Nutrient augmentation substantially shapes microbial communities in Antarctic soils

Microbial communities in oligotrophic Antarctic soils regulate essential biogeochemical processes. Accelerated melting initiated by a changing climate and increased temperature promotes release of previously frozen carbon and nitrogen. The impact of mobilization and increased nutrients may have consequences on soil microbial community activity and dynamics, but this remains to be elucidated.HYPOTHESISAn increase in glacial melt-related moisture will lead to greater C and N mobilization, impacting total microbial diversity, nitrogen fixers and nutrient acquisition in depauperate soils.