Ammonia exposure promotes algal biomass in an ombrotrophic peatland

Payne, Richard J.; Jassey, Vincent E.J.; Leith, Ian D.; Sheppard, Lucy J.; Dise, Nancy B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0463-6885; Gilbert, Daniel. 2013 Ammonia exposure promotes algal biomass in an ombrotrophic peatland. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 57. 936-938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.09.012

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Abstract/Summary

Nitrogen pollution affects many peatlands with consequences for their biodiversity and ecosystem function. Microorganisms control nutrient cycling and constitute most of the biodiversity of peatlands but their response to nitrogen is poorly characterised and likely to depend on the form of deposition. Using a unique field experiment we show that ammonia exposure at realistic point source levels is associated with a general shift from heterotrophic (bacteria and fungi) to autotrophic (algal) dominance and an increase in total biomass. The biomass of larger testate amoebae increased, suggesting increased food supply for microbial predators. Results show the widespread impacts of N pollution and suggest the potential for microbial community-based bioindicators in these ecosystems.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.09.012
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	UKCEH Fellows Dise
ISSN:	0038-0717
Additional Keywords:	Nitrogen, Pollution impact, Bioindication, Euglenids, Desmids, Testate amoebae
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	21 Mar 2014 09:22 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/506503

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