The diversity of diazotrophs in forest soil. The diversity of diazotrophs in forest soil

Mountains represent unique areas, often with rapid changes of climate, vegetation and soil, are well suited to study how species distribution and diversity respond to sharp transitions of environments with elevations. N limitation because of low soil nitrogen (N) supply and strong N immobilization is universal in forest ecosystem. Not only symbiotic but also free–living diazotrophs have the potential to significantly influence forest N uptake. Characterizing the diversity variations of free–living diazotrophs and the underlying ecology processes in controling their diveristy pattern along elevational gradients is crucial for estimating their vulnerability to environmental change.