Nutrient enrichment induces dormancy and decreases diversity of active bacteria in salt marsh sediments

• DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12881
• Publication Date: 2016-09-26T12:15:39Z
• Authors: Patrick J. Kearns; John H. Angell; Evan M. Howard; Linda A. Deegan; Rachel H. R. Stanley; Jennifer L. Bowen
• Keywords: Biogeochemical Cycle; Salt marsh; Nutrient cycle

Microorganisms control key biogeochemical pathways, thus changes in microbial diversity, community structure and activity can affect ecosystem response to environmental drivers. Understanding factors that the proportion of active microbes environment how they vary when perturbed is critical anticipating global change. Increasing supplies anthropogenic nitrogen ecosystems globally makes it imperative we understand nutrient supply alters communities. Here show additions salt marshes cause a shift despite no change total community. The causes dormant taxa double, from 45 90%, induces diversity loss portion Our results suggest perturbations drastically alter communities, however these communities may remain resilient by protecting through increased dormancy.