Nutrient Analysis Lab | Research Students & Projects | Agroforestry Research | Publications & Reports
Our group has broad interests in the area of plant ecology in the tropics. Through various collaborations we have undertaken projects related to rainforests, tropical woodlands and savanna, fresh and saline wetlands, tree plantations, and aspects of agroecology.
Specific research interests have focused on the following areas:
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Nutrient cycling and productivity in tropical plant communities
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Ecology of wetlands; eutrophication; water quality
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Rainforest ecology
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Fire and seedbank ecology
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Weed ecology
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Agroforestry
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Mine-site rehabilitation
Nutrient cycling in tropical forests
Research on nutrient cycling in tropical rainforests continues. Several research students and myself have examined litter fall and decomposition, aboveground and belowground biomass and nutrient standing stocks, soil nutrient availability, and nutrient fluxes in precipitation, stemflow, throughfall and streamflow. Scott Parsons (PhD student) is working with our Centre for Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, to determine the likely impacts of climate change on litter decomposition, nutrient cycling and soil fauna.
Disturbance and regeneration in tropical forests
Dian Latifah (PhD student) is looking at the impacts of cyclonic disturbance on regeneration and demography of rainforest palm species in the Mission Beach area. Yansen Yansen (PhD student) is researching the ecophysiology of vines and hemiepiphytes.
Ecology of invasive and native species
We are also examining the ecology of invasive grass species (Urochloa mutica, Megathyrsus maximus) and the native species with which they interact in wetlands and savanna-woodlands, in order to better understand how these species can be managed in conservation reserves. Bree Clouten (MAppSc student) is currently looking at the comparative reproductive ecology of Megathyrsus maximus and the native Themeda triandra, Heteropogon contortus and H. triticeus, including aspects of phenology, germination and response to management practices.
Fire and seedbank ecology
In collaboration with the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, we are examining the requirements for regeneration of several Acacia species. Some species are able to resprout after fire, while others only re-establish from seed. The results of this research will help guide the fire management plans for conservation reserves.
Agroforestry
We are also investigating aspects of production and nutrient cycling in rainforest trees grown in plantations. Currently we are focussing on African Mahogany(Khaya senegalensis). Jacob Thomson is using theJCU Nelder wheel to examine interactions between tree density and pasture growth. Heath Addison has previously examined the shade tolerance of pasture legumes in agroforestry plantations. Earlier studies by Andi Amar focused on the interactions between legumes and trees in semi-arid pastures, with respect to shade, soil type and drought. See our Agroforestry Research page for further information.
Future Research Opportunities
Aspects of nutrient cycling in tropical rainforest
Fire ecology and land management
Seed banks in tropical wetlands
Nutrition of tropical timber species
Pasture growth and composition under trees in agroforestry situations
Contact Details
Dr Robert (Bob) Congdon
School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia 4811
Telephone: +61 7 4781 4731
Fax: +61 7 4725 1570
Email: Robert.Congdon@jcu.edu.au
Content created by Bob Congdon
Updated on 15-February-2008
