One of the cornerstones of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Environmental Science/Studies program at Stockton is providing undergraduate students with experience and training in scientific research. Our goal is to help students develop skills needed by professionals and in graduate education. Through research, students can apply the knowledge learned throughout their coursework to real world projects. Research in the Soil Chemistry laboratory at Stockton focuses on biogeochemical cycling of contaminants in soil systems. Current projects involve:
- Copper behavior and mobility in vineyard soils: At the present, we are examining physicochemical properties of vineyard soils in the NJ Coastal Plain and elemental content, particularly copper from fungicide application. We will be identifying copper behavior after application both spatially and temporally. We will also examine the bioavailability of copper and the relationship between soil copper and grapevine uptake. We are currently collaborating with several vineyards throughout Atlantic County and are expanding throughout the state.
- Roadway contaminants and vineyard soils in Atlantic County: Roadways have an inherent impact on soils, especially those in proximity to one another. Both physical and chemical property impairment and soil contamination may result. One of our goals is to examine these impacts on vineyard soils and potential soil and grapevine interactions with roadway contaminants, such as trace metals related to transportation and deicing agents.
- Prescribed burning impacts on soil: Stockton University is fortunate enough to possess 1,600 acres of land, which comprises of an on-campus forestry management site. Not only does this site allow Stockton to protect the health of its natural landscape, it also provides faculty with outdoor research space to conduct a number of projects with students. One of my goals is to examine various prescribed burning plots across campus in order to identify temporal changes in soil physicochemical properties.
- Identifying relationships between red maple sugaring and soil properties in Southern NJ: The aim of this research project is to work towards establishing viable sugarbush operations throughout Southern NJ through research and targeted outreach. While sugar maples (A. Saccharum) are the typical tree utilized in the maple syrup industry, our work will focus on sugaring the less often utilized tree (but more common in Southern NJ), the red maple (A. Rubrum). Part of this overall project involves understanding the implications of sugaring on surrounding ecosystems, which includes soil. Soil quality can be impacted following sap extraction due to changes in litter abundance and composition. In the reverse, soil quality can also impact sap quantity and quality. Through examining these relationships along with other ecological parameters, we will work towards developing best management practices that can be implemented throughout the state to improve sugarbush operation sustainability and better define site conditions that are ample for operations.