Assistant Professor
Horticultural Landscape Ecology

405 HFS Building
TAMU 2133
College Station, TX 77803
Email: a-volder@tamu.edu
Phone: 979 845 9277

Educational Background:
PhD Physiological Ecology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands 1998
MS Botany, University of Washington 1997
BS Biology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands 1994

Career Experience:
Post-doctoral Scientist, Texas A&M University Jan 2004 – Aug 2006
Responses of oak-savanna dominants to changes in seasonal precipition patterns and warming.

Post-doctoral Scientist, CSIRO Plant Industry and Australian National University Nov 2000 – Jan 2004 Effects of elevated CO2, diurnal warming and defoliation management on above- and belowground production of Phalaris Aquatica, a commonly used pasture grass.

Post-doctoral Scientist, Pennsylvania State University May 1998 – Sep 2000 Effects of fine root age on the nitrogen uptake efficiency of fruit trees.

Graduate Research Assistant, Utrecht University and University of Washington May 1994 – Sep 1998 Nitrogen economy of polar desert plants.

Classes:
Topics in root-soil ecology
Topics in Root-Soil ecology is a 3-credit lecture/discussion course. We explore basic concepts and current topics in root-soil ecology through assigned readings, classroom discussion, lectures and slide shows. Examples from both managed and natural ecosystems, from grasslands to cropping systems to forests will be discussed. The class covers the role of roots in the rhizosphere, effects of the soil system, nutrient and water stress and climate change on root functioning, and the role of roots in C and N cycling through ecosystems. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussions, and find, present and critique recent literature in the field of root-soil ecology.

Area of Research:
Effects of changes in rainfall pattern and climate warming on the growth, physiology and interactions of oak savanna dominants.

Links to Research:
T-WARM, Texas Warming and Rainfall Manipulation project

Honors and Affiliations:
Member of the Ecological Society of America and Physiological Ecology section

Selected Publications:
Volder A, Smart DR, Bloom AJ, Eissenstat DM. 2005. Rapid decline in nitrate uptake and respiration with age in fine lateral roots of grape: implications for root efficiency and competitive effectiveness. New Phytologist 165: 493-502.

Volder A, Evans JR, Edwards EJ, Robertson BC, Schortemeyer M, Gifford RM. 2004. Does greater night-time, rather than constant, warming alter growth of managed pasture under ambient and elevated atmospheric CO2? New Phytologist 162: 397-411.

Volder A, Bliss LC, Lambers H. 2000. The influence of temperature and nitrogen source on growth and nitrogen uptake of two polar-desert species, Saxifraga caespitosa and Cerastium alpinum. Plant and Soil 227: 139-148.

Eissenstat DM, Whaley EL, Volder A, Wells CE. 1999. Recovery of citrus roots following prolonged exposure to dry soil. Journal of Experimental Botany 50: 1845-1854.

Volder A, Bonis A, Grillas P. 1997. Effects of drought and flooding on the reproduction of an amphibious plant, Ranunculus peltatus. Aquatic Botany 58: 113-120.