Impacts of warming on boreal peatland microbial community structure and function

Peatlands, a type of wetland containing a thick organic layer of partially decayed plant material, are the largest terrestrial carbon stocks. Climatic changes, including warming, could result in a lowering of the water table in peatlands, increasing oxygen availability to microbes and mesofauna allowing faster break down of the organic material and consequent release of this carbon back into the atmosphere. Northern regions, including peatlands found in Canada, are thought to be particularly vulnerable to climate warming. Using a unique climate manipulation experiment where two peatland sites, located near White River, Ontario, have undergone experimental warming for the past three years, we will investigate the impacts of warming on peatland ecosystems focussing on changes to soil microbial community structure and decomposition processes. We will link these changes in the soil microbiology to the changes in mesofauna communities and the wider soil food web dynamics. This project will enable us to determine the resilience of peatland ecosystems to environmental change. This empirical data can be used to inform policymakers and mitigation strategies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zoe Lindo

Student:

Partner:

University of Warwick

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Western University

Program: