Chronic Atmospheric Reactive Nitrogen Deposition Suppresses Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Peatlands

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) represents the natural pathway by which mosses meet their demands for bioavailable/reactive (Nr) in peatlands. However, following intensification of fertilizer and fossil fuel use, atmospheric Nr deposition has increased exposing peatlands to loading often above ecological threshold. As BNF is energy intensive, therefore, it unclear whether shuts down when availability no longer a rarity. We studied response under gradient extending over decades three U.K., at background peatland Sweden. Experimental fertilization plots Swedish site were also evaluated activity. In situ activity receiving 6, 17, 27 kg N ha–1 yr–1 was not shut but rather suppressed 54, 69, 74%, respectively, compared rates ?2 yr–1. These findings corroborated similar suppression Therefore, contribution exposed chronic needs accounting modeling peatland’s pools, given that exerts key control on carbon capture peatlands, globally.