Project details

Collaborators

Chris Blackwood (Kent State)
Kurt Smemo (Skidmore College)
Jonathan Raff (Indiana University)
Josh Fisher (Chapman College)

Research summary

We're investigating how the traits of trees and their associated microbes influence biogeochemical processes in forests. We hypothesize that trees that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi alter nutrient and carbon cycling differently than trees that associate with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi. We refer to this as the Mycorrhizal-Associated Nutrient Economy framework, and have been investigating whether AM and ECM trees contribute to unique “biogeochemical syndromes” in terms of energy transformations and nutrient cycling.

Research locations

• Griffy Woods, IU Research and Teaching Preserve, IN
• Lilly-Dickey Woods, IU Research and Teaching Preserve, IN
  (Lilly-Dickey Woods Forest Dynamics Plot)
• Morgan-Monroe State Forest, IN
• Moores Creek, IU Research and Teaching Preserve, IN