Meghann Jarchow's Research

I am an applied plant ecologist.  I am interested in researching ways to use native ecosystems - particularly tallgrass prairies - for applied purposes.  Although small prairie restorations on private lands are important (click here to see pictures of the progress of the prairie restoration at my house), being able to use prairies for profit gaining activities provides an opportunity to potentially restore prairies on large portions of the landscape.  My research focuses on using native prairies as a biofuel feedstock (for lignocellulosic biofuels).  I am examining the relationships between diversity, nitrogen fertilization, and productivity of prairies through two different field experiments (Diversity and Nitrogen and Comparison of Biofuel Systems).  I am also interested in comparing multiple applied uses for prairies some of which could potentially be used concurrently, such as carbon sequestration, nutrient pollution reduction, and livestock grazing (Multiple Applied Uses of Prairies).