Dr. Andrew Kulmatiski

Biography

Life on earth is dominated by the poorly understood organisms that live in the plant-soil continuum. I examine the mechanisms through which large scale human activities affect plant-soil interactions. Within this context I explore two different themes: plant-soil feedbacks and plant water use. In both lines of research it is my expectation that results will improve natural resource management. For example, I have examined the potential for calcium addition, soil compaction, and activated carbon addition to ameliorate the effects of anthropogenic nitrogen deposition, soil disturbance, and exotic plant growth, respectively. My research, therefore, is expected to have applications in range management, agriculture and silviculture.