Accumulation of nitrogen and organic matter during primary succession of Leymus arenarius dunes on the volcanic island Surtsey, Iceland

Research on Surtsey, Iceland, reveals that Leymus arenarius dunes accumulate nitrogen (N) and soil organic matter (SOM) at rates significantly exceeding atmospheric deposition, suggesting an efficient retention mechanism. Over 37 years, these dunes accumulated 6.6 kg N per hectare annually, 3.5 times more than atmospheric input, with root biomass playing a crucial role in this process. The study found that SOM accumulation was more strongly linked to soil nitrogen levels than time alone, indicating that areas with higher N concentrations may serve as hotspots for further ecological succession on the volcanic island. This insight challenges traditional views of nutrient limitation in primary succession and highlights the importance of root systems in nutrient retention during early ecosystem development.

Stefansdottir, G., Aradottir, A. L., & Sigurdsson, B. D. (2014). Accumulation of nitrogen and organic matter during primary succession of Leymus arenarius dunes on the volcanic island Surtsey, Iceland. Biogeosciences, 11(20), 5763–5771. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-11-5763-2014