Ecological degradation and restoration across scales
We investigate how degraded ecosystems change and recover, and assess restoration outcomes from field plots to landscapes and regions.
Our research examines vegetation dynamics, soil–water processes, biodiversity patterns, and ecosystem state changes in degraded and restored landscapes.
Research Themes
Four connected themes describe the ecological questions we investigate across degraded and restored ecosystems.
Ecosystem states
Degradation and Recovery Trajectories
We investigate the processes and trajectories of ecosystem degradation and recovery, with a focus on key drivers, state transitions, and practical management windows for restoration.
Environmental processes
Soil–Water–Salinity Interactions
We examine how soil properties, hydrology, microtopography, groundwater, and salt accumulation shape vegetation establishment and restoration outcomes.
Ecological responses
Biodiversity Responses to Restoration
We assess how plant communities, soil fauna, and habitat conditions respond to restoration, linking field observations with spatial evidence and ecological indicators.
Spatial scales
Ecological Change across Scales
We connect plot-level observations with landscape and regional patterns to understand vegetation dynamics, degraded patches, land-cover change, and restoration progress.
Research Methods
These are complementary research capabilities rather than a fixed sequence of steps.
Field observation
Vegetation, soil, fauna, and habitat surveys.
Spatial monitoring
UAV imagery, satellite remote sensing, and GIS.
Ecological analysis
Indicators, statistical modelling, and threshold behaviour.
Restoration assessment
Outcomes, state transitions, and management windows.
Selected Current Work
Current research and teaching activities connect ecological mechanisms with monitoring, assessment, and restoration practice.
Research project · Saline–alkali restoration
Critical Transitions in Saline–Alkali Land Restoration
We investigate spatial persistence, threshold behaviour, and legacy effects of saline–alkali bare land in coastal reclamation zones to identify ecosystem state transitions and management windows.
Research project · Vegetation dynamics
Bamboo Forest Monitoring and Vegetation Dynamics
We use field surveys, UAV imagery, and satellite remote sensing to monitor bamboo forest distribution, seasonal dynamics, and ecological effects in subtropical landscapes.
Research project · Biodiversity
Biodiversity Responses to Habitat Heterogeneity
We examine how plant communities and soil fauna respond to habitat structure, microhabitat conditions, and ecological restoration practices.
Teaching and outreach
Teaching-Based Restoration Practice
We develop microhabitat garden experiments and field-based activities that connect restoration concepts with hands-on observation, design, and assessment.