Parma University Geobotany and Plant Ecology research group

Here at Parma we study the ecological factors influencing the distribution and survival of plant species in mountain ecosystems, especially high-elevation grasslands and peat bogs, characterised by long snow-cover periods. Our two main research objectives are: 1) to explain the mechanisms underlying plant species coexistence, focusing on plant-plant interactions and interactions with other living organisms and the environment; and 2) to deepen our general understanding of complex ecosystem functioning.

Understanding how ecosystems function and the dynamics of interactions between organisms is more urgent than ever as these systems are being profoundly impacted by both anthropogenic activity and climate change. Predicting the potential trajectories of these transformations is, therefore, becoming of increasing importance.

In addition to studying plant species and communities, the main research activities carried out by our group consist in the design and implementation of plant biodiversity and ecosystem-process monitoring, together with the set-up of field manipulation experiments. Such experiments are designed to assess the effects of climate change not only on plant growth, reproduction and phenology at population level, but also on biodiversity, primary production, decomposition and CO₂ fluxes at community and ecosystem level.

Our research group members work in partnership with several international research networks aimed at broadening scientific knowledge and promoting cultural exchange. We also collaborate with research laboratories in other countries and are involved in exchange programmes where students and researchers can take part in experiments conducted in outstanding mountain areas both in Italy and abroad.

Strongly motivated to continue our research, it is the design of new experiments and providing answers to the many research questions in our field today which underlie the basis of our work. New members who share our main objectives and want to understand the role of drivers in biodiversity distribution and that of climate change in shaping ecosystems in alpine environments are strongly encouraged to join us.