The role of Mycorrhiza in the effects of warming on ecosystem carbon storage

Summary

Nordic natural heathlands are typically dominated by ericaceous dwarf shrubs, including the evergreen shrub crowberry (Empetrum hermaphroditum). The ecosystems dominated by Empetrum may be altered due to changes in environmental condition, such as global warming. It is to be hypothesized that the symbiosis between Empetrum and associated ericoid mycorrhizal fungi plays a key role in the competitiveness of this evergreen shrub during warming. Therefore, the overarching aim of this study is to examine the exchange of carbon and nutrients in plant-mycorrhizal networks under changing temperature.

Empetrum ericoid mycorrhiza nutrient cycle