Grassland Ecology Upside Down: A roadmap to belowground processes, Laureano Gherardi, Evening Lecture

Dr. Laureano Gherardi, Assistant Professor, Dept of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, University of California - Berkeley

Grassland Ecology Upside Down: A roadmap to belowground processes

Grasslands are not just seas of swaying grass; their real complexity lies beneath the surface. This talk flips our perspective, shifting the focus from aboveground plant dynamics to the hidden world of roots, microbes, and soil invertebrates – the true engines of ecosystem function. We’ll explore how global change stressors, including climate variability, nutrient shifts, and land use changes, impact belowground biomass allocation, nutrient cycling, and plant-soil interactions. Using insights from field experiments and global data syntheses, we’ll uncover the mechanisms that shape ecosystem resilience and productivity. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really driving grassland function, it’s time to look down—way down.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

4-5 PM Reception

5-6 PM Lecture & Q&A

Sun Field Station, JRBP('O'O)