Abstract

Our proposed research question is: How does microinvertebrate soil diversity vary with proximity to trees, water sources, and buildings. Groups will collect soil samples at varying distances from these three variables, then count and identify the species present. Information obtained from the soil samples will help in quantifying species diversity and soil diversity. Species diversity is an indicator of tree and soil sustainability that will provide data for future tree and soil management and be beneficial to the UMASS Amherst campus local climate.