Litter decomposition and nitrogen cycling in forest soils: influences of tree species and site factors

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In the proposed research, I will measure gross and net rates of N cycling processes in forest floors under several common tree species in common garden experiments to establish how divergent N cycling is amongst tree species, and the characteristics of the litter or forest floors that are most influential in determining the dominant N forms and N fluxes in forest floors under different tree species. This will inform us as to how introducing a new tree species for purposes of forestry, reclamation or assisted migration in response to climate change will alter the site, particularly nitrogen cycling and availability. I will also compare N cycling in natural forests that differ in climate, vegetation and soil, which will provide new insights into soil N cycling in natural forests and the factors that influence the nature of these cycles.