scrAPES #2
Article: http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/city_trees_grow_faster_but_seedlings_struggle_to_take_root__culturing_science_scientific_american_blog_network.pdf
Summary:
Recently it has been discovered that trees growing in rural areas have a much faster rate of growth than that of the other trees in different areas. At first sight, cities seem like they would be horrible conditions for trees. Temperatures are much higher, causing an increase in evaporation of water in soil. Less nutrients are available due to pollution runoff from cars. However in a case study between tress in three different environments, the urban trees experienced the most growth. Possible reasons for this could be due to higher seasons creating longer growing seasons and high amounts of nitrogen acting as a fertilizer. Despite this, seedlings have trouble growing and die early on, however it is not certain what the cause is.
Reflection:
I personally felt that this was a pretty interesting topic. It came as a huge shock to me, especially as I grew up in the city and don't see many trees other than the ones for decorations or in some backyards. When I was younger I always thought that trees were grown solely in the forest but were somehow brought over into the city using a machine or something similar. Despite this however, I think that the rapid growth of trees in urban areas compared to other areas could be due to humans taking more care of them. For example, most people will water their lawn a few times every week. If there was a tree in their backyard, it would get a good amount of water as well.
Summary:
Recently it has been discovered that trees growing in rural areas have a much faster rate of growth than that of the other trees in different areas. At first sight, cities seem like they would be horrible conditions for trees. Temperatures are much higher, causing an increase in evaporation of water in soil. Less nutrients are available due to pollution runoff from cars. However in a case study between tress in three different environments, the urban trees experienced the most growth. Possible reasons for this could be due to higher seasons creating longer growing seasons and high amounts of nitrogen acting as a fertilizer. Despite this, seedlings have trouble growing and die early on, however it is not certain what the cause is.
Reflection:
I personally felt that this was a pretty interesting topic. It came as a huge shock to me, especially as I grew up in the city and don't see many trees other than the ones for decorations or in some backyards. When I was younger I always thought that trees were grown solely in the forest but were somehow brought over into the city using a machine or something similar. Despite this however, I think that the rapid growth of trees in urban areas compared to other areas could be due to humans taking more care of them. For example, most people will water their lawn a few times every week. If there was a tree in their backyard, it would get a good amount of water as well.