Function of mycorrhiza in the competition for water and nitrogen

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The goal of this proposal is to investigate the function of ectomycorrhizal (EM) communities for nitrogen acquisition of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and to understand how these functions are affected by drought. 15N labelling will be used to investigate N uptake of beech plants and ectomycorrhizas under field und controlled conditions to explore relationships between EM 15N enrichment and plant N uptake. Site-specific EM communities from a range of dry and moist sites will be synthesized. Drought stress will be applied as a means to modulate carbon supply to roots, thereby affecting the competitive relations of EM. EM will be collected according to species and their abundance will be determined and related to N-uptake. To dissect the mycorrhizal effect, non-mycorrhizal beeches will also be studied. 15N enrichment and uptake rates will be analysed in controlled experimental EM-beech associations with selected fungal species to find out if differences in the abilities of different EM species exist to supply beech with N under well watered and dry conditions.