research
Research on fine roots
The United States and many other world governments have recognized the need to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases, especially CO2. A key component of proposed U.S. policy is the concept of emissions trading, whereby nations can trade emissions credits and debits. A problem with this system is the inability to accurately quantify sequestration of belowground carbon. This was one of many reasons for U.S. withdrawal from the International Kyoto Protocols Treaty in 2001.
My recent research has been aimed directly at the uncertainties surrounding the potential for root turnover in managed and natural plant systems to contribute to carbon sequestration in soil. Toward this end, much of my work is focused on the effects of the environment on root development and demography in both natural and agroecosystems.
Agricultural research
Rising global populations, coupled with the world-wide demand for higher standards of living, will require greater food production in the future. Simultaneously, local and global environmental changes will place additional challenges on agriculture. I hope to contribute to an understanding of how the world's most important field crops (including cereals, legumes, and root crops) will respond to on-going environmental changes (soil salinization, atmospheric ozone pollution, global warming, and rising CO2 levels). Information concerning plant structural and physiological responses to environmental changes will be required by plant breeders and agronomists in their search for stress resistant varieties and sustainable agricultural management practices.