Invasive Grasses and Ecosystem Health: Dr. Lamb's Perspective

Name: Invasive Grasses and Ecosystem Health: Dr. Lamb's Perspective
Start: 2024-09-24T19:00:00-06:00
Location: Frances Morrison Library

Schedule

Tue Sep 24 2024 at 07:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Frances Morrison Library | Saskatoon, SK

Join us for an enlightening event featuring Dr. Eric Lamb, Professor of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Lamb's research delves into the intricate relationships between plants and soil microbes, exploring their profound impacts on ecosystem dynamics. His work sheds light on the ecological consequences of invasive grasses, such as Smooth Brome, in North American grasslands.
Dr. Lamb's studies reveal how these invasions disrupt native plant communities, alter nitrogen cycles, and reshape soil microbial communities. By selectively suppressing dominant bacterial species, invasive grasses facilitate the competitive release of rare bacterial species, thereby reshaping entire ecosystems.
This event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into Dr. Lamb's groundbreaking research, highlighting the critical role of plant-microbe interactions in maintaining ecosystem health. Join us as we explore the complexities of ecological stewardship and the implications for preserving biodiversity and sustainable land management
Biography of Dr. Eric Lamb:
Dr. Eric Lamb is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, followed by a Master of Science from Lakehead University, and a PhD in grassland ecology from the University of Alberta. Dr. Lamb's academic career spans over two decades during which he has supervised numerous graduate students and authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers, including publications in esteemed journals such as Ecology and Journal of Ecology.
Dr. Lamb's current research is multifaceted, focusing primarily on the interactions between plants and soil microbes, and their implications for ecosystem dynamics. His work explores the ecological consequences of invasive species, particularly invasive forage grasses like Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis), on native grassland ecosystems. He investigates how these invasions alter plant community composition, disrupt nitrogen cycles, and influence soil microbial communities.
Dr. Lamb's research also delves into the intricate relationships between plant roots, microbial communities, and fungal interactions within invaded ecosystems. He identifies key microbial species that play pivotal roles in shaping these ecological interactions, revealing causal cascades that impact soil health and ecosystem services in grasslands.
His expertise and dedication to ecological research make Dr. Eric Lamb a leading voice in advancing our understanding of plant ecology and ecosystem conservation strategies.