Nutrient dynamics in thawing permafrost

Vasudha Agnihotri

doi:10.56093/aaz.v65i2.178059

Authors

Vasudha Agnihotri G.B.Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Himachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Mohal, Kullu 175 126, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v65i2.178059

Keywords:

Dissolved organic carbon, dissolved nitrogen, dissolved phosphorus, nutrient export, High-altitude ecosystem, Himalaya

Abstract

As the climate warms, permafrost thawing impacts nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes by altering their availability and timing, which in turn affects ecosystem productivity and greenhouse gas emissions. Phosphorus has been identified as a more significant regulator of gross primary productivity (GPP) and the net ecosystem carbon balance compared to nitrogen, which has traditionally been considered the primary limiting nutrient along thaw gradients. The timing mismatch between peak nitrogen release due to permafrost thawing and plant uptake leads to increased nitrogen loss as nitrous oxide emissions. During permafrost thaw, microbial communities face co-limitation by nitrogen and phosphorus, which affects nutrient cycling rates and potential carbon loss. Additionally, changes in hydrological processes driven by the deepening of the permafrost thaw layer alter nutrient mobilization and transport to aquatic ecosystems, impacting freshwater biogeochemistry. The intricate interactions between nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics govern carbon distribution in ecosystems during permafrost thaw, underscoring the importance of incorporating nutrient co-limitations, microbial processes, and temporal nutrient availability patterns to enhance the predictions of permafrost responses to climate change

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Author Biography

Vasudha Agnihotri, G.B.Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Himachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Mohal, Kullu 175 126, India

Vasudha Agnihotri serves as a Scientist E at the Himachal Regional Centre of the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE). She earned her Ph.D in Chemical Sciences from CSIR-IIP, Dehradun, and completed her M.Sc at IIT Roorkee. With more than two decades of experience, her expertise includes environmental monitoring, bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and plant product nutrition, with a particular emphasis on conserving soil, plant, and water quality in the Himalayan region. Dr. Agnihotri has published over 40 articles in SCI-indexed journals, edited orauthored 12 books, and contributed to 15 book chapters, in addition to holding an Indian patent. She has successfully managed numerous high-impact projects funded by DST, DBT, and NMHS, and has guided many doctoral and postgraduate students. Dr. Agnihotri is a life member of several esteemed organizations, such as the Chemical Research Society of India and the Indian National Science Congress, making significant contributions to the field of environmental chemical sciences

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