Biogeochemistry of the rhizosphere

Working title: On the influence of invasive species on the biogeochemical cycle in floodplain landscapes with changing water levels

Supervising scientists: Melanie Brunn, Hermann Jungkunst, Clara Mendoza-Lera

PhD student:Sierra Grange

Research approach:

Soils are crucial for many ecosystem services, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions or nitrate leaching. Previous work has shown that Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., an invasive species widely distributed throughout Europe, inhibits nitrification and denitrification. As a result, the biogeochemical cycle in alluvial soils shifts towards higher nitrogen availability, increasing the number of electron acceptors that determine the bioenergetic yield in carbon processing.

Rhizosphere activity (quantity and quality of root exudates) and nutrient utilization efficiency of F. japonica are thought to control biogeochemical cycling in floodplain soils, but the response to flooding and subsequent drought as well as anthropogenic micropollutants is unknown. This project focuses on bottom-up and top-down controls in riparian ecosystems invaded by F. japonica under predicted fluctuations in precipitation and associated water level fluctuations, with implications for ecosystem functioning.

Contact: Hermann Jungkunst

System link website:this way