Dissertation Research: Redundancy of Belowground Ecosystem Function among Native C4 Perennial Bunchgrass Species of Pinus Palustris Savannas.

00- 73943 Donovan/WestDDIG：湿地松（Pinus palustris savannas）的原生C4多年生束草物种对地下生态系统功能的影响植物物种已被证明会显著影响地下生态系统功能，如营养库大小、营养循环和水的可用性。这些研究大多使用外来（非本地）物种。本地物种驱动地下生态过程的程度以及特定生态系统内的冗余量还不太清楚。在该项目中，研究人员将评估氮循环和水供应的关键参数，以及地上和地下的植物特征，因为它们与地下生态系统功能有关。具体来说，PI将使用现场和温室研究，以检查冗余的地下功能的几个bunchgrasss本地火驱动的东南部稀树草原。该研究有望为该生态系统和类似生态系统类型的持续保护和恢复提供有价值的信息。

00-73943Donovan/WestDDIG: Redundancy of belowground ecosystem function among native C4 perennial bunchgrass species of Pinus palustris savannasPlant species have been shown to dramatically affect belowground ecosystem functions such as nutrient pool sizes, nutrient cycling and water availability. Most of these studies have used exotic (non-native) species. The degree to which native species drive belowground ecological processes and the amount of redundancy within a given ecosystem is less well understood. In this project, the investigators will assess key parameters of the nitrogen cycle and water availability as well as plant traits above and below ground as they relate to belowground ecosystem functions. Specifically, the PIs will use field and glasshouse studies to examine the redundancy in belowground functioning of several bunchgrasses native to fire-driven southeastern savannas. The research is expected to provide valuable information for ongoing conservation and restoration of this and similar ecosystem types.