Submitted by Iryna Dronova on
Restoration and management of lands in the United States often focus on a singular goal. In most cases, that focus is on either biodiversity or carbon sequestration. Even though the management may impact both aspects of the ecosystem, restoration goals and implementation still focus on isolated objectives even within the same regions. A notable dichotomy prevails between habitat restoration, centered on biodiversity and endangered species, and ecosystem functions such as carbon uptake and storage. As a result, we still lack a robust understanding of how restoring for a single aspect of the ecosystem impacts other goals and to what extent diverse objectives can be met by a single restoration effort to achieve a “win-win” outcome for both biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Through this project, we synthesize any research that has been done on the interactions between biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling. We will determine what types of ecosystems and restoration techniques are primarily being focused on in this research. Finally, we will collect information about the tools and methods in which these studies are using to quantify the ecosystem impacts of restoration and management. By completing this literature review, we will identify trends in restoration research and gaps in our understanding of the impacts we make by restoring for a singular purpose.
In spring 2024, this position will primarily involve assisting in a literature review. The student will help create search criteria, determine if papers fit the criteria, and synthesize the findings of each paper in relation to studying biogeochemical cycling and biodiversity in tandem. There is potential for this work, if the search for papers is completed in the semester, to include writing up the findings as a formal literature review for publication.
No special skills required! The student must be organized and pay attention to detail to ensure the standards of the search are upheld.