Dr Rebekka Artz

I investigate the ecology and ecosystem functions of microbiota in peatland ecosystems. My interest in these ecosystems started with my position as a post doc on the EU Framework 5 RECIPE project, which investigated whether microbial community structure, their functions, and, ultimately, organic matter composition in heavily degraded ombrotrophic peatlands would be ameliorated following either unaided regeneration of the surface vegetation or active restoration efforts.

Research Interests

My research has now widened its scope to include research on peatland restoration as well as studying the effects of anthropogenic activities such as climate change and increased N deposition on carbon cycling in peatlands and other organic soils such as upland heathlands. We are using state of the art stable isotope techniques to determine the fate of carbon both in laboratory experiments and in the field. I have a special interest in the diversity and function of ericoid mycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic fungi in peatland ecosystems.

Some examples of ongoing work in the Research group can be found in the following pages for the Peatland Microbiology Group (Macaulay Institute):

The group has access to a wide variety of interesting field sites, a fully equipped molecular biology laboratory, excellent growth room and stable isotope facilities. I am also affiliated with the Aberdeen Mycorrhiza Research Group. We welcome visiting researchers and frequently have positions for PhD, MSc and placement students. Please contact me if you are interested in working with us.

From: Artz, R.R.E. (In press). Microbial community structure and carbon substrate use in Northern peatlands. In: Northern Peatlands and Carbon Cycling. A.Baird, L. Belyea, X. Comas, A. & L. Slater (eds.). American Geophysical Union Monograph Series.

Rebekka's most recent publications

• Restoring the carbon accumulation function in cutover bogs: do micro-organisms matter?, Andersen, R.; Pouliot, R.; Rochefort, L.; Francez, A.-J.; Artz, R.R.E., (2010) Reclamation and Restoration of Boreal Peatland and Forest Ecosystems: Toward a Sustainable Future Meeting, Edmonton, Canada, 25th-27th March, 2010.

• Expert workshop to establish the current state of knowledge of and future evidence needs for the extent and condition of carbon stocks in Scottish peatlands., Chapman, S.J.; Artz, R.R.E.; Smith, J.U.; Smith, P., (2010) Report to the Scottish Government on Project CR/2009/06.

• Turnover of labile and recalcitrant soil carbon differ in response to nitrate and ammonium deposition in an ombrotrophic peatland., Currey, P.M.; Johnson, D.; Sheppard, L.J.; Leith, I.D.; Toberman, H.; Van der Wal, R.; Dawson, L.A.; Artz, R.R.E., (2010) Global Change Biology, 16, 2307-2321.

• For peat's sake, Carol., Neely, C.L.; Artz, R.R.E., (2010) Southern Reporter, 18th February 2010.

• Hidden beauty in our bogs., Neely, C.L.; Artz, R.R.E.; Towers, W.; Taylor, A.F.S., (2010) Lanark Gazette, 4th February 2010

• Review of muirburn impacts on soil carbon and biodiversity., Towers, W.; Hester, A.; Pakeman, R.; Artz, R.; Chapman, S.; Littlewood, L.; Legg, C., (2010) Invited presentation to the Scottish LFA Stakeholder Group.

• Peatland restoration - can it restore microbial diversity and their functions in the soil?, Artz, R.R.E., (2009) Knowledge Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Inverness, 25th March 2009.

• Microbial community structure and carbon substrate use in Northern peatlands., Artz, R.R.E., (2009) In: Northern Peatlands and Carbon Cycling (eds. A. Baird, L. Belyea, X. Comas, A. Reeve & L. Slater), American Geophysical Union, pp111-129.

• Long term repeated prescribed burning increases evenness in the basidiomycete laccase gene pool in forest soils., Artz, R.R.E.; Reid, E.; Anderson, I.C.; Campbell, C.D.; Cairney, J.W.G., (2009) FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 67, 397-410.

• The functions of peatland microbiota in carbon cycling, global threats to community composition and future opportunities., Artz, R.R.E.; Toberman, H.; Currey, P.; Trinder, C.J.; Andersen, R.; Rochefort, L.; Shephard, L.J.; Johnson, D.; Chapman, S.J.; Campbell, C.D., (2009) The 2nd International Symposium on Peatlands in the Global Carbon Cycle, Prague, Czech Republic, 25-30 September 2009.