The objective of the Black Cherry Project is to determine the impact of fungicides (used to control cherry leaf spot) on the soil microbial communities and soil physico-chemical properties in stands of black cherry (Prunus serotina), focusing on the effects on non-target organisms. This laboratory will also need to either have the capabilities to measure various soil chemistry and health parameters that could have a direct impact on the soil microbiota composition, or contract with a laboratory that can. We want to investigate the effects of different fungicides on non-target organisms. The objective of the Pitch Pine Project is to determine the impact of the Southern Pine Beetle infestation and the resulting disturbance on the edaphic properties and soil microbial communities within the unique Serpentine Barrens ecosystem of the Goat Hill Preserve. This laboratory will also need to either have the capabilities to measure various soil chemistry and healthy parameters that could have a direct impact on the soil microbiota composition, or contract with a laboratory that can.
