First Volume in LTER Synthesis Series Published

Konza Prairie LTER’s Grassland Dynamics is the first volume in the LTER series of books to be published by Oxford University Press.

The book synthesizes nearly 20 years of resarch in the tallgrass prairie. Thirty contributors, four editors, a full-color cover, two color plates, several black-and-white photos and more than 150 figures and tables illustrate this handsome tome.

"The process of synthesizing information from 20 years of research and integrating the components of the book along a common theme truly is rewarding," says Alan Knapp, Principal Investigator at Konza LTER.

"Aside from the long hours of reading and editing, putting a synthesis volume together is truly the best way to gain a real appreciation for the ecosystem one works in as well as a better understanding of its complex suite of defining processes," Knapp says. "I would highly recommend such an effort for all sites...but I am not anxious to do it again in the near future!"