Purchase of growth chambers for studying micronutrient dynamics at the soil-plant interface

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Organisms acquire some elements easily, such as O2, CO2 and H2O. But the acquisition of other elements, such as nitrogen (N) or micronutrients (metals), can be more difficult. N2 fixation, the biological reduction of N2(gas) to ammonium catalyzed by the enzyme nitrogenase in prokaryotes, is the main route of entry of new N into natural ecosystems. N2 fixation influences plant growth and carbon (C) exchange at local, regional and global scales. Since trace metal bioavailability, while potentially toxic, affects key enzymatic activities, such as that of nitrogenase, the cycling of metals in the environment can critically impact the cycling of major nutrients such as N or C. Despite the prime importance of micronutrients and N2 fixation in terrestrial ecosystems, the processes controlling their dynamics in the environment remain poorly understood. This poor understanding limits our capacity to manage present ecosystems and predict environmental responses to global climate change in a comprehensive manner.