Project:

Relating the Biodiversity of Ferns in Northern New Jersey to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Soil pH Levels

Students:

Seung Hoon Joo, Edward Wang

School:

Tenafly High School,

Mentors:

Alan Brandstaedter

Abstract:

Ferns are a diverse group of plants that reproduce through spores and are good bioindicators for environmental health. However, not much is known about the correlation between specific fern species and the soil condition surrounding it. Using DNA barcoding and soil testing, we aim to find a correlation between fern species and the pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content within the soil. To do this, we will collect 20 samples of ferns and their surrounding soil. The soil will be immediately tested with the Rapitest soil kit, and the ferns sequenced using rapid DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis and identified with the help of DNA Subway and BLAST software.

Poster:

Team samples: