Phosphorus (P) is a critical element to the functioning of biological systems. Phosphorous availability impacts plant productivity and, in some ecosystems, is a primary limiting nutrient. Climate change, particularly changes in precipitation and temperature, are likely to alter soil P cycling and availability to terrestrial vegetation. However, terrestrial P research has long been hampered by an inability to measure aspects of the P cycle and thus relatively little is known about the effects of global change on the P cycle. The major goal of this project is to use innovative isotope tracer techniques to determine the impacts of climate change on the soil P cycle. Phosphorous availability, mobility, and influence on vegetation productivity will be examined in experimental plots in California grasslands within the Jasper Ridge Global Change Project. The influences of elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide, elevated temperature, increased precipitation, and increased nitrogen deposition on P cycling will be assessed in different soil horizons.
This work will contribute to understanding of global environmental change impacts on soil biogeochemistry and the role of linked biogeochemical cycles (phosphorous and nitrogen) in influencing productivity of grassland ecosystems. New techniques for measuring P cycling will be further developed. A postdoctoral researcher will be supported, undergraduate students interested in interdisciplinary research will be mentored, and outreach to high school students, and teachers will be conducted.
