The seedscape is the biotic and abiotic environment surrounding seeds that affect later stages of plant recruitment (Beckman & Rogers 2013).

Empirical studies conducted by the Beckman Lab help develop, parameterize, and evaluate theoretical models, while models point to potential mechanisms underlying observed patterns and guide the development of hypotheses and effective data collection. Using experiments, observations, and statistical models, we link interactions within the seedscape to plant functional traits and evolutionary history to enable prediction for unstudied species, gain insight into mechanisms for species coexistence, and examine ecosystem function under global change. Because empirical approaches are limited in temporal, spatial, and organizational scales, we integrate information from empirical studies with mechanistic models (simulation and analytical) to examine the degree to which these interactions influence plant spatial patterns, limit populations, and maintain diversity.