Nitrogen dynamics in alpine soils of south-eastern Australia

Context The Australian Alps are recognised by UNESCO as a globally significant mountain range. Soils underpin all of these ecosystem services. However, sparse data exists on alpine soils. Aims and methods We explored nitrogen dynamics soils from four high sites, using combination new established field laboratory techniques. Key results Organic inorganic N were the same order magnitude, with around twice much organic N. Forty three small (<250 Da) compounds detected, concentrations 30 times greater in microbial salt-extractable pools than free soil solution. net mineralisation rate decreased four-fold over growing season. matter decomposition was close to global mean (k = 0.017), while stabilisation factor (0.28) comparison other ecosystems globally. Conclusions These begin illuminate complexity belowground processes that have formed C Alps. moderate turnover stabilization support Costin’s theory place result biological activity, rather reflecting their geological substrata. adsorbed mineral surfaces bound up within microbes lend tight cycling, little or Implications This knowledge can land managers design successful restoration works preserve services impacted climate change, feral animal disturbance, weed invasion increase summer tourism infrastructure.