Patterns in water flux and carbon cycle controls along land use and climate gradients

DFG FOR 1246 - TP 2

In the framework of ecosystem analysis and biodiversity the soil-root-plant compartment of Kilimajaro ecosystems will be studied with special emphasis on soil water availability, soil water fluxes, root structure and root dynamics. Spatiotemporal pedohydrological data and data on abundance, spatial distribution and dynamics of roots will be measured and analyzed along elevation/climate and land use/disturbance gradients in order to relate these critical processes to stand level biodiversity. Soil hydrological data will provide important information for understanding solute chemistry and nutrient turnover processes.