dr. MEB (Marinka) van Puijenbroek

I studied my BSc Biology and MSc Ecology at the University of Groningen (NL). During my Master I had the opportunity to do several research projects were I looked at vegetation dynamics. I studied the factors that determine vegetation composition on the saltmarshes and I researched the effect of nutrient mineralization on plant-soil feedback. I continued with a PhD study at Wageningen Dunes, above and The interactions between ecological and geomorphological processes during early dune development, together with Dr. Juul Limpens and Prof. dr. Frank Berendse. For my thesis I conbined greenhouse experiment, field experiments and monitoring with drones to better understand the factors that determine early dune development.

My main interest is what influence plant dynamics. I am especially interested in the effects of abiotic conditions on plant performance.  This can be at a small scale e.g. individual plant level, however larger landscape evolution has also my interest. I am also very fond of dynamic systems and how this influence plants species, especially the coastal areas.

Currently I work at Wageningen Marine Research were I research the factors that influence the vegetation composition of salt marshes and dunes. I work on multiple

• The effect of soil subsidence of gas extraction on saltmarsh vegetation on the back-barrier island Ameland
• Long term vegetation development and sedimentation on the saltmarshes on the mainland of Friesland and Groningen
• Building with Nature Mud motor. We study whether dredged material can be used to grow the saltmarsh naturally
• Building with Nature Marconi. In this project we research the establishment of saltmarsh vegetation on a man-made saltmarsh (in Delfzijl).