Impact of nutrients
In temperate systems, plant growth is usually limited by nitrogen. A surplus of nitrogen will result in fast-growing plant species out-competing others. This imbalance can be countered with various extensive but powerful interventions. Such as taking out nitrogen from the system by grazing large herbivores. Or by strengthening the soil microbiome: closing the loops with organisms that recycle organic matter, that way releasing less nitrogen into the system.
Detailed knowledge on nutrient cycles, both above and below ground and in the water, is necessary for successful intervention.
Nutrients are key elements for species to grow and perform. Plants are usually limited by nitrogen in temperate systems, but also phosphor, potassium and micronutrients are essential.
Experts
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Dedmer Van de Waal
Senior Researcher , Aquatic Ecology
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Liesbeth Bakker
Senior Researcher , Terrestrial Ecology
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Ciska Veen
Head of department , Terrestrial Ecology
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Ellen Weerman
Lecturer , Aquatic Ecology
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Andrea Budiša
Postdoc , Aquatic Ecology
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Steven Declerck
Senior Researcher , Aquatic Ecology
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Nacho Villar
Postdoc , Terrestrial Ecology
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Wietse de Boer
Researcher , Microbial Ecology
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Wim H. van der Putten
Researcher , Terrestrial Ecology
Applications
- Policies
- Nature management
- Nature recovery
