Amplicon sequencing of bacterial (16S rRNA gene) and fungal (ITS2) DNA pools from the upper organic matter rich forest soil horizons (Oe and Oa) in watersheds aerially limed with calcium carbonate.

Whole watersheds were limed in the late 80's to test whether this strategy could combat acid rain. These field experiments now exhibit interesting differences in the development of organic matter. Preliminary evidence suggested the effect was due to impacts on the rate of soil decomposition (Melvin et al., 2013; doi.org/10.1890/13-0274.1). We followed up this work to identify changes in the enzyme activity and community composition of microbial communities in these plot. Furthermore, we contrasted the long-term (25-year) and short-term (2-year) impacts of liming on microbial communities to assess the time-scale of impact and recovery.