Semi-arid ecosystems, like the ones in the Northern Negev, are important transition zones between the Mediterranean and desert climates. As such, they are highly susceptible to desertification and climate change. Acting as rangelands and buffers to desert expansion, it is imperative to understand the changes these ecosystems may experience in upcoming years and how these changes can be mitigated. Dr. Ofir Katz (EARTHLIFE laboratory at the Dead Sea branch, ADSSC) and Dr. Joerg Schaller (ZALF, Germany) have received a joint research grant from the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a three-year sturdy of silicon’s role in these ecosystems. Silicon is known to play multiple roles in plant adaptation to aridity and herbivory, but not all plants can take up silicon, so its effects on plant community structure and ecosystem functioning is still unclear. The new study will examine how silicon application to the soil affects plant responses to aridity and herbivory, as well as on herbivores. It will include a series of greenhouse experiments in Germany, as well as a large field Experiment in the Avdat experimental farm and LTER site near Sede-Boker. The study is done in collaboration with Dr. Michal Gruntman (Tel Aviv University) and Prof. Bettina Engelbrecht (Univesity of Bayreuth).
