In order to create a successfully self-sustaining mesocosm, I researched other mesocosms which have survived for a long period of time, and found various instructions and 'how-to's which guided me through designing my own method.
Choosing materials
Sealed glass jar
The jar must be glass in order to allow the entry of sunlight, which is the main source of energy for the mesocosm. Sealing the jar prevents entry and exit of foreign matter whilst allowing heat and light to enter and exit.
Pebbles
Many websites suggested using pebbles in a terrarium or mesocosm. I have decided to include a thin layer of pebbles at the bottom of the jar to facilitate drainage, allowing the water a place to travel to and ensuring that the soil does not become overly moist.
Soil
Potting soil is an essential component of the mesocosm, as it is the growth medium for the plants. The bacteria present in potting soil will encourage the growth of the plants as the two work together in an ecosystem.
Water
Water is an element that is vital to the survival of the plants. Assuming that my mesocosm will be self sufficient, I will only water it at the beginning of the process. I will be collecting this water from a nearby stream, as there is an abundance of bacteria present, therefore encouraging growth within the mesocosm.
Plants
To begin with, I am forming my mesocosm entirely with plants from my own garden - baby ferns, native violets and moss (naturally growing on soil). Of course, I ensured that all the roots were attached so that they are able to grow in the new soil. If these plants do not appear to survive or thrive in the enclosed environment after one week or so, I may need to add more or replace them with other species which are even better suited to the conditions. The three species which I am beginning with may not be enough to create a thriving ecosystem, however I will reassess at the end of one week.
The jar must be glass in order to allow the entry of sunlight, which is the main source of energy for the mesocosm. Sealing the jar prevents entry and exit of foreign matter whilst allowing heat and light to enter and exit.
Pebbles
Many websites suggested using pebbles in a terrarium or mesocosm. I have decided to include a thin layer of pebbles at the bottom of the jar to facilitate drainage, allowing the water a place to travel to and ensuring that the soil does not become overly moist.
Soil
Potting soil is an essential component of the mesocosm, as it is the growth medium for the plants. The bacteria present in potting soil will encourage the growth of the plants as the two work together in an ecosystem.
Water
Water is an element that is vital to the survival of the plants. Assuming that my mesocosm will be self sufficient, I will only water it at the beginning of the process. I will be collecting this water from a nearby stream, as there is an abundance of bacteria present, therefore encouraging growth within the mesocosm.
Plants
To begin with, I am forming my mesocosm entirely with plants from my own garden - baby ferns, native violets and moss (naturally growing on soil). Of course, I ensured that all the roots were attached so that they are able to grow in the new soil. If these plants do not appear to survive or thrive in the enclosed environment after one week or so, I may need to add more or replace them with other species which are even better suited to the conditions. The three species which I am beginning with may not be enough to create a thriving ecosystem, however I will reassess at the end of one week.
The longest surviving mesocosm
David Latimer planted a 'garden in a bottle' in 1960 as an experiment to test how long a tightly sealed ecosystem is able to survive. After planting 4 seedlings in a large jar, 3 of the 4 species died, however the fourth (spiderwort plant) survived. The mesocosm has not been watered since 1972, yet remains to thrive entirely on recycled air, water and nutrients. The system is based on the symbiotic relationship that has developed between the plants and the bacteria in the soil.
Article: http://www.pickchur.com/2013/02/53-years-old-sealed-bottle-garden/
Article: http://www.pickchur.com/2013/02/53-years-old-sealed-bottle-garden/
Terrestrial or aquatic?
An aquatic ecosystem is a collection of communities in a water environment. This includes swamps, streams, lakes, rivers and oceans. Aquatic ecosystems are more stable than terrestrial, as there are smaller fluctuations in abiotic factors, particularly temperature. They are also very rich in nutrients, and therefore support a greater range of lifeforms than terrestrial ecosystems. Phytoplankton are the primary producers. Availability of oxygen and light is sometimes a limiting factor, as there is often less present under water than above water. There are two separate types of aquatic ecosystems: marine and freshwater.
A terrestrial ecosystem is found on land. Biotic factors include a wide range of organisms, both plants and animals, whilst abiotic factors include natural landforms and climate.
I have decided to create a terrestrial mesocosm rather than aquatic, and only with plants. Using only plants does not require as much responsibility for animals' lives and also aligns with ethical guidelines. It also means that I do not need to buy any materials, as I am able to collect suitable plants from my own garden.
A terrestrial ecosystem is found on land. Biotic factors include a wide range of organisms, both plants and animals, whilst abiotic factors include natural landforms and climate.
I have decided to create a terrestrial mesocosm rather than aquatic, and only with plants. Using only plants does not require as much responsibility for animals' lives and also aligns with ethical guidelines. It also means that I do not need to buy any materials, as I am able to collect suitable plants from my own garden.
Suitable plants
Initially, I imagined cacti and succulents in my mesocosm, as I know that they require minimal maintenance, however after some research I found that cacti are unsuitable as the climate will be too hot and humid to facilitate their survival. I also found that younger plants are better as the restricted resources within the jar mean that they will only grow to the limit of the jar. Spreading creepers are able to survive in the conditions, as they grow quickly, upward and outward, however I am concerned that this may eventually block sunlight from reaching other plants. Many websites suggested grasses ferns and miniature shrubs, as they are able to adapt to the conditions. Mosses are also suited to damp environments, however only some mosses thrive in warmth. One website suggested that it is best to choose moss that is already growing on soil, as it can quickly learn to grow in the mesocosm, rather than that which is growing on a rock or log. I conducted a lot of my research on gardening websites, particularly those focused on closed terrariums, as this is basically the same idea as my mesocosm. Multiple websites suggested native violets, miniature ferns and 'baby tears' - a ground plant with a moss-like appearance.
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Methodology
I referred to a number of scientific and gardening resources to fully understand the best approach to take in terms of designing a method for my mesocosm.
Below are a few of the websites I used:
http://www.amphi.com/media/CMSImport/F15FAAD7DEB049CE9377BF86A4E36C4F.pdf
http://www.realestate.com.au/blog/make-a-self-sustaining-terrarium/
http://www.gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-how-to-make-a-closed-terrarium
http://www.instructables.com/id/Tiny-Terrariums-1/
Research question: With the plants and materials I have chosen, is it possible for me to create a sustainable terrestrial ecosystem within a sealed glass jar?
Aim: to create a self-sustaining terrestrial mesocosm
Variables:
Independent - materials/plants/size of jar, location
Dependent - temperature, humidity, condensation, growth of moss
Method:
1. Add a thin layer of pebbles to the bottom of the jar.
2. Add a thin layer of soil on top of the pebbles.
3. Add plants of choice, then cover with more soil, ensuring the roots are secure in the soil.
4. Nestle moss into the top layer of the soil.
5. Pour in water - enough to make bottom layer of pebbles slightly wet.
6. Seal jar with lid and place in sunny spot. (Note: Mesocosm shouldn't be placed in direct sunlight as this will burn the plants and restrict their growth. Instead place in a location with indirect sunlight.)
Below are a few of the websites I used:
http://www.amphi.com/media/CMSImport/F15FAAD7DEB049CE9377BF86A4E36C4F.pdf
http://www.realestate.com.au/blog/make-a-self-sustaining-terrarium/
http://www.gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-how-to-make-a-closed-terrarium
http://www.instructables.com/id/Tiny-Terrariums-1/
Research question: With the plants and materials I have chosen, is it possible for me to create a sustainable terrestrial ecosystem within a sealed glass jar?
Aim: to create a self-sustaining terrestrial mesocosm
Variables:
Independent - materials/plants/size of jar, location
Dependent - temperature, humidity, condensation, growth of moss
Method:
1. Add a thin layer of pebbles to the bottom of the jar.
2. Add a thin layer of soil on top of the pebbles.
3. Add plants of choice, then cover with more soil, ensuring the roots are secure in the soil.
4. Nestle moss into the top layer of the soil.
5. Pour in water - enough to make bottom layer of pebbles slightly wet.
6. Seal jar with lid and place in sunny spot. (Note: Mesocosm shouldn't be placed in direct sunlight as this will burn the plants and restrict their growth. Instead place in a location with indirect sunlight.)