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At least 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Soil compartments (bulk soil, litter, root and rhizosphere) as main drivers of soil protistan communities distribution in forests with different nitrogen deposition

Protists, in particular bacterivores, are essential players in the rhizosphere; thus, how their interactions with bacteria and fungi affect plant productivity and soil nutrient cycles warrants more attention. Using next-generation sequencing of the 18 S rRNA gene, we investigated the distribution of two major protistan phyla, Cercozoa and Endomyxa, across four seasons, and four soil compartments - rhizosphere, root, soil and litter. The sampling was replicated in two forests in Norway and the Czech Republic, in order to test our results across biogeographic scales. Compartment had a major influence in shaping protistan communities, over and above spatial distance and seasonal variation. Protistan diversity was highest in the bulk soil while lowest in the roots, suggesting that the plants select for restricted assemblages of protists. Accordingly, only the root compartment harboured a subset of the bulk soil protistan diversity. In addition, protistan communities showed markedly different distributions according to their feeding modes, with opposite patterns for bacterivores versus omnivores and eukaryvores. The small bacterivorous flagellates (mostly Glissomonadida) were more abundant in roots, while the larger amoeboid eukaryvores (e.g. some of the Cryomonadida and vampyrellids) dominated in soil and in the rhizosphere, and the omnivores (e.g. Euglyphida and part of the Cercomonadida), also large and mostly amoeboid, were more abundant in litter. The current view of the soil microbiome is mostly focused on bacteria and fungi: this detailed study on the community distribution of protists according to their feeding modes reveals the essential role they play in each of the soil compartments, an essential precondition for a detailed understanding of the soil food web and nutrient cycling in forest.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Ectomycorrhizal effects on decomposition are highly dependent on fungal traits, climate, and litter properties: A model-based assessment

It has been proposed that competition between ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi and free-living saprotrophs for resources like nitrogen (N) slows decomposition and increases the soil carbon storage in ECM ecosystems compared to arbuscular (AM) ecosystems. However, empirical evidence for the generality of such ECM effects is equivocal, and confounding mechanisms have been proposed that affect the magnitude and direction of ECM effects on soil carbon. Here, for this work, we conduct a theoretical modeling experiment, where we explicitly incorporate mycorrhizal processes into the Carbon, Organisms, Rhizosphere, and Protection in the Soil Environment (CORPSE) model. We use the model to explore the conditions under which ECM N acquisition processes can induce stronger saprotrophic N limitation and result in slower decomposition rates and greater soil organic carbon accumulation compared to AM processes. We found that the ECM fungi more strongly inhibited decomposition when litter inputs were N-depleted and relatively recalcitrant and when ECM fungi possessed a strong capacity to mine N from both recalcitrant soil organic matter and microbial necromass. Climate and seasonality also played a role as the ECM competition effect was strongest at low mean annual temperatures and when litterfall peaked seasonally. Priming effects driven by high root exudation rates in ECM-dominated systems could overwhelm the competition effect and reduce soil carbon under some circumstances. The ECM effect on decomposition in our simulations was highly context dependent. Based on our model results, we expect to see a strong ECM competition effect in temperate deciduous and boreal forests with relatively recalcitrant litter inputs, and with ECM fungi that produce oxidases and necromass-degrading enzymes. However, even a relatively strong ECM competition effect on decomposition only increased soil organic carbon accumulation by ~10%.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2020

Differences in substrate use linked to divergent carbon flow during litter decomposition

ABSTRACT Discovering widespread microbial processes that create variation in soil carbon (C) cycling within ecosystems may improve soil C modeling. Toward this end, we screened 206 soil communities decomposing plant litter in a common garden microcosm environment and examined features linked to divergent patterns of C flow. C flow was measured as carbon dioxide (CO2) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from 44-days of litter decomposition. Two large groups of microbial communities representing ‘high’ and ‘low’ DOC phenotypes from original soil and 44-day microcosm samples were down-selected for fungal and bacterial profiling. Metatranscriptomes were also sequenced from a smaller subset of communities in each group. The two groups exhibited differences in average rate of CO2 production, demonstrating that the divergent patterns of C flow arose from innate functional constraints on C metabolism, not a time-dependent artefact. To infer functional constraints, we identified features – traits at the organism, pathway or gene level – linked to the high and low DOC phenotypes using RNA-Seq approaches and machine learning approaches. Substrate use differed across the high and low DOC phenotypes. Additional features suggested that divergent patterns of C flow may be driven in part by differences in organism interactions that affect DOC abundance directly or indirectly by controlling community structure.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Hicks Pries, Sulman, et al 2018. In situ incubation of 13C-labeled litter in three soil pits at Blodgett Forest, CA from 2013 to 2016

Even though over half of the world's soil organic carbon (SOC) is stored in subsoils (>20 cm deep), and the old ages of subsoil OC indicate its cycling differs from surface SOC, there are few studies examining in situ decomposition processes in deep soils. The purpose of this dataset is to elucidate these processes. In this study we added 13C-labeled fine roots to 15, 55, and 95 cm depths of a well-characterized coniferous forest Alfisol and monitored the amount of root-derived C remaining over 6, 12, and 30 months. We recovered the root-derived C in microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) after 6 months and in coarse (>2 mm) particulate, fine (<2 mm) particulate, and dense, mineral-associated pools after 6, 12, and 30 months. Overall, root decomposition in the first 6 months was similar among all depths but significantly diverged at 30 months with faster decomposition at 15 cm than at 95 cm. There were more fungal and Gram negative-associated PLFAs at 15 cm than at 95 cm, and 13C analysis revealed those microbial groups preferred the added root carbon to native SOC. Mineral-associations were not the cause of slower decomposition at depth because similar amounts of applied root C was recovered in the dense fraction at all depths. The largest difference among depths was in the amount of root C recovered in the coarse particulate fraction, which was greater at 95 cm (50%) than at 15 cm (15%). Slower decomposition of the particulate pool at depth likely contributed to the increase in C:N ratios and depletion of δ13C values below 60 cm depth in our soil profiles. Simulations of these soils using the CORPSE model, which incorporates microbial priming effects and mineral stabilization of SOC, reproduced patterns of particulate and mineral-associated SOC over both time and depth and suggested that a lack of priming by root exudates at depth could account for the slower decomposition rate of particulate root material. Decomposition of deep particulate SOC may increase if root exudation or dissolved OC transport to depth increases.This dataset includes (1) characterization of the soil pits prior to litter addition, (2) characterization of how the litter changed after 6, 12, and 30 months, and (3) the CORPSE model structure, parameterization, and output.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Blodgett 13C–labeled litter incubation 2016-2019

The dataset is from 13C-labelled (stable isotope of carbon) root-litter in-situ field incubation experiment based on the whole-soil warming experiment at the Blodgett Forest Research Station, CA, USA. The files are in both ".csv" and ".xlsx" versions, and can be opened in "maCOS numbers", and "Microsoft Excel". The files includes several sheets with all the data published in the paper: Sun, B., Zosso, C., Wiesenberg, G. L. B., Pegoraro, E., Torn, M. S., and Schmidt, M. W. I.: Warming accelerates the decomposition of root-derived hydrolysable lipids in a temperate forest and is depth- and compound class-dependent, SOIL, 11, 1077–1093, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-11-1077-2025, 2025. This dataset includes bulk soil carbon, nitrogen, delta 13C values, the normalized concentration (to organic carbon) of hydrolysable lipids identified, the absolute concentration (normalized to bulk soil) of hydrolysable lipids, hydrolysable lipids recovery, and weighted 13C-excess of bulk soil carbon, and weighted 13C-excess of each compound class in hydrolysable lipids. These data aim to answer two research questions: 1) How will warming affect the decomposition of 13C-labelled root-litter at different depth? 2) Will the decomposition of root-derived hydrolysable lipids under warming differ among different compound classes? The experiment sites located on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada near Georgetown, CA (120°3904000W; 38°5404300 N) at 1370m above see level. The Blodgett Forest is a mixed-coniferous forest. The site has a Mediterranean climate with a mean annual air temperature of 12.5 °C and a mean annual precipitation of 1774mm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

SPRUCE S1 Bog and Bog Lake Fen Moss Decomposition and Litter Chemistry Data, 2014-2019

This dataset includes measurements of mass loss, decay rate, and litter chemistry of mosses decomposing in the S1 Bog and Bog Lake Fen located in the USDA Forest Service Marcell Experimental Forest (MEF) in northern Minnesota, 40 km north of Grand Rapids. A litterbag experiment was used to estimate decay rates of 3 different moss types (Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum angustifolium/fallax, and Polytrichum sp.) from mass loss measurements after one and five years in hummock and hollow microtopographies in the bog and lawn microtopography in the poor fen. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous contents of the mosses were measured initially, after 1 year, and after 5 years of decay. Sample collection and analyses started in 2014 and was completed in 2019 (2014-06-05 to 2019-06-05). These data are from outside the Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Changing Environments (SPRUCE) experimental plots. Decomposition data (rates and chemistry changes) can be used to assess ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycles. These data were used in analyses reported in Shelley et al (2022). This dataset contains two data files in comma-separate values (*.csv) format. Additional metadata are provided: two data dictionaries and a file-level metadata file in comma-separate values (.csv) format and a user guide in PDF (*.pdf) format.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effects of root litter traits on soil organic matter dynamics depend on decay stage and root branching order

Decaying roots contribute disproportionately to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in many ecosystems, yet few studies have examined the afterlife effects of root trait variability on the formation, stability and mineralization of SOC. In order to assess how root functional class (absorptive vs. transport) and mycorrhizal association (ectomycorrhizal vs. arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) affect both formation and loss of SOC, we decayed lower-order absorptive (orders 1–2) and higher-order transport (orders 3–4) roots from six arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and six ectomycorrhizal (EcM) associated hardwood tree species in an isotopically distinct soil under laboratory conditions. We found that root litter effects on SOC differed significantly among root functional classes and mycorrhizal types. AM absorptive and transport roots (high in nitrogen and soluble compounds) contributed more to the formation of new mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), but also contributed to higher mineralization of native SOC (via priming effects). Moreover, absorptive AM roots formed MAOC gradually and rates saturated, whereas ECM roots formed MAOC more quickly, despite slower decay (via greater formation efficiency). Altogether, these findings demonstrate how different combinations of root traits might contribute to soil C balance, and that failure to account for the chemical and morphological heterogeneity of roots, as well their interactions with microbes over time, may lead to incorrect projections of SOC stocks and turnover.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of Eucalyptus wood and leaf litter on saproxylic insects in the southeastern United States

Although Eucalyptus is widely planted outside its native range for timber and pulp production, the effects of these exotic plantations on biodiversity relative to native semi-natural forests or plantations of native tree species remain incompletely understood. Here, we compare the diversity of saproxylic beetles (Coleoptera) and true bugs (Hemiptera) between non-native Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden and Cambage (Camden white gum) and native Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine) stands on the upper Coastal Plain of South Carolina, U.S.A. We sampled insects emerging from logs of both species placed in both stand types after 1, 2, 6, and 12 months in the field. Beetle and true bug richness and diversity were both significantly lower from eucalypt than from pine wood. Moreover, the two communities were compositionally distinct. Whereas pine supported many species of host-specific phloeoxylophagous beetles, most species collected from eucalypts were mycophagous or predatory taxa capable of utilizing a wide range of hosts. Species richness did not differ between logs placed in eucalypt vs. pine stands but Shannon’s diversity was significantly higher in the eucalypt stands, possibly due to greater sun exposure in the latter. Contrary to a previous study, we found no support for the idea that eucalypt litter reduces the diversity of saproxylic insects. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that non-native plantations are less favorable to biodiversity than those consisting of native tree species.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Complete genome of Pseudomonas putida strain WBB028 isolated from leaf litter

We report the complete genome of Pseudomonas putida strain WBB028, which exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal activity. This strain was isolated from leaf litter collected at Walker Branch Watershed located on the Oak Ridge Reservation in eastern Tennessee (35.9614 N 84.2864 W). The genome is 6.3 Mbp with a 62.5% GC content.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1984

Hypergravity effects on litter size, nursing activity, prolactin, TSH, T3, and T4 in the rat

In a recent study of the effects of hypergravity (HG) on the reproductive system of the rat, it was found that the estrous cycle is perturbed in a pseudopregnancy-like pattern upon first exposure of animals to HG. This can be prevented by previous exposure to HG or by administration of bromergo cryptin. Adapted rats can mate and deliver in HG. However, little is known of the condition of the individual pregnant rat, fetuses, and newborn pups in this environment. There are also questions regarding the effects of HG on the number of fetuses, the mortality rate in different HG levels, and the effects on production and secretion of PRL and TSH. The present investigation is concerned with such questions, taking into account possible approaches to avoid or minimize the lethal effects of HG. The obtained results suggest that peripartum plasma PRL levels and thyroid hormone levels are critical for the survival of the litter.

Megory, E.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Microscale spatiotemporal patterns of water, soil organic carbon, and enzymes in plant litter detritusphere

Understanding biophysical and biochemical processes in detritusphere is critical to quantifying and modeling plant residue decomposition dynamics and subsequent soil organic carbon (C) accrual. The objectives of the study were to explore (i) micro-environmental conditions within the detritusphere formed around decomposing corn and soybean leaves, and (ii) the relationships between moisture distribution, enzyme activity, and C dynamics during decomposition. We assessed spatial and temporal dynamics of moisture distribution using X-ray and neutron computed tomography, and activities of β-glucosidase and chitinase, two enzymes involved in soil C and N processing, using zymography. We used 13 C labeled residue to track residue contribution to atmospheric CO 2 and soil organic C. Moisture redistribution pattern varied depending on the residue type. While the water was immediately absorbed by the corn leaves and maintained afterward, switchgrass leaves absorbed water more slowly and created water-deficient zones within ~1mm from the residue. This initial moisture depletion led to lower chitinase activity and residue-derived CO 2 emissions in switchgrass. In contrast to chitinase, β-glucosidase activity was influenced by a combination of vegetation history and residue type, and it was higher when the origin of the residue matched the vegetation history of the soil. Pore size had an opposite impact on the studied enzymes, supporting the notion that contrasting soil pore architecture can stimulate activities of different enzymes through a selection of dominant enzyme producers. We concluded that the decomposition dynamics of plant residues is not only a simple function of residue chemistry, but rather a combined effect of the vegetation history, in part through its effect on microbial community composition, the plant residue chemical and likely physical characteristics, and the soil pore structure in the detritusphere. Together, they create temporally dynamic micro-environmental conditions influencing decomposition. Specifically, our study demonstrated that the initial micro-environment formulated in detritusphere can play an important role in enzyme activities and consequent C dynamics.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗