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: |
---|
Th. 2024-04-25 now Perspectives and challenges in the restoration and conservation of two isolated habitats: gypsum and cliffs |
BayCEER Short Courses: |
Fr. 2024-04-26 Mobile Film Making Workshop (for students of BayCEER) |
Ecological-Botanical Garden: |
Fr. 2024-04-26 Aktion | Kräuterreich & regional: Backkunst im ÖBG (zus. mit HWK) |
Fr. 2024-04-26 Führung | Erdbeer-Minze und Zimmerknoblauch: Gewürzkräuter |
Su. 2024-04-28 Führung | Den Sängern auf der Spur: Vogelstimmen im ÖBG (zus. mit LBV) |