The synergy between Empodisma minus and microbial enzymes in carbon storage and nutrient turnover in the peatlands of K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia

Moderate fire disturbances and the presence of Empodisma minus enhance microbial enzyme activity, nutrient turnover, and carbon sequestration in K’gari’s peatlands. A study across three sites—Moon Point (high E. minus cover), Dilli Swamp (moderate cover with planned 'cool burns'), and Sandy Peat (low cover)—revealed that Dilli Swamp exhibited the highest microbial activity and nutrient availability, while intense wildfires at Moon Point reduced these processes despite higher E. minus dominance. Microbial enzyme activities correlated strongly with moisture content and redox potential, highlighting their pivotal role in peatland resilience. Conservation efforts should prioritize fire management to prevent intense disturbances, ensuring the dominance of E. minus and maintaining carbon storage capacity.

Ghasemzadeh, Z., Hosseini, S. S., Chittleborough, D., Yule, C., Cooray, I. G., Chellaiah, D., Katouli, M., & Chalmers, G. (2025). The synergy between Empodisma minus and microbial enzymes in carbon storage and nutrient turnover in the peatlands of K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 25(8), 2404–2419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-025-04093-9