Soil ecology and above- and below-ground linkages
 
Many ecosystem processes are driven by above- and below-ground linkages. Much of my research involves identifying and understanding such linkages in a range of contexts.
On going research will continue to focus on:
Changes in the biological, chemical and physical properties of soils in restored, impacted and remnant riparian ecosystems in the Murray-Darling basin, forest communities, and a range of other ecosystems and management contexts.
- Soil ecology in riparian zones along a restoration sequence in the Murray-Darling basin.
- Identification of impacts of plant invasions on soil ecology in a range of ecosystems (eg recently exposed Lake sediments, restored riparian ecosystems).
- Soil ecology in forest ecosystems.
- Project title: Above- and below-ground linkages in the Grampians
Above- and below-ground linkages are increasingly recognized as key determinants of larger ecosystem patterns and processes. Mycorrhizal associations are symbiotic associations formed by the majority of terrestrial plant species with a specialized group of soil fungi. These associations have important implications for the growth, nutrition and ecology of plants. Approximately one third of Victoria’s plants species can be found in the Grampians. This project will assess different aspects of root biology and the types and morphological diversity of mycorrhrizal associations formed by plants in the southern Grampians. This below-ground information will be related to larger vegetation patterns above-ground. This project would involve both Dr Tim Cavagnaro and A/Prof. Jenny Read.
N.B. Prior experience in soil science is not required |
