Intersite Research
As LTER Research Coordinator for the past 18 months, I have observed a wide variety of methods for conducting intersite research. Here are six models; others may be currently in use or under development.
The Airplane Model
The intersite person flies to a number of LTER sites, where he or she talks directly with LTER researchers, enlisting their interest in a particular project. John Magnuson used this approach for the Variability Workshop at North Temperate Lakes LTER (NTL). He visited 12 LTER sites, collecting data on variability across time (five-plus years) and space (five-plus locations of LTER sites). John also identified an interested participant who joined the workshop at NTL and analyzed the variability database from all 12 sites. In this case, authorship of publications will be multiple.
The Camper Model
Here, a researcher develops a multiple-site experiment in collaboration with researchers at several sites. Then he or she loads a camper, van, or trailer with experimental supplies and camping gear and begins a trek to the LTER sites, where the experiments are set in place. Later, the experimenter returns to collect data. This approach was used by Cathy Tate, Konza Prairie LTER (KNZ), to study dynamics of stream organisms, using a series of clay saucers with or without nutrient amendments which were placed in streams at Konza, Coweeta Hydrological Lab LTER (CWT), North Temperate Lakes, and at a non-LTER site in the Colorado alpine.
The Divide-Up-The-Work Model
Here, several scientists interested in a synthetic activity agree to divide up the LTER sites and individually contact them for the desired publications or information. Bill Lauenroth, Central Plains LTER (CPR), Jim Morris, North Inlet LTER (NIN) and I are using this approach to compare root biomass across LTER sites.
The Questionnaire Model
In order to collect information for an intersite project, the researcher designs a questionnaire which he or she mails to each LTER site, requesting certain data. After the questionnaires are returned, the researcher evaluates and synthesizes the data, testing the hypotheses which initiated the project Dave Tilman of Cedar Creek LTER (CDR) is currently using this approach in his study of productivity across lifeform gradients.
The Sabbatical Model
A scientist simply arranges to spend some sabbatical time at another LTBR site, conducting research. Nel Caine of Niwot Ridge LTER (NWF) spent several months at the Andrews LTER (AND), working with Fred Swanson. The two had mutual interests in geomorphology and wrote several papers describing sediment budgets for catchment areas at NWT and AND.
The Workshop Model
LTER sites are invited to send a representative to a workshop which focuses on a particular topic. The participants evaluate the topic, discuss ways to conduct intersite research and, if possible, develop a specific research plan. The recent Decomposition Workshop, organized by Jerry Melillo of the Harvard Forest LTER (HFR), is an example of this approach. Participants designed two intersite experiments—litter bag and soil plot studies—to examine the inputs to soil organic matter (SUM) both above- and below-ground and the slowly decaying fraction of SUM.
Others
If you know of other models for conducting intersite research, contact me and I will add them to the list. In this way, prospective intersite workers will have more ideas to choose among. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to all the above approaches—most involve trade-offs of time and money. But there is one thing the majority of those who have conducted intersite research can agree on: that personal contact and exchange can ensure a project’s success.
Dr. Caroline Bledsoe is also a research professor specializing in tree physiology and nutrition at the University of Washington College of Forest Resources, Anderson Hall, AR-JO, Seattle WA 98195.