Modelling the distribution and functional responses of temperate forest seedlings to climate, soils, and symbioses

Understanding large-scale responses of forests to climate change is essential if we are to design appropriate management strategies. Suitable ecosystems in which to validate predicted responses are hard to find in the UK due to the scale and history of human land-use impacts. Hence for a broader understanding of the responses of forests to climate change we must look elsewhere. British Columbia (BC), Canada, has a land area four times greater than the UK, of which 66% is forested. Douglas-fir is a key component of these forests and has the widest latitudinal range of any tree species in North America: 54o (central BC) to 19o (Mexico). It is also a common exotic timber species worldwide. The natural northern distribution boundary of Douglas-fir in BC makes this an interesting species and location for studying forest responses to climate and land-use change. Studies of species responses to climate change almost invariably focus on climate itself as a predictor, yet there are several other key determinants of changes in distribution and function. For trees like Douglas-fir, soils provide the ecological context into which individual plants must disperse, germinate, establish, and develop. Soil biology is particularly important: Douglas-fir forms obligate symbotic associations with ectomycorrhizal fungi, but must also contend with fungal pathogens like Armillaria root disease. Layered onto these climatic, geographic, biotic and abiotic ecosystem components is human land-use. The disturbances arising from forest harvesting practices, the creation of parks, and natural processes can have significant impacts on future forests. The aims of this project are to: • collect quantitative data on i) survival, growth, and aboveground functional traits of multiple Douglas-fir provenances, grown at a series of sites along a drought stress gradient, and ii) belowground functional traits of Douglas-fir and its fungal symbionts using lab approaches • use this data to parameterize models of Douglas-fir responses to climate change, soils, and land-use impacts • construct individual-based models of Douglas-fir incorporating information on climate, soils, and soil biota to explore the consequences for forest regeneration and migration in a wide range of abiotic and biotic conditions This project will use field, lab, and mathematical approaches to construct more accurate models of forest responses to future climate change. Funding for overseas travel and 3 months of fieldwork experience (summer 2018) in the temperate coniferous forests of BC will be provided for the student in addition to QMEE core support. This will use the field sites established by Dr. Pickles and collaborators (UBC) as part of their project ‘Designing sustainable forest renewal practices for our changing climate’. Small-scale manipulative experiments to explore belowground functional ecology (e.g. enzyme production, nutrient uptake) will take place in Prof. Tibbett’s labs and controlled environment facilities at the University of Reading. Development of mathematical models with Prof. Richard Sibly will use programming in R, and an ability to work in both mathematical and biological frameworks will be a big advantage. When applying for this position please provide evidence of the following: • interest in the aims of the QMEE CDT • research experience/potential • academic training (degree class obtained or expected in BSc/MSc; at least two academic references). You may apply directly to the supervisor by sending your CV, a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the CDT and the specific project, and the names and e-mail addresses of two academic referees. At least one of them should have supervised you on a previous research project. Please see the QMEE website for more information.