My research focuses on analyzing the impact of environmental change on plant species and forest ecosystems across large spatial (national) and temporal (century-scale) dimensions. I investigate how these changes affect plant growth, decline and distribution, as well as the overall dynamics of forest ecosystems.
To address these questions, I model species’ ecological niches in relation to climate variables and soil water and nutrient availability. I seek patterns of species decline and colonization that drive species migration and long-term succession processes in plant communities. These evolutions are analysed in light of recent changes in climate and soil fertility, and interpreted in terms of species and communities adaptation or vulnerability to novel environmental conditions.
From an applied perspective, I assess the bioindicator value of plant species in relation to soil properties and the conservation value of plant communities using classification approaches based on the European Habitats framework. The tools developed are used alongside long-term floristic surveys conducted by the French National Forest Inventory to support the spatial assessment and monitoring of eutrophication, acidification, and the conservation status of forest habitats.