Organic nutrient uptake by mycorrhizal fungi enhances ecosystem carbon storage:a model-based assessment

Orwin, Kate and Kirschbaum, Miko U. F. and St John, Mark G. and Dickie, Ian A. (2011) Organic nutrient uptake by mycorrhizal fungi enhances ecosystem carbon storage:a model-based assessment. Ecology Letters, 14 (5). pp. 493-502. ISSN 1461-023X

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Abstract

Understanding the factors that drive soil carbon (C) accumulation is of fundamental importance given their potential to mitigate climate change. Much research has focused on the relationship between plant traits and C sequestration, but no studies to date have quantitatively considered traits of their mycorrhizal symbionts. Here, we use a modelling approach to assess the contribution of an important mycorrhizal fungal trait, organic nutrient uptake, to soil C accumulation. We show that organic nutrient uptake can significantly increase soil C storage, and that it has a greater effect under nutrient-limited conditions. The main mechanism behind this was an increase in plant C fixation and subsequent increased C inputs to soil through mycorrhizal fungi. Reduced decomposition due to increased nutrient limitation of saprotrophs also played a role. Our results indicate that direct uptake of nutrients from organic pools by mycorrhizal fungi could have a significant effect on ecosystem C cycling and storage.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Ecology Letters
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1105
Subjects:
?? ECTOMYCORRHIZASORGANIC NUTRIENT UPTAKEERICOID MYCORRHIZASSOIL CARBON STORAGEMICROBIAL NUTRIENT LIMITATIONMODELMYCORRHIZAL TRAITSMYSCANECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, BEHAVIOR AND SYSTEMATICS ??
ID Code:
49142
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
22 Jul 2011 08:59
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
17 Sep 2023 00:55