Simulating change in ecological systems can take many forms. We are interested in making generalisations about ecological response to change, including climate and land-use intensity. We aere transplanting mesocosms along elevation gradients in mountains to explore such impacts. What are your opinions about the drawbacks, benefits, pitfalls etc of such approaches? Comments from all angles of ecology, soil science, statistics etc welcomed!
My immediate thought is the risk of introducing plants that don't usually occur in those areas (even if they are indigenous) and precautions you might take to prevent that happening :)
Ecological response to change cannot be easily experimented because such changes are quite slow and complex. Natural ecosystems are highly complex and dynamic environmental settings where alternatives of diverse kinds are present, which are not easily noticeable normally. Continuous monitoring and careful observations are required to elicit true information. Apart from the diverse environment factors such as soil, water and atmosphere, the environment include interaction factors, especially in a dynamic system, which makes it highly complex. However, key factors can be identified and monitored. Therefore, simulation should include all aspects of complexities in relation to the kind of ecosystem monitored.
Interesting research idea. I was a bit puzzled till I read your research interest, arctic- alpine vegetation in the temperate zone. Here gradient transplant may be feasible. Have you considered in your research design that land use change may be driving vegetation change? And how to account for grazing?
Two papers on your research object are attached for context.
Article Fine resolution distribution modelling of endemics in Majell...
Article Pinus mugo Krummholz Dynamics During Concomitant Change in P...
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