Scientists look to soils to learn how forests affect air quality, climate change

Department of Biology

2021-01-29

Indiana Uni

Keywords: Tree-Soil Interaction, Carbon Sequestration, Nitrogen Cycling, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Environmental Impact

"Scientists delve into soil dynamics to understand the intricate relationship between forests, air quality, and climate change, shedding light on the vital role of tree species and soil microbes in ecosystem functions."

Researchers from Indiana University, together with collaborators, have conducted studies focusing on how forests impact air quality and climate change through soil interactions. By classifying tree species based on their association with mycorrhizal fungi, the research highlights differences in carbon and nitrogen cycling between stands dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees. The findings reveal that AM-associated trees contribute to higher nitrogen release impacting air quality, while ECM-associated trees enhance soil carbon storage, potentially aiding in climate change mitigation. These insights underscore the complexity of ecosystem responses to tree species shifts and the crucial role of tree-soil interactions in environmental processes.

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Tags: Soils, Forests, Air Quality, Climate Change, Tree Species, Ecosystem Functions