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Biogeochemistry of the Rhizosphere
Working Title: The Impact of Invasive Species on Biogeochemical Cycles in Floodplain Landscapes Under Fluctuating Water Levels
Advisors: Melanie Brunn, Hermann Jungkunst, Clara Mendoza-Lera
PhD Student:Sierra Grange
Research Approach:
Soils play a crucial role in many ecosystem services, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching. Previous studies have shown that Fallopia japonica (Houtt.) Ronse Decr., an invasive species widespread throughout Europe, inhibits nitrification and denitrification. As a result, the biogeochemical cycle in floodplain soils shifts toward higher nitrogen availability, thereby increasing the number of electron acceptors that determine the bioenergetic yield during carbon processing.
It is assumed that rhizosphere activity (quantity and quality of root exudates) and the nutrient use efficiency of F. japonica govern the biogeochemical cycle in floodplain soils, but the response to flooding and subsequent drought, as well as to anthropogenic micropollutants, remains unknown. This project focuses on bottom-up and top-down controls in riparian ecosystems invaded by F. japonica, under projected fluctuations in precipitation and associated water level fluctuations, which affect ecosystem functioning.
Contact: Hermann Jungkunst