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Arctic soil carbon trajectories shaped by plant–microbe interactions

Author

Listed:
  • Megan B. Machmuller

    (Colorado State University)

  • Laurel M. Lynch

    (University of Idaho)

  • Samantha L. Mosier

    (Colorado State University)

  • Gaius R. Shaver

    (Marine Biological Laboratory)

  • Francisco Calderon

    (Oregon State University)

  • Laura Gough

    (Towson University)

  • Michelle L. Haddix

    (Colorado State University)

  • Jennie R. McLaren

    (University of Texas)

  • Eldor A. Paul

    (Colorado State University)

  • Michael N. Weintraub

    (University of Toledo)

  • M. Francesca Cotrufo

    (Colorado State University)

  • Matthew D. Wallenstein

    (Colorado State University)

Abstract

Rapid warming in the Arctic threatens to amplify climate change by releasing the region’s vast stocks of soil carbon to the atmosphere. Increased nutrient availability may exacerbate soil carbon losses by stimulating microbial decomposition or offset them by increasing primary productivity. The outcome of these competing feedbacks remains unclear. Here we present results from a long-term nutrient addition experiment in northern Alaska, United States, coupled with a mechanistic isotope-tracing experiment. We found that soil carbon losses observed during the first 20 years of fertilization were caused by microbial priming and were completely reversed in the subsequent 15 years by shrub expansion which promoted an increasingly efficient carbon–nitrogen economy. Incorporating long-term stoichiometric responses in Earth system models will improve predictions of the magnitude, direction and timing of the Arctic carbon–climate feedback.

Suggested Citation

  • Megan B. Machmuller & Laurel M. Lynch & Samantha L. Mosier & Gaius R. Shaver & Francisco Calderon & Laura Gough & Michelle L. Haddix & Jennie R. McLaren & Eldor A. Paul & Michael N. Weintraub & M. Fra, 2024. "Arctic soil carbon trajectories shaped by plant–microbe interactions," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 14(11), pages 1178-1185, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:14:y:2024:i:11:d:10.1038_s41558-024-02147-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02147-3
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