Investigating drivers of microbial activity and respiration in a forested bog

摘要: Abstract Northern peatlands store nearly one-third of terrestrial carbon (C) stocks while covering only 3% the global landmass; nevertheless, drivers C cycling in these often-waterlogged ecosystems are different from those that control dynamics upland forested soils. To explore how multiple abiotic and biotic characteristics bogs interact to shape microbial activity a northern, bog, we added labile tracer (13C-labeled starch) situ peat mesocosms correlated heterotrophic respiration with natural variation several predictor variables, such as enzyme biomass, well suite variables proximity vascular plants aboveground. We found moisture content was positively activity, even when levels exceeded total saturation, suggesting access organic matter substrates drier environments may be limiting for activity. Proximity black spruce trees decreased respiration. This negative relationship reflect influence tree evapotranspiration shading effects; i.e., decline dries cools near trees. Here, isolated response in, interactions among, approach allowed us reveal relative individual on globally important sinks.