Summary
This multi-site study demonstrates that depth profiles of nitrogen stable isotope signatures provide a cost-effective indicator of microbial community shifts in peatland soils under different hydrological conditions. Across five sites in Sweden, Finland, and Germany, the researchers identified a characteristic δ15N turning point in drained horizons that reflects the metabolic switch from fungal to bacterial dominance as oxygen availability declines, a pattern validated by direct measurement of microbial biomarker fatty acids. The findings suggest δ15N profiling could serve as a practical, non-invasive monitoring tool for assessing peatland degradation and restoration effectiveness.
UK applicability
The approach is potentially applicable to UK lowland peatlands, which face similar drainage and degradation pressures. However, UK peatlands often exhibit different vegetation communities and hydrological gradients than continental European mires, so site-specific validation would be needed before implementing this method for UK peatland monitoring programmes.
Key measures
δ15N stable isotope values in soil profiles; fatty acid biomarkers (fungal-derived C18:2ω9c; bacterial-derived C14:0, i-C15:0, a-C15:0, C16:1ω9c); microbial community composition
Outcomes reported
The study measured δ15N depth profiles and fatty acid composition across drained, natural, and rewetted peatland sites to identify microbial community shifts. A characteristic δ15N turning point in drained horizons was identified, reflecting transitions from fungal to bacterial dominance correlated with declining oxygen availability.
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