Elizabeth Bach

I am a Ph. D. student interested in soil microbial community function and prairie restoration. Specifically, I am measuring the effects of soil aggregate size distribution and pore space distribution within aggregates on soil enzyme activity and organic matter turn-over. My field site, the Iowa State Comparison of Biofuel Systems (COBS) includes replicates of two planted prairie treatments (unfertilized and fertilized) in addition to several traditional cropping systems. My research will enhance other research at the COBS site to develop a full picture of the above- and belowground ecosystem processes at work in prairie compared to agriculture. Additionally, I am collaborating with fellow EEOB graduate students and ISU English Department to explore ecological and cultural importance of prairie reconstruction practices.