IGN 15

Understanding of the Dynamics and Controls of Primary Productivity in a Changing World

Understanding the dynamics and controls of primary production is a longstanding theme in ecology, but few studies are conducted over significant timescales to enable analysis of how controls may be changing with global transformations of climate and land use. This organized oral session will highlight insights gained about the patterns of change and regulation of primary production in a variety of ecosystems from long-term studies that span more than a decade. The goal is to reveal whether common changes are occurring in patterns of change and regulatory features across different ecosystem types, from lakes, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, deserts to forests. Potential presentations might address topics such as the ways in which altered climate, nutrient enrichment, species change and land cover change directly and indirectly alter the dynamics and controls of primary production. The goal is to reveal the ways in which long-term place-based science is driving the field of ecology forward, and to further advance our disciplines by stimulating new, cross-ecosystem comparisons. The session will also highlight the ways in which educational activities and relationships with policy-makers have both improved literacy about ecological systems and informed decisions about drivers of primary production in landscapes.