Fungal Necromass and Black Carbon from Deadwood in Soil Carbon Cycling
Deadwood is a key component of forest ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. While its role in SOC inputs is recognized, the contribution of stable microbial residues—especially fungal necromass and black fungal pigments—to long-term carbon stabilization remains poorly understood. Recent evidence suggests that fungi may produce biogenic black carbon, challenging the traditional view of purely pyrogenic origins.
The project aims to quantify the contribution of fungal necromass and fungal-derived black carbon to SOC formation and stabilization across tree species, soil properties, and environmental gradients.
- Microbial necromass contributions to SOC are higher beneath deadwood than in control soils.
- Fungal necromass dominates in later decomposition stages.
- Fungal-derived black carbon accumulates particularly under coniferous deadwood.
- Fungal necromass is more persistent than bacterial necromass.
- SOC stabilization shifts from particulate to mineral-associated fractions over time.
- Sampling within the BELongDead experiment across three regions and 13 tree species
- Density fractionation into particulate (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM)
- Molecular marker analysis: amino sugars (necromass) and BPCA (black carbon)
- Spectroscopic upscaling using DRIFTS combined with PLSR
Previous work indicates that fungi significantly contribute to stable carbon formation via necromass and biogenic black carbon. The project will provide mechanistic understanding of fungal-driven SOC stabilization and its dependence on environmental conditions.
Scientific assistants
