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Biological activity as influenced by microtopography in a cryosolic soil, Baffin Island, Canada
Author(s) -
Mueller Gerald,
Broll Gabriele,
Tarnocai Charles
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
permafrost and periglacial processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-1530
pISSN - 1045-6740
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-1530(199907/09)10:3<279::aid-ppp325>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - permafrost , geology , forestry , topsoil , soil science , physical geography , ecology , soil water , geography , oceanography , biology
Biological activity and cellulose decomposition in the topsoil of an east–west oriented slope in the Canadian Arctic were studied in the summers of 1995 and 1996. Two microsites, small mounds and the adjacent troughs, characterize the surface of the study site on a slope. This microtopography results from erosion in the past when the area was not vegetated, and recent frost action. The aim of the study was to describe differences in the decomposition processes and the contributing factors in relation to the microtopography. Biological activity in the soil was measured by the feeding activity of the soil organisms. In both years of the study feeding activity by bait‐lamina test and cellulose decomposition by nylon‐mesh‐bag assessment were higher in the troughs than in the mounds. The C/N ratios and acidity were similar in the zone showing the highest biological activity at both sites, but soil temperatures and water content were different. Soil moisture was found to be the main factor affecting feeding activity and cellulose decomposition at both microsites. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.