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

00-73943 Donovan/WestDDIG：沼泽松原生C4多年生丛生草种之间地下生态系统功能的冗余已被证明显著影响地下生态系统功能，如营养库大小、养分循环和水分可获得性。这些研究大多使用了外来(非本土)物种。当地物种在多大程度上推动地下生态过程，以及特定生态系统内的冗余量，人们还不太清楚。在这个项目中，研究人员将评估氮循环和水分供应的关键参数，以及与地下生态系统功能相关的地上和地下植物特征。具体地说，PI将使用田间和温室研究来检查几种原产于火灾驱动的东南部稀树草原的束草在地下功能上的冗余。预计这项研究将为这一生态系统类型和类似生态系统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.