Warming has strong effects on arctic plants and soils, affecting both plant growth and emission of greenhouse gases. For more than two decades, near Abisko in Northern Sweden, different long-term field experiments with warming (using open top chambers) in combination with other treatments like litter addition, shading, or fertilization, have been active in forests and heaths. In these experiments it would be possible to investigate whole ecosystem responses to climate change.

At plot level, the plant cover responses and a range of ecophysiological responses in plant traits like flowering, fruiting, leaf nitrogen concentration, chlorophyll and flavonoid content could be measured, in order to reveal individualistic responses of different plant species or functional groups. Greenhouse gas emission (carbon dioxide fluxes, methane oxidation, N2O fluxes) could also be measured to investigate the ecosystem grrenhouse gas exchange of the subarctic heath and its subceptibility to climate change. It would also be possible to investigate effects on soil nutrient availability, soil microarthropod and microbial responses.

The field work could be from June to September, with frequent measurements through the season, and shorter or longer stays at the field station. Shorter stays in Spring or Autumn could also be possible. You would stay at the pleasant Abisko Scientific Research Station in Northern Sweden, and walk to the field sites within 1 hour walking distance from the station. The work could also include chemical lab work in Copenhagen. You will join a dynamic group work on Plant physiological ecology and biogeochemistry, with focus on northern latitude ecosystems. Looking forward to meet you. Contact Anders Michelsen, andersm@bio.ku.dk