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U.S. Department of Energy
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Semi-arid ecosystem development as a function of resource processing and allocation: Progress report for period June 1, 1986-May 31, 1987

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5884481
Most studies of ecosystem development focus on the primary producers. This results in useful but restricted views of secondary successional processes. A more complete understanding of ecosystem development requires integrated study examining the primary producers, microflora and abiotic compartments of the system. This study focuses on the interrelationships between above- and belowground processes in semi-arid ecosystem development. We have examined primary production as well as decomposition, plant competition and changes in soil resource pools. Our main hypotheses link aboveground community structure to soil biological activity, development of the rhizosphere and mycorrhizal associations. Added to this are studies in plant life history strategies as well as physiological diversity of microorganisms to assure a more comprehensive understanding of secondary succession in semi-arid ecosystems.
Research Organization:
Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (USA). Dept. of Range Science
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86ER60459
OSTI ID:
5884481
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/60459-1; ON: DE88000890
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English