CAREER: Multiple Environmental Gradients Structuring Peatland Communities

9629415 Bridgham 这项研究的目标是了解在空间和时间上构造泥炭地的重要因素。 感兴趣的主要属性是植物群落组成、净初级生产力、土壤有机质中碳的积累以及痕量气体排放。 据推测，四个主要环境梯度（气候、pH/碱度、地下水位高度和限制养分）是构建泥炭地生态系统的主要因素。 先前的研究重点是气候变化对泥炭地的影响以及未来气候条件下微量气体排放的潜在增加。 将进行另一个平行研究计划，重点关注营养物和碱度作为影响泥炭地的主要因素的相对作用。 创新的教育活动将与积极的研究计划相结合，为学生提供生态学理论和实践的第一手经验。

9629415 Bridgham The goal of this research is to understand the important factors that structure peatlands in space and time. Major attributes of interest are plant community composition, net primary production, accumulation of carbon in soil organic matter, and trace gas emissions. It is hypothesized that four major environmental gradients (climate, pH/alkalinity, water-table height, and limiting nutrients) are the primary factors structuring peatland ecosystems. Previous research has focused upon climate change impacts on peatlands and the potential enhancement of trace gas emissions under future climatic regimes. An additional parallel research program will be conducted that focuses on the relative roles of nutrients and alkalinity as major factors influencing peatlands. Innovative educational activities will be integrated with an active research program to provide students with first-hand experience in the theory and practice of ecology.