CAREER: Multiple Environmental Gradients Structuring Peatland Communities

本研究的目的是了解在空间和时间上构成泥炭地的重要因素。我们感兴趣的主要属性是植物群落组成、净初级生产量、土壤有机质中的碳积累和微量气体排放。假设气候、pH/碱度、地下水位高度和限制养分是构成泥炭地生态系统的主要因素。以前的研究主要集中在气候变化对泥炭地的影响以及未来气候制度下微量气体排放的潜在增强。将开展另一项平行研究计划，重点研究作为影响泥炭地的主要因素的营养物和碱度的相对作用。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.