Soil and ecosystems in general belong to important pool of carbon; cumulatively they contain four times more carbon than atmosphere. At the same time, exchange of C between these pools and atmosphere is very dynamic. These pools are affected by land use changes, which may thus represent important tool for CO2 removal from the atmosphere but at the same time represent large threat. Carbon in soil is stored in two major pools one is represented by small fragments of dead biomass entering to soil (free particulated organic matter FPOM) the other is organic matter usually chemically transformed or converted to microbial necromass which is in various ways associated with soil mineral matrix (mineral associated organic matter- MAOM). Amount of MAOM in soil is believed to be limited by available mineral surfaces while FPOM not. Which mean that MAOM can be saturated. The aim of the thesis is to elucidate how the accumulation in FPOM and MAOM change during pedogenesis, and how dominant vegetation, and other relevant ecological factors affect soil organic matter accumulation or loses in these pools. Chronosequences of soil development during primary succession in post mining sites, landslides and similar situations will be used un this project. Experience with soil sampling and analysis, data processing and analysis as well as ability to present scientific results to international community is expected.
Deadline is closed
