Infrastructure

• Research Sites: Within the framework of our research topics Biospheric-Atmospheric GHG Exchange and Plant and Ecosystem Physiology, we run several eddy covariance flux sites across Switzerland and have been running two sites in Panama. The Swiss sites cover different land use types (crop land, grassland, forest) and span across different altitudes. In addition, within the topic Functional Plant Biodiversity, we also use manipulative approaches to test the response of ecosystems to changes in climate experimentally. Furthermore, we participate in one of the largest biodiversity experiments in temperate grassland.

• Isolab: We are using stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen as a tool to obtain deeper insights in biogeochemical cycles and plant ecophysiology. We thus run two isotope ratio mass spectrometers as well as a stable isotope laser spectrometer.

• Phytotron: Complementing our field research, we use climate chambers to study processes under controlled conditions.

• Eschikon: The ETH Research Station for Plant Sciences Lindau-Eschikon offers great greenhouse facilities as well as plant growth chambers to carry out research under controlled conditions.