Climate change as a driver of carbon flow in peatlands

Current climatic predictions for Scotland are for drier summers and winters in the East, and wetter winters in the West of the country. We are therefore investigating the impact of drought on carbon cycling in peatlands. Our main current site is located at Leys Estate, Banchory, where we are carrying out replicated drought experiments using rain-excluding shelters. Previous work was carried out as part of a PhD studentship by Hannah Toberman with CEH Bangor and the University of Bangor on a drought experiment at Plynlymon, Wales (CLIMOOR).

Group members:

• Dr. Rebekka Artz
• Dr. Catherine Smart
• Ully Kritzler (NERC CASE PhD student, with Dr David Johnson & Prof. Ian Alexander, University of Aberdeen).

Past members:

• Dr. Hannah Toberman (2004-2007)

Collaborators:

• Dr. David Johnson, (University of Aberdeen)
• Prof Chris Freeman and Dr. Nathalie Fenner (University of Wales, Bangor)
• Thijs Simpson (Leys Estate)

Relevant publications:

Toberman, H.T., Freeman, C., Evans, C., Fenner, C. and R.R.E. Artz. (2008) Enhanced summer droughts decrease soil fungal diversity and inhibit fungal associated extracellular phenol oxidase activity in upland Calluna heathland soil. FEMS Microbiology Ecology 66: 426-436.

Toberman, H., Freeman, C., Artz, R.R.E., Evans, C. and N. Fenner (2008) Impeded drainage stimulates extracellular phenol oxidase activity in riparian peat cores. Soil Use & Management 24: 357-365.

Toberman, H., Evans, C., Freeman, C., Fenner, N. and Artz, R.R.E. (2008) Summer drought effects upon soil and litter extracellular phenol oxidase activity and soluble carbon release in an upland Calluna heathland. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 40: 1519-1532.

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