Biotic and Abiotic Controls on Soil Inorganic Carbon Dynamics in Arid Ecosystems: A Three-component Study to Evaluate the Effects of Global Change in the Mojave Desert

Nevada System Of Higher Education, Desert Research Institute, Reno NV

Investigators

Abstract

Most research addressing the role of soils in the global carbon (C) cycle has focused on organic C. In arid ecosystems, however, soil C is predominantly present as inorganic carbonate minerals. The two main factors driving transformation of carbonates are moisture and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, both of which depend on plant activity. This study addresses linkages between belowground plant activity and carbonate transformations using field studies, greenhouse experiments, and computer modeling. The field study will be conducted in the Mojave Desert where natural ecosystems will be exposed to increased nitrogen deposition, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The greenhouse studies will allow for experimentation under more controlled conditions while the modeling will integrate knowledge obtained from the field and greenhouse to predict long-term changes in carbonate pools under future climate change. Results of this study will allow for better assessment of the role of arid ecosystems in the global C cycle.