Spatial Patterns in Nitrogen Fixation in a Stream Network

May 15, 2008 - Congratulations to Dr. Jill Welter, Assistant Professor of Biology, and student research assistant Maria Moenkedick, who have been awarded a $38,345 3M Large Grant for their research, "Spatial Patterns in Nitrogen Fixation in a Stream Network." Much of the research will take place in the Angelo Coast Reserve in northern California. The researchers will test whether increased light availability in larger streams stiumulates nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into more generally usable forms and increasing nitrogen abundance as streams get larger. The goal of this work is to understand how physical variables interact with biological processes to control downstream export of nutrients.