Microbial phosphorus (P) cycling is crucial for forest nutrition. Previous research focused on microbial biomass P stocks and phosphatase activity, but little is known about the rates of microbial P cycling processes such as solubilization of bound P, turnover of P in the microbial biomass, and net P mineralization. The objective of this project is to gain understanding of microbial P cycling depending on carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and P availability in beech forest soils. The general hypothesis of the project is that rates of microbial P cycling depend strongly on C and P availability. We will, first, study net P mineralization rates, phosphatase activity and microbial P immobilization in a full factorial N and P application experiment in beech forests. We will, second, quantify the mean residence time of C and P in the microbial biomass by labeling microbial DNA with 14C and 33P in a girdling experiment and in forest soils differing in P availability. Third, we will determine the capacity of microbial communities to solubilize P based on incubation experiments with soil extracts and added mineral P. This will be the first study to determine the mean residence time of C and P in the microbial biomass by labeling microbial DNA with 14C and 33P. The main value of the project will be that it relates rates of microbial P cycling in forest soils to C, N and P availability.
BayCEER Colloquium: |
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Th. 2024-06-06 Tracking plant diversity dynamics on islands over thousands of years |
Mo. 2024-06-10 Arsenic biogeochemistry from paddy soil to rice grain |
Th. 2024-06-13 Seeing the forest beneath the trees: Mycorrhizal fungi as trait integrators of ecosystem processes |
Ecological-Botanical Garden: |
We. 2024-05-29 Führung | "Grüne Apotheke: Heilpflanzen" |
Inaugural Lecture: |
We. 2024-05-22 Funktionelle Pilzökologie: Diversität und Prozesse auf unterschiedlichen Skalen |