I am interested in the role of biodiversity in supporting ecosystem functioning in oil palm plantations. Palm oil is now one of the most widely used vegetable oils globally. Increasing demand has resulted in the rapid expansion of oil palm plantations, which is a major cause of land-use change in South-East Asia. I work at the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in Tropical Agriculture Project in Sumatra, Indonesia. Specifically, my work focuses on the effect of different management strategies, such as herbicide application, on ecosystem functioning. I am investigating the role of ants and termites, which are important for soil health and as agents of pest control. To meet future food demands it is important that the management of plantations is sustainable, and based on practices informed by science.
