The occurrence and biomass of shrubs in northern peatlands is increasing due to climate change and forestry use, yet little is known of the role of this plant functional group on the carbon (C) cycle in peatlands. This project aims to clarify potential shrub-related decomposition accelerating (root exudates) and stabilization (litter quality with a focus on polyphenols) effects through microbial activities on peat C. The outcomes provide basic ecological understanding of the effects of this overlooked plant functional group on peat C dynamics, which helps us to more accurately predict the effects of climate change and potentially refine management methods to better support C stabilization in soil rather than accelerate CO2 emissions. Even though the project focuses on peatlands, the outcome can help us to understand the effects also on other C-rich ecosystems, for example in the Arctic where shrub expansion is changing landscapes and soil dynamics due to climate change.

2022

2026