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Our research addresses the ecology, management and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. The lab's primary focus is understanding how novel environmental gradients (i.e. nutrients, altered hydrology, habitat simplification) influence freshwater ecosystem structure and function. To compliment this research goal, we explore linkages between organisms, management practices, and nutrient cycling pathways in freshwater ecosystems. Our work relies on a combination of observational studies in the field, large scale mesocosm experiments, and laboratory studies that incorporate a variety of analytical techniques including membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS), stable isotope tracers (15N), ecological stoichiometry, metabolism modelling, and community analysis approaches. The ultimate goal is to translate research results into science-based conservation and management strategies for freshwater ecosystems.
Our research addresses the ecology, management and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems. The lab's primary focus is understanding how novel environmental gradients (i.e. nutrients, altered hydrology, habitat simplification) influence freshwater ecosystem structure and function. To compliment this research goal, we explore linkages between organisms, management practices, and nutrient cycling pathways in freshwater ecosystems. Our work relies on a combination of observational studies in the field, large scale mesocosm experiments, and laboratory studies that incorporate a variety of analytical techniques including membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS), stable isotope tracers (15N), ecological stoichiometry, metabolism modelling, and community analysis approaches. The ultimate goal is to translate research results into science-based conservation and management strategies for freshwater ecosystems.
TOPICS
Taylor et al. 2023
The Role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling as Drivers of Aquatic Ecosystem Structure and Function
The Role of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling as Drivers of Aquatic Ecosystem Structure and Function
Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from urban and agricultural runoff or discharge can impact the health of freshwater and coastal ecosystems by increasing productivity beyond natural boundaries (eutrophication). How underlying nutrient cycling mechanisms alter relationships between excess nutrients and ecosystem productivity is key to managing and mitigating nutrient enriched ecosystems. We are currently working on several projects to better understand how the balance of N fixation, denitrification, and legacy P storage influence nutrient limitation in a variety of freshwater ecosystems. Current and future projects include 1) quantifying the balance between N fixation and denitrification and its role in driving nutrient limitation in shallow lakes; 2) documenting the role of N fixation in biogeochemical cycles across a variety of freshwater habitats; and 3) understanding relationships between legacy P and N cycling in freshwater ecosystems.
Developing sensitive ecological indicators for tracking change in highly modified stream agroecosystems
Developing sensitive ecological indicators for tracking change in highly modified stream agroecosystems
Positively skewed ecological gradients in highly modified ecoregions can lead to a lack of intolerant indicator species. This makes it difficult to develop sensitive indicators of aquatic ecosystem health based on aquatic animals such as fish or macroinvertebrates in highly modified ecoregions. We are working with USGS and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to utilize taxa-based approaches to define regionally appropriate sensitive and tolerant species for different portions of the state and utilize this information to develop simple metrics that are sensitive to incremental changes in ecological conditions associated with watershed BMPs. We are currently working across two ecoregions and multiple river basins with plans for additional work across Mississippi and Arkansas. We are examining responses to modified ecological gradients across macroinvertebrate, diatom, and bacterial assemblage datasets.
Best Management Practices That Enhance Ecosystem Properties in Agricultural Watersheds
Best Management Practices That Enhance Ecosystem Properties in Agricultural Watersheds
We have researched how a variety of best management practices (BMPs) influence nutrient cycling and export from fields to aquatic ecosystems in agricultural settings. For the last five years we have been focused on working with farmers and a non-profit (Delta Wind Birds Inc.) to temporary flood farmlands in the Mississippi Delta. Migratory shorebirds rely on wetlands throughout North and South America as stopover habitat for rest and refueling during migrations. Flooded farmland can provide critical stopover habitat for shorebirds during migrations along the central flyway. Flooded field habitats quickly develop wetland properties that can provide other ecosystem services that reduce N and P runoff and loss of soil during storm events. Our team continues to study denitrification dynamics in these flooded habitats and how it may reduce N transport from agricultural areas to freshwater and coastal habitats. We have also recently begun exploring some interesting ecological questions like how does top-down pressure of shorebirds on macroinvertebrate communities influence flooded soil biogeochemical processes.
Click on video below for documentary featuring this project.
Shorebirds entering Victoria Blocker's exclosure/enclosure paired plots.
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