Introduction: This capstone project paper contains both a thesis-style academic research paper and a conservation factsheet. The thesis-style paper is the result of three years of field experiments and research with the Houlton Lab at Cornell University in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. The conservation factsheet is the culmination of 1.5 years of literature review and multiple interviews with leading researchers in oak savanna conservation. Both works in this capstone project primarily examine plant-soil interactions and their impact on plant growth and communities. Understanding the dynamics of plant-soil interactions is critical for conserving natural resources. Effectively communicating this with both academic and non-academic communities is necessary to ensure that knowledge can be shared and distributed. This capstone project demonstrates my ability to communicate scientifically and professionally to both academics and the public, as well as understanding the complex interactions between plants and soil.