlot and grasslands near Stong pond

Data was collected on Monday October 19th, 2015 and Monday October 26th, 2015 at approximately 2:45 pm. The location of the study was conducted at both the Saywell woodlot and the grasslands located south of Stong pond on York University Keele Campus. Weather conditions during that time was approximately 15 degrees celsius with cloudy skies for the first day (October 19th) and 10 degrees for the second day. (October 26th) The study was conducted by randomly placing a total of 70 quadrats in the woodlot, and 70 in the grassland for two days. Quadrats will be placed by throwing a paper ball to determine the location. Once the quadrat has been placed, the experimenter will then provide rough estimation in percentage for the following: (i) grass coverage (ii) other vegetation coverage (iii) total vegetation coverage and (iv) soil moisture. Soil moisture within the quadrant was measured by obtaining a soil sample at the selected depth (approximately 3cm) using a shovel. Once the sample has been selected, then the experimenter will squeeze the soil sample firmly in their hand several times to form an irregularly shaped "ball. The experimenter will then observe the following characteristics: soil texture, firmness and surface roughness of ball, water, loose soil particles, soil/water staining on fingers, and soil color. Soil moisture levels were recorded in 4 different cateogries: 0-25%, 25-50%, 50-75%, and 75-100% based on the USDA guidelines. [1] [USDA] United States Department of Agriculture. 1998. Estimating Soil Moisture by Feel and Appearance. Program Aid Number 1619.