Restoration Ecology

The restoration of human altered, biologically depauperate landscapes to more diverse, functionally intact ecosystems provides an ideal arena in which to test ecological theory while providing practical guidance of direct benefit to public and private sectors. We are initiating a series of experiments to quantify competitive and demographic responses of North American tallgrass prairie species (prairie-natives) as compared to species associated with old-field succession (prairie-invasives) in response to varying levels of available soil nutrients.

This research will make an important contribution to the field of restoration ecology by providing a rigorous test of the translation of individual measures of competitive ability to the population-level, doing so within the context of the re-establishment of native prairie vegetation on former agricultural land. By determining the growth and demographic responses of seeds, seedlings, and immature plants to soil resources, we will improve restoration success and ecological understanding of plant competition.

Research is getting underway in the following areas:

•  Quantification of demographic responses to soil nutrient availability and population-level measures of competitive ability. This work is being directed by Dr. Maria Miriti. Background information can be found at this Link.

•  Determination of the importance of soil nutrient availability on community composition and the success of prairie ecological restoration. This work is being directed by Drs. Maria Miriti, Robert Klips, and Peter Curtis. Background information can be found at this Link.

•  Assessment of leaf characteristics and fine root dynamics as drivers of demographic responses. This work is being directed by Drs. Maria Miriti and Peter Curtis. Background information can be found at this Link.

Research opportunities are available on this project at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral levels. Contact Drs. Miriti, Klips, or Curtis to inquire about specific projects, funding, and start dates.

Our work also entails major science outreach and educational components. Ohio State University at Marion, where much of our field work will take place, is a small regional campus serving a largely agricultural community. We have entered into a science education partnership with an area school to develop field exercises using designated plots. This work is being directed by Dr. Robert Klips. Background information can be found at this Link.

Initiating reverse fertilization treatments in the experimental prairie restoration plots.