Effects of stress and disturbance on temperate grasslands: linking plant traits and ecosysem function

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The main goal of my research is to understand the mechanics of community and ecosystem functions in temperate grasslands through the testing of ecological theory, and to provide tools to enable restoration and conservation of grassland ecosystems. I propose to study stress and disturbance (e.g. grazing) and how these factors affect diversity and competition.  The major stress in temperate grasslands is drought.  Global climate change scenarios suggest that temperature will increase and that precipitation patterns will be altered, with a reduction in rainfall during the hottest months in the summer. The research I propose is unique.  I plan to alter micro-climatic conditions in grasslands along a natural environmental productivity gradient by increasing temperature (through the construction of 'open-top-chambers') and manipulating water supply (through rain shelters and water additions).  In combination with these abiotic factors, an interacting effect of grazing will be applied.  The grasslands I study are located in the Thompson Plateau in Southern British Columbia. My objectives are: 1. Test how productivity affects the stability of grasslands to perturbations of both stress (drought) and disturbance (grazing).   2 Assess the role of plant competition in the same system. 3 Use species traits to make predictions regarding species distribution, abundance and community composition and then relate that information to objectives 1 and 2.