Hart Lab of Ecosystem Ecology

Our lab focuses around the basic theme of controls on biogeochemical processes and productivity in managed and wildland ecosystems.  We use tools ranging from ecological genetics to isotopic analyses, to computer simulation modeling to understand the biotic and abiotic factors that regulate ecosystem structure and function.

We are currently researching: biotic and geochemical controls on ecosystem development along a three million year chronosequence; the influence of the genetics of a dominant plant on ecosystem processes: the effects of forest restoration treatments (e.g., thinning and/or prescribed fire) and wildfire on soil microbial communities and belowground processes; the role of nitrate in the internal nitrogen cycle of forests; the utility of insect communities as indicators of forest ecosystem health; how insect herbivory alters ecosystem processes; the impact of climate change on soil-plant-atmosphere interactions; and the impact of water diversion on riparian forests.

FOR 498/698 Senior and Graduate Seminar Spring '06 Schedule