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

[00-73943]多诺万/韦斯特迪格：热带稀树草原原生C4多年生丛草物种地下生态系统功能冗余研究表明，植物物种对地下生态系统功能如养分池大小、养分循环和水分有效性具有显著影响。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给定生态系统内冗余的数量尚不清楚。在这个项目中，研究者将评估氮循环和水分有效性的关键参数以及地上和地下植物性状，因为它们与地下生态系统功能有关。具体来说，pi将使用实地和温室研究来检查几种原产于火灾驱动的东南稀树草原的束草在地下功能的冗余。该研究有望为持续保护和恢复这种和类似的生态系统类型提供有价值的信息。

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.