Combining snow science and seed ecology to better manage alpine ecosystems. This project aims to determine how ongoing declines in snow affect the growth, development and regeneration of alpine plants

Description

Combining snow science and seed ecology to better manage alpine ecosystems. This project aims to determine how ongoing declines in snow affect the growth, development and regeneration of alpine plants. By linking snowpack parameters (depth, density and duration) with growth requirements (light, water and temperature), this project fills an important knowledge gap about how a contraction of the snow season affects spring flowering, seed development, germination, seedling growth and seedling survival through summer. Outcomes include targeted regeneration information for practical rehabilitation works and for conserving alpine plants in-situ and ex-situ. The project will provide tools to promote alpine ecosystem resilience amidst plant life cycle disruptions, of benefit to land managers and stakeholders.. Scheme: Mid-Career Industry Fellowships. Field: 3103 - Ecology. Lead: A/Prof Susanna Venn