Reconstruction of Ecosystems in Arid Lands

在当前生态学理论的背景下，对严重干旱区的生态系统重建进行了六年的研究。其目标是检验若干生态假设，特别是关于演替的假设，并发展预测不同管理备选办法的后果的方法。在怀俄明州西南部的一个露天煤矿上进行了一系列对照实验，并收集了现场植被、土壤、真菌、气象学、无脊椎动物和脊椎动物野生动物演替的数据。在这个项目的最后阶段，调查人员将完成数据分析，将数据综合成主要的研究出版物，并向理论和应用领域的各种用户群体散发资料。建模工作将整合研究并产生一个投影工具，该工具旨在表明不同的管理行动对现场动态的影响。项目产出在基本的生态意义上以及对土地资源管理人员和参与荒地复垦的人来说都应该是非常重要的。该机构继续为这项工作提供出色的支持和设施。项目团队在其团队努力中保持完整和优秀。

Reconstruction of an ecological system on a seriously disturbed arid site has been studied for six years in the context of current ecological theory. The objectives have been to test a number of ecological hypotheses, particularly regarding succession, and to develop methods for projecting the consequences of different management alternatives. A series of controlled experiments has been performed on a surface coal mine in southwestern Wyoming, and data have been collected on vegetation, soils, fungi, meteorology, invertebrates, and vertebrate wildlife succession on the sites. During this final project phase the investigators will complete data analyses, synthesize data into major research publications and disseminate information to a variety of user groups in both theoretical and applied fields. Modeling efforts will integrate the study and result in the creation of a projection tool designed to indicate the consequences of different management actions on site dynamics. Project output should be of great importance in a fundamental ecological sense as well as to land resource managers and to those involved in spoil land reclamation. The institution continues to provide excellent support and facilities for the work. The project team remains intact and excellent in its team efforts.