Are there important ecological links between soil fertility and the biological control of insects?
Organic and other cropping systems under the larger heading of “sustainable agriculture” seek to build organic matter in soil. We are examining how increased organic matter impacts soil foodwebs, and interactions between species in below- and aboveground foodwebs. Washington is very diverse ecologically, with equally diverse agriculture. More than 100 crops are grown here, providing opportunities for students to find a system that matches almost any question of interest.
