You are invited to nominate a dataset to be included in a commentary about the impact of Earth, space, and environmental data using the dimensions of people, planet, and prosperity. Selected submitter...

We are seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral fellow to conduct research focused on reducing bias and uncertainty in the measurement and monitoring of forest carbon uptake from local to global scales...

Biology - UMass Boston

Landim et al. show that seed-dispersal interactions require about two decades to functionally recover in tropical forests in Ecuador, but the recovery time of seed-dispersal functions is delayed in pa...

Abstract. Priming effects in soil science describe the influence of fresh carbon (C) inputs on rates of microbial mineralisation of native soil organic matter, which can either increase (positive prim...

Given the rapid pace of global change, determining if our past understanding of the controls of ecosystem structure and function remains robust today is essential for managing and conserving ecosystems. Here, we revisit a foundational study that evaluated patterns and controls of aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) across topographic gradients and in response to fire frequency treatments from 1975 to 1993 in tallgrass prairie (Konza Prairie). We replicated this 30-year-old study for a contemporary period (2005–2023) and found that overall patterns of ANPP across fire treatments and topographic gradients remained consistent. However, the magnitude of ANPP responses to fire increased substantially (> twofold) in lowlands, resulting in greater landscape-scale divergence in ANPP. Differences in temporal variability among topographic positions and fire regimes also increased (~ fourfold). Annual precipitation remained a primary determinant of ANPP, but atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) has emerged as a new driver in contemporary times. Furthermore, air temperature and deep soil moisture have now become significant controls of ANPP in unburned grassland. We conclude that despite myriad global changes, the primary controls of ANPP have not changed dramatically over three decades, but additional drivers have emerged (notably VPD), and the magnitude of responses to fire have been altered. Increased spatial variation in ANPP as well as interannual variability in ANPP differing more strongly among sites will be particularly challenging for managing this rare grassland. As temperatures and VPD continue to increase, additional revision to our understanding of the functioning of this and other ecosystems will likely be necessary.

Climate change and land mismanagement are creating increasingly fire-prone built and natural environments. However, despite worsening fire seasons, evidence is lacking globally for trends in socially ...

Apply for a PhD: Prestigious Sainsbury PhD Studentships in plant sciences at Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Understanding how forest structure affects microclimate is crucial amidst global warming, especially in biodiversity hotspots such as the North Americ…

Nature, Published online: 01 October 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-03146-w Outlining the trial-and-error processes that are involved in every research project could help others to become more efficient and paint a more honest picture of life as a researcher.

Aim Intraindividual trait variability (iITV), which is the variability among repeated architectural units within an individual, may represent a crucial dimension of functional diversity in plant eco.....

The VCU Rice Rivers Center seeks a full-time Data Manager. The Data Manager will join a vibrant and growing team of student and faculty researchers and instructors at the Rice Rivers Center, VCU’s 366...

Deep root dynamics imposed by land-use change are modifying deep soil structure at the continental scale well below zones of tillage As deep roots disappear, structural unit size increases and ro...

Position Details School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Fixed salary of £49,747 additional allowances may be applicable depe...

Growth patterns recorded in tree rings may predict drought ‘winners’ and ‘losers’. Past studies of drought-killed trees have produced conflicting evidence. Some show killed trees were highly respons...