Mycorrhizas and soil ecosystem function of co-existing woody vegetation islands at the alpine tree line.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Picea abies, Pinus mugo and Rhododendron ferrugineum co-exist at the alpine tree line, and can have different mycorrhizal communities. The activity and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi are considered to be important factors in regulation of soil function.

Methods

At a tree line site and a lower elevation site in the Austrian Alps, the community structure of ectomycorrhiza on Picea abies and Pinus mugo was determined. The activity of surface enzymes was determined on ectomycorrhizal and ericoid mycorrhizal roots. In soils, the activity of a range of enzymes, nitrogen (N) mineralization and biomass decomposition were determined.

Results

The community structure of the ectomycorrhizal community of Picea abies and

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5288427 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature