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Abstract

Hoilett, N.O., N.V. Nkongolo, R.J. Kremer, R.M. Paro, K. Schmidt, S.S. Johnson and S.J. Adisa. 2008. Understanding the relationships between microbial biomass, enzyme and greenhouse gas efflux in a secondary forest in Missouri. JEMREST 5:00-00

Carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and methane (CH₄) concentrations are increasing at annual rates of 0.5%, 0.75% and 0.75% respectively. Documented research has established links between soil physical and chemical properties with emission/consumption of greenhouse gasses; however a need exists for closer examination of the relationship among soil microbial properties, management practices, and greenhouse gas efflux. This study is designed to determine the spatial distribution of greenhouse gases from soil, microorganisms and microbial activity within a secondary forest in central Missouri. Laboratory assessments of field samples collected from the research site included determination of microbial biomass by total organic carbon (TOC) and substrate induced respiration (SIR) measurements; and enzyme activity by beta-glucosidase assay. Greenhouse gas efflux data collected was correlated with changes in microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity to determine the relationships among microorganisms and greenhouse gas effluxes. Since soil microorganisms are integral to nutrient cycling, biological, physical, and chemical processes in the soil, an assessment of microbial properties will provide valuable information on the relationship between soil microbial properties and greenhouse gas effluxes. The information gathered from this study will be useful in constructing predictive models of greenhouse gas effluxes from different ecosystems relative to greenhouse gas emissions; and, by extension, global warming.