Researcher biography
Qualifications:
BSc. Biology
MSc. Agricultural Science
Project title:
Directing secondary succession of microbial communities to optimise ecosystem services
Project description:
Natural and human-associated disturbances, e.g. intense fires, land-use changes, and chemical treatments, can significantly affect biological communities and ecosystem services. The disturbances can be lethal for many soil microorganisms and disrupt their natural primary succession. Following the disturbance, secondary succession occurs in the vacuum created by the loss of organisms and is typically initiated by ruderal species that are able to dominate resources rapidly. These include populations that disrupt the provision of ecosystem goods and services, such as pathogens. Hence, it is important to understand how disturbances disrupt microbial communities and identify management options to help direct their recovery.
Funding:
ACIAR