Our research focuses on the effect of biodiversity on element cycles in grassland and forest ecosystems. In addition, we try to follow the fate of certain elements/molecules and to identify processes these elements/molecules undergo during the passage through the ecosystem using isotope tracers. 

Biodiversity effects

Subproject “Nitrogen and phosphorus cycling“ in the research unit “Exploring mechanisms underlying the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning”

Subproject “P cycling in soil depending on land-use intensity and biodiversity” in the priority program “Biodiversity Exploratories”

Isotope tracers

“Global distribution of δ2H values in C-bonded hydrogen of soil organic matter“

Subproject “The fate of phosphorus in forest and treeline ecosystems in Ecuador” in bundle application “Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Monitoring and Research in South Ecuador”

Subproject “The P cycle in forest ecosystems as revealed by analysis of the isotopic composition of oxygen associated to phosphate” in the priority program “Ecosystem nutrition: Forest strategies for limited phosphorus resources”