Draft:Sala Lab

The Sala Lab at Arizona State University is a research group that focuses on the functioning of arid and semi-arid ecosystems (also known as drylands), from the Patagonian Steppe and grasslands of the Great Plains of North America to the arid ecosystems of South Africa and the annual grasslands of California.

The Lab uses a combination of data synthesis, field experiments, and simulation modeling to address key questions and challenges facing drylands in the 21st century. It also collaborates with various institutions and stakeholders to promote education and outreach on dryland issues. Currently, most of its experimental work is focused on the Chihuahuan Desert, at the Jornada Long Term Ecological Research site.

The Sala Lab is led by Dr. Osvaldo Sala, a distinguished ecosystem ecologist, sustainability scientist and the Founding Director of the Global Drylands Center at ASU.

Research
The Lab’s research topics include the effects of climate change, woody plant encroachment, and drought on ecosystem services, biodiversity, and carbon cycling.

Major research themes of the Sala Lab include:


 * Effects of changes in climate on the functioning of arid and semi-arid ecosystems
 * Effects of woody-plant encroachment on ecosystem services
 * Controls on above- vs. below-ground partitioning of plant primary production
 * Forecasting dryland vulnerability in western drylands used by the U.S. Dept. of Defense
 * Coordinating global drought research

Awards and honors
The Sala Lab has received several awards and recognitions for its academic excellence and leadership, such as the Tyler Prize, the Ecological Society of America’s Eminent Ecologist Award, and the membership of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences