My research focuses on the landscape-scale restoration of native and tallgrass prairies in abandoned gravel pits. Prairie creation in these pits offers a unique opportunity to holistically regenerate ecosystems within anthropogenically disturbed landscapes while simultaneously increasing native grassland habitat. This PhD project will: 1) investigate the addition of beneficial soil organisms (i.e. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) to native grasses and wildflowers in gravel pit restorations; and 2) investigate the influence of soil carbon amendments (i.e. biochar and compost) on native plant growth in highly disturbed soils.

Location

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Disciplines

• Biology

Affiliation

University of Briitsh Columbia