Synthesis of Nitrogen Fixation Rates and Drivers Across the Terrestrial Biosphere

Project ID: G19AC00036

Federal Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2019

Initial Funding: $47,000

Total Funding: $100,000

Abstract: The goal for this research project is to synthesize rates and controls of biological N-fixation (BNF) for all terrestrial biomes on Earth, across a range of spatial scales. To improve both fundamental understanding of terrestrial BNF patterns and controls, and the representation of BNF for a variety of regional, continental, and global models.

Objectives include:
(1) Synthesize contributions of different N-fixing niches, across all terrestrial biomes (including agricultural ecosystems) to global terrestrial BNF rates
(2) Use novel methods to map the spatial distribution of terrestrial BNF across North America
(3) Evaluate which environmental drivers best predict variation in terrestrial BNF rates across a variety of ecological niches and spatial scales.