Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Initiative
Our objective is to conduct fundamental and applied research and extension on how terrestrial ecosystems function.
A key aspect of this research is understanding ecosystem responses to human impact and climate change.
Our approach is underpinned by the recognition that microbial communities are central to numerous ecological processes. Our research strengths are in the application of stable isotope methodologies, molecular characterisation of microbial communities, secondary ion mass spectrometry (nanoSIMS), and complex systems modelling to study biological processes.
The key themes in our research are ecosystems in flux, organic matter cycling and soil-plant-microbe interactions.
TERI is collaborative research initiative between:
- Soil Biology Group (School of Earth and Environment)
- Hydro-environmental Systems Group (School of Earth and Environment)
- Ecosystems Research Group (School of Plant Biology)
Soil Biology Group
We study the impact of land management practices and climate on the activities of soil organisms in the context of their contribution to ecosystem function, with particular interest in nutrient cycling processes.
Areas of strength
- molecular and functional microbial ecology
- nitrogen transformations in soil, water and plants
- carbon bioavailability and modelling
- greenhouse gas emissions
- mycorrhizal fungal interactions with plants and soil.
Ecosystems of current research interest
- dryland agriculture, dairy and horticulture
- minesite rehabilitation of jarrah forest and residue sand disposal areas
- coastal dunes
- polar (Arctic and Antarctic).
Ecosystems Research Group
We study the ecological sustainability of natural ecosystems, particularly forests and semi-arid plant communities, and the response of natural ecosystems to disturbance and environmental change.
Areas of strength
- dissolved organic matter fluxes
- water and nutrient acquisition by trees and shrubs
- carbon and nutrient cycling and rhizosphere interactions
- dendroclimatology
- modelling and scaling-up of ecosystem behaviour.
Ecosystems of current research interest
- open Eucalypt forest
- callitris woodlands
- near coastal catchments
- semi-arid rangelands
- riparian zones.
Hydro-environmental Systems Group
We study the functional interrelations between hydrology, biogeochemistry and biota from the plot to the catchment scale to understand and predict the response of inland water ecosystems to variation in land-use practices and climatic forcing.
Areas of strength
- ecohydrological feedbacks and systems analysis
- thresholds and climate drivers in ecosystem dynamics
- hydrological and hydrodynamic controls on nutrient flux pathways
- coupled physical-ecological modelling of aquatic systems
- climate change and inland waters
Ecosystems of current research interest
- semi-arid wetlands
- southern Australian rivers & estuaries
- arid systems
- coastal groundwater systems
- stratified lakes
