Ciro Cabal Ruano

I investigate the belowground interactions between plants from an ecophysiological point of view. I use mathematical models based on game theory to make mechanistic predictions about the investment of plants in root growth and the spatial distribution of those roots in the soil in a context of competition. Much of my research focuses on understanding the tragedy of the commons in plant roots and how this can affect plant communities. One of the great challenges of my work is to be able to determine the distribution of intermingled roots of individuals growing together, as well as to dissociate phenotypic foraging responses from direct responses to the presence of competitors, for which I try to find methodological solutions. In general, I am interested in understanding the competition and facilitation interactions among plants for water resources in semi-arid regions.