Western Kentucky University
Is Collema sp., a Gelatinous Lichen, a Sustainable Source of Nitrogen for Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Production?
Institution
Western Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Martin Stone
Abstract
Atmospheric fixation of nitrogen by terrestrial cyanobacteria is important in ‘soil crusts’ of arid land ecosystems worldwide. In the absence of soil organic matter and nitrogen-fixing legumes or other higher plants, they are the primary vehicle for the introduction of nitrogen in these habitats. While some cyanobacteria dwell in soil crust matrices, others are symbionts with a fungus forming a lichen, which live above the soil line. The gelatinous lichen, Collema sp., is native to Warren County, Kentucky inhabiting bare soil. During periods of sufficient soil moisture, it fixes nitrogen and photosynthesizes and its appearance is altered from a dry, hard flake to hydrated, swollen, and jelly-like. Our hypothesis suggests that Collema sp, could be utilized as a partial replacement for nitrogen fertilizer in greenhouse and nursery crops where it would inhabit the surface of the potting media and contribute nitrogen continuously at each watering event. The results of greenhouse studies will be presented and implications discussed.
Is Collema sp., a Gelatinous Lichen, a Sustainable Source of Nitrogen for Greenhouse and Nursery Crop Production?
Atmospheric fixation of nitrogen by terrestrial cyanobacteria is important in ‘soil crusts’ of arid land ecosystems worldwide. In the absence of soil organic matter and nitrogen-fixing legumes or other higher plants, they are the primary vehicle for the introduction of nitrogen in these habitats. While some cyanobacteria dwell in soil crust matrices, others are symbionts with a fungus forming a lichen, which live above the soil line. The gelatinous lichen, Collema sp., is native to Warren County, Kentucky inhabiting bare soil. During periods of sufficient soil moisture, it fixes nitrogen and photosynthesizes and its appearance is altered from a dry, hard flake to hydrated, swollen, and jelly-like. Our hypothesis suggests that Collema sp, could be utilized as a partial replacement for nitrogen fertilizer in greenhouse and nursery crops where it would inhabit the surface of the potting media and contribute nitrogen continuously at each watering event. The results of greenhouse studies will be presented and implications discussed.