"Biological nitrogen fixation.and diazotrophic community dynamics: lnfluence of deadwood, mosses, tree species-specific traits, and nitrogen deposition in temperate forest ecosystems"

Abstract

This doctoral project explores the role of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and diazotrophic community dynamics in temperate forest ecosystems, with a focus on mosses and deadwood as critical microhabitats. The study investigates how tree species-specific wood traits influence diazotrophic community composition and BNF potential, and examines the sensitivity of deadwood.:.associated diazotrophs to elevated nitrogen deposition. By integrating field studies across diverse forest types and analyzing nifH gene abundance, the project aims to elucidate the ecological drivers of diazotroph diversity, their adaptive responses to environmental changes, and their contributions to forest nitrogen cycling. This research enhances understanding of nitrogen fixation processes and the resilience of forest ecosystems under anthropogenic pressures.