Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2021
Erindi/veggspjald / Talk/poster V42
Höfundar / Authors: Gertrude Akello (2), Ólafur Sigmar Andrésson (1), Isabel C Barrio (3), Ingibjörg Svala Jónsdóttir (1).
Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: 1. Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland 2. Kyambogo University, Kampala 3. Agricultural University of Iceland
Kynnir / Presenter: Arna Björt Ólafsdóttir
The most obvious sign of degradation is reduced plant productivity, but less is known about the soil microbial community composition and its potential functionality. In this study, soil properties and microbial communities were investigated in two habitats in different stages of degradation, a Betula nana heath, and a gravel desert, at two sites in the highlands, Þeistareykir and Auðkúluheiði, inside and outside the active volcanic zone. The aim was to assess if and how variation in soil properties can be linked to composition of the microbial community and functionally important genes related to biological processes such as respiration. The soil properties SOM (0-5cm), C/N ratio, acidity and CO2 fluxes were all significantly lower in gravel desert soil than the Betula nana heath at both sites but Þeistareykir heath had a higher C/N ratio, SOM (0-5 and 5-10cm) and acidity level than Auðkúluheiði heath. Microbial community analysis showed differences in taxonomic composition between desert and heath and between sites; significantly more alpha diversity in Þeistareykir heath compared to all the other habitats. Functional analysis indicated greater activity and less stress in the heath than the desert, correlated to greater carbon and nitrogen availability.