Ecological Interactions in Soil: Experiments on Populations and Processes

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In this proposed research, Dr. Coleman and his colleagues at the University of Georgia will investigate and concentrate on factors influencing the structural and functional complexity of soil faunal communities, on interactions among fauna and with their bacterial and fungal prey, and on the effects of these interactions on higher plants. In their work, they will also attempt to make correlations between community structure and ecosystem function, which they feel is an essential step in unifying "population" and "ecosystems" approaches in ecology. The work is of great interest to soil biologists and ecologists but has major implications for management practices in agricultural systems and forestry. The Program recommends funding.