Silicon and carbon cycling in peatlands

KN 929/11-1 Effects of increased silicon availability on carbon mineralization in peatlands

This project, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jörg Schaller (Environmental Geochemistry Group, University of Bayreuth), addresses the role of Silicon in carbon cycling in peatlands, in particular in grass-dominated fen ecosystems. Preliminary work demonstrated that increased silicon availability can increase respiration rates in peat and may also increase the contributiono of methanogenesis to total respiration. This project aims at improving our understanding about the exact underlying mechanisms by which silicon affects carbon cycling in fens.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Klaus-Holger Knorr