Soil fauna consumes substantial amounts of litter and can even consume the entire annual litterfall in some ecosystems. Soil fauna may affect soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics not only by assimilating litter but also by modifying the soil environment at many spatiotemporal scales. Litter processing by fauna usually results in a short-term increase in microbial activity in feces; this activity than decreases such that feces over the long term may decompose more slowly than the original litter. During passage through the guts of litter-feeding fauna, litter modifications include fragmentation, consumption of associated microorganisms, pH and redox changes, removal of easily decomposed polysaccharides, increase in the proportion of lignin, and decrease in soluble polyphenols and carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratios. The coating of litter with clay during passage through earthworms reduces microbial access to the litter as well as conditions for microbial activity by reducing the diffusion of nutrients and oxygen. And even more complex appear at larger scales. This study will apply manipulation experiment to explore key interaction between soil macrofauna and nutrient cycling organic matter dynamic and soil formation. Successful candidate should have MSc in nature protection, ecology, environmental sciences or similar and good ability to communicate in English. Basic skills in data evaluation, experience in work with soil macrofauna and with publication of scientific results represent great advantage.
Deadline is closed