Changes in microbial community biomarkers and tree growth after the cessation of long-term experimental nitrogen deposition to northern hardwood forests

Authors

• Andrew Burton, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
• Eileen C. Reeves, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
• Katherine E. Higdon, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
• Jennifer R. Eikenberry, Michigan Technological University

Document Type

Data

Publication Date

4-9-2026

Abstract

Four sugar maple dominated northern hardwood sites in Michigan received
experimental nitrogen (N) deposition for twenty-four years at a rate of
3 g N m^-2 y^-1 .These chronic N additions broadly suppressed soil
microorganisms and increased tree diameter growth. After the 2017 growing
season, the long-term N additions were halted. To assess recovery of the
soil microbial community in response to this change, phospholipid fatty
acid (PLFA) and neutral lipid fatty acid (NLFA) biomarkers indicative of
various microbial groups were examined in soil and roots at the study
sites in 2018 and 2020.In addition, tree diameter growth was measured
annually from 2018 through 2023 to enable comparison of growth rates
after N additions stopped to growth responses during the 24-year
treatment period (1994 to 2017).

Recommended Citation

Burton, A., Reeves, E. C., Higdon, K. E., & Eikenberry, J. (2026). Changes in microbial community biomarkers and tree growth after the cessation of long-term experimental nitrogen deposition to northern hardwood forests.
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/all-datasets/74