Does atmospheric nitrate deposition alter actinobacterial abundance and community composition in a northern hardwood forest ecosystem?
Abstract: Atmospheric nitrogen deposition can alter the cycling of carbon in forest ecosystems by slowing the microbially mediated decay of plant detritus, leading to the accumulation of organic matter in surface soil and the greater leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to ground and surface waters. However, we presently do not understand the microbial mechanisms affected by atmospheric nitrogen deposition that regulate these biogeochemical responses. Actinobacteria are one of the few groups of saprotrophic soil microorganisms which degrade lignin, uniquely producing soluble polyphenolics which can accumulate in the soil. The overall objective of this study was to examine the impact of atmospheric NO3- deposition on actinobacterial community composition and subsequent effects on soil carbon cycling. Committe Members: Don Zak (Chair) and Jeremy Semrau Snacks will be provided. Anyone and everyone is welcome – whether you are interested in C cycling, Nitrate deposition, soil, microb
