The Nitrogen Cycle of a Semi-arid Grassland: A Fungal Loop?

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THE N CYCLE IN SEMI-ARID GRASSLANDS: A FUNGAL LOOP?Precipitation integrates the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles of terrestrial ecosystems by coupling the production and decomposition of organic matter. In arid regions, this integration is weak because erratic moisture input, high temperature and intense solar radiation reduce biological activity and compartmentalize production and decomposition processes. Our hypothesis is that fungi that are symbiotically linked to both plant and microbial producers, bridge these compartments, thereby connecting the C and N cycles. The experimental work will be conducted at grassland sites within the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR), located in New Mexico, utilizing an existing long-term ecological research (LTER) site. Arid ecosystems cover 33% of the terrestrial environment and are sensitive to N deposition and climate variation. The work will provide educational and training opportunities for three graduate and three undergraduate researchers, all of whom are individuals from groups under-represented in science. In addition, research projects at the University of New Mexico's Sevilleta LTER serve as foci for SNWR education and outreach programs with nearby local, rural school districts.