Methods
Summary
The planned field work methods of this project includes seasonal collection trips at both research sites. We have obtained the proper permits to collect, and plan to collect approx 24 samples per visit per site.
The planned laboratory methods of this project include using a gas exchange chamber, chlorophyll fluorescence, and pigment analysis. All of these experiments will help us understand the photosynthetic efficiency of the moss samples. We will use a GFS-3000 for the gas exchange measurements, SpectroMAX 190 for pigment analysis, and a FMS-300 PAM for fluorescence measurements. We also plan to collect weather data of each site, in order to evaluate how climate and seasons may affect these plants with the DENDRA database!
Challenges
The challenges I expect to face are with obtaining the right samples. There is a lot of different moss species in both the Mojave and Sonoran, so I will need to become very good at moss ID. We can also expect issues with technology (gas exchange) and machinery as well as some human error. We have to work on fixing the dark adapted clips for flurometery so our measurements will be accurate.
Protocols
This project has not yet shared any protocols.
