Soil Microbial Responses to Temporal Variations of Moisture and Temperature in a Chihuahuan Desert Grassland
Bell C, McIntyre N, Cox S, Tissue D, Zak J. 2008. Soil Microbial Responses to Temporal Variations of Moisture and Temperature in a Chihuahuan Desert Grassland. Journal of Microbical Ecology. 56(1):153-167
Global climate change models indicate that storm magnitudes will increase in areas across the south-west of North America, which could result in up to a 25% increase in seasonal precipitation in the Big Bend region of the Chihuahuan Desert over the next 50 years. As soil microbial processes are regulated by moisture availability, this research sought to evaluate the responses of soil microbes to yearly changes in soil moisture, temperature, and selected soil nutrient and edaphic properties in a Sotol Grassland in Big Bend National Park. Data collection occurred in March and September from 2004-2006. Research findings indicate that changes in the timing and magnitude of precipitation will alter the proportional contribution of bacteria and fungi to decomposition and nitrogen mineralization in this desert grassland.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Bell, Colin; McIntyre, Nancy; Cox, Stephen; Tissue, David; Zak, John
- Units
- BIBE
- Keywords
- Aquatic Studies, Hydrology (General), Hydrology (Surface), Microbiology, Other, Physical Sciences, Plant Communities, Plant Studies, Soil Science, Threatened-Endangered-Sensitive Plants, Vascular Plants
- Subjects
- Ecological Framework: Geology and Soils | Soil Quality | Soil Function and Dynamics