Investigating insect herbivore impacts on plant soil-feedbacks through changes to litter quality

Plants alter the biotic and abiotic components of the soil, which can alter the performance of plants of the same or different species that subsequently grow in the soil. Such processes are called plant-soil feedbacks. Much recent attention has been given to plant-soil feedbacks, but most studies have been done in isolation from above-belowground drivers that could affect the strength and direction of such feedbacks.

We are setting up an experiment that seeks to understand the role above- and belowground insect herbivores and resultant changes to litter quality play in driving plant-soil feedbacks. Above- and belowground insect herbivory can affect above- and belowground litter quality and when decomposed, litter that has altered nutrient content, defense compounds, etc. could alter plant performance. This could lead to positive or negative plant-soil feedbacks.

We are seeking a motivated student to assist with a glasshouse experiment beginning the 1 November 2017. If you are interested, please get in touch for more information.

Duration: 6 months