If you want to explore centipede populations in relation to plant type and plant diversity the following procedure should be followed.

1. Go out and survey your surrounding area.  Find 4 different types of plants which exist in monocultures.  We found patches of English ivy, rhododendron, knotweed, and jewelweed to investigate.

2. For the 4 plant types found in monocultures find 4 different areas each containing one of the 4 monoculture plant types but within a mixture of other plants.  The 8 different test areas need to be at least 1x1/2 m².
3. Identify and record the various plant types which you have chosen and the various plant life in your 8 different sites.
4. In each of the 8 areas divide the 1 x ½ m² plots in half into 2, ½ x ½ m² areas.  In all 8 sites one of these is the negative control and the other is the experimental area.  Clear the negative control ½ x ½ m² areas of all ground cover in all 8 site areas, and allow these areas to remain undisturbed for at least 4 days.  Place a flag in the middle of every ½ x ½ m² area indicating whether the area is the experimental or negative control area (the one cleared).

5. Within the 8 ½ x ½ m² experimental areas observe and record all centipedes found as you dig 15cm down into the soil.  All ground cover needs to be removed before beginning to dig and any centipede found within the ½ x ½ m² plot is to be recorded.  A bucket can be used to place the removed dirt into.

6. After each dig replace the removed soil.
7. After 4 days and having completed all 8 centipede counts for the experimental plots, complete steps (5-6) for all 8 sites in the areas designated and cleared as the negative controls.

 

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