Changes in elemental balance due to rising atmospheric CO2 and N deposition
The burning of fossil fuels and the increase use of nitrogen for agricultural purposes led to a substantial rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and N deposition since the industrial revolution. As a result, the C and N content in plant and soils increased disproportionally to other elements such as phosphorus (P), which is vital element for all life forms as a major constituent of many biomolecules. Our goal is to explore whether the man-made rise in bioavailable forms of C and N are generating imbalances in the C:N:P ratios of plant tissues and soils, leading to enhanced global P limitation.
In our lab we explore the response of plant growth and the C:N:P ratios of plant tissues that grow under manipulated N and CO2 concentrations and study how the C:N:P imbalances cascade through the soil food web and affect below ground processes.
