← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Bacteria, fungi and nitrogen: an experiment in forest soil
Elaine Ingham, C. Cambardella and David Coleman examined microbial and nitrogen responses in forest-soil microcosms.
Study published:
Changing the microbial community
The 1986 study used biocides in lodgepole pine forest-soil microcosms to examine relationships between bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nitrogen mineralization. [1]
Different roles in nitrogen cycling
Reducing bacteria decreased nitrogen immobilization and increased inorganic nitrogen. Reducing fungi decreased mineralization. The two groups affected the measured processes differently. [1]
What do we follow after an intervention?
In our work, the question is how to combine microscopic observation with monitoring of soil and plants. We are interested in which group changes, when it changes, and how this relates to management.
Building a continuous record
For ELKEAGE, systematic recording is a priority: sample, date, conditions and recent interventions. This gives individual observations continuity and makes meaningful comparisons possible.
Sources and references
- Ingham, E. R., Cambardella, C. & Coleman, D. C. (1986). Manipulation of bacteria, fungi and protozoa by biocides in lodgepole pine forest soil microcosms: Effects on organism interactions and nitrogen mineralization. Canadian Journal of Soil Science, 66(2), 261–272. DOI: 10.4141/cjss86-028 Original publication and study record