← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Disturbed soil takes time to find its rhythm again
Collecting and rebuilding forest soil altered its biological functioning for years. The study highlights the importance of disturbance in climate experiments.
Study published:
A forest in experimental chambers
Forest soil was collected, sieved and rebuilt in lysimeters planted with Douglas-fir seedlings. Researchers monitored bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes within an experiment involving elevated carbon dioxide and temperature. [1]
A lasting disturbance response
An early population surge was attributed mainly to carbon made available during setup. Food web recovery appeared to take up to 3 years, including the preparation period. [1]
Reading a measurement in context
High microbial activity becomes meaningful when we know what preceded it. Sampling, transport and cultivation form part of a sample’s history and can influence the picture it presents.
Why continuity matters
Long-term monitoring helps reveal the trajectory of a recovering soil. Repeated measurements make room for seasonal variation and changing relationships among organisms.
Sources and references
- Rygiewicz, P.T., Monleon, V.J., Ingham, E.R., Martin, K.J. & Johnson, M.G. (2010). Soil life in reconstructed ecosystems: Initial soil food web responses after rebuilding a forest soil profile for a climate change experiment. Applied Soil Ecology, 45(1), 26–38. DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2010.01.006 Original publication and study record
- Original full paper as PDF