Short description
(English)
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Evaluating past and anticipated changes in the functioning of forest ecosystems requires a profound knowledge of the influence of anthropogenic N-deposition on temperate forests and its interaction with climatic change impacts. However, our knowledge is still limited, since scientific methods are required that are appropriate to disentangle pollution effects from other anthropogenic impacts, such as land-use and climatic changes. As far as we know, stable isotopes in tree-rings have never been directly related to long-term monitoring data of wet N-deposition, although this seems to be an innovative approach. This project aims to close this research gap by building on a detailed investigation of the influence of environmental factors on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes in tree-rings and foliage in beech and spruce, covering the whole soil moisture and nutrient availability gradients of the low-elevated central-European range. More specifically, we will be able to use five of the longest N-deposition records in Europe (extending as far back as 35 years). The following research questions will be addressed: 1) Is the variation in the C and N isotopic signatures corresponding and reflecting the same environmental signals in both substrates? 2) To what degrees are (foliar and wood) C and N stable isotopes reflecting environmental factors such as soil moisture, nutrient availability and N-deposition? 3) Can stable isotopes in tree-rings be used to reconstruct anthropogenic N-deposition? This study design will provide a valuable basis for gaining novel insights into the C and N cycle of forest ecosystems under anthropogenic environmental changes.
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Partners and International Organizations
(English)
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AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, EL, ES, FI, FR, HR, IL, IT, LU, NL, PL, PT, RS, SE, SI, SK, UK
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