North Central Research Station

RWU 4159
Belowground Processes that Sustain Productivity and Ecosystem Function in Northern Forests

Trees contribute massive amounts of organic matter to forest soils in the form of fine root inputs and litterfall. Soils, in turn, supply trees with water and nutrients essential for growth. All of this is mediated by an intricate web of interactions among tree roots and soil organisms. We are studying how forest management and environmental change affect these biological processes. This will help us determine what can be done to increase the productivity and sustainability of our forests. Our research is focused on:

Carbon Science, Global Change Biology, and Soil Organisms