Phosphorous in Boreal Peatlands

Abstract

1.Boreal peatlands are an important global C sink. This C is potentially labile under future global warming scenarios. Nutrient (N and P) availability could influence rates of both C fixation and C oxidation under future warming scenarios.2.N and P availabilities are closely balanced in boreal peatlands, and N and P are likely to be tightly conserved in these ecosystems.3.Both N and P can limit NPP in boreal peatlands. Either N or P can be limiting, depending of developmental history and current anthropogenic influence.4.Little is known about P cycling in boreal peatlands. Three specific areas of research are proposed that would greatly improve our understanding in this area.